Day 1

Flying internationally is basically just a prolonged, hazy dream. I literally slept for both flights, save a short period of attempting to watch movies on the flight from JFK to Tel Aviv… which was unsuccessful. 

We arrived in Tel Aviv around 5pm, retrieved our luggage - no small mercy, considering the size of our group -  and headed to the Old City of Jerusalem, where the Gloria Hotel awaited us.  We had dinner  - a selection of falafel balls, hummus, and an abundance of bread-  and headed out for a short tour of the city to orient ourselves. 

Upon returning to the hotel around 9pm, my roommates and I gave in to the jet lag, and slept soundly until 3:45am or so.  Training your body to be on local time is extremely important with regard to the amount of physical touring we will do; with a little determination, and a whole lot of Benadryl, I can say I have pretty much adjusted. And it’s only the end of day 2!. Hurrah. 

Thirteen hours.

Three days ago, I logged on to my Managed Missions account, and saw that I had $1945 left to raise. Twenty-four hours later, it dropped to $685. As of this morning, I got a call that said my $4700 trip has been completely paid off.

Hallelujah. 

What a relief to know that, assuredly, the Lord wants me to go on this trip. I’m so excited for what He has in store; praying that I am worthy of it. 

1945.

“For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” - 1 Corinthians 2:2. 

Six days until Israel; six days to make it through the storm of distractions coming my way, and focus my mind + heart on what I hope will be my creed for this trip: to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and to spread that the best way I know how - music. 

Three finals. One jury. Five family members reunited to celebrate Luke’s graduation. One older brother/best friend to say goodbye to for quite some time. Sixty people to learn about and try to love selflessly for a month. One mind to process the trials and joys and changes that are hurtling towards me too fast. 

One thousand, nine hundred and forty-five dollars to raise. 

These are the numbers that comprise and saturate my life at the moment. The number I’m most thankful for?

 One God that I am confident will carry me through to show His always-steadfast faithfulness + love.