Day Six

Rain greeted again this morning. While we can see the rain as an inconvenience or a hinderance to our planned schedule, the people of Israel see it as a blessing. The rains of blessing come in the fall and winter to water their crops for the spring harvest. This nation had been in a drought for seven years but is finally out of it. The rains not only water their crops but it replenishes their drinking water supply the the Sea of Galilee and the undergroud aquafers.

So we planted trees in a muddy field with a light drizzle. It really was fun. Everyone really enjoyed getting out there and planting the trees themselves. We were offered to have the Jewish National Fund personnel plant for us but we would have none of that. We got our sapplings, our trowel and shloshed our way to the pre-dug holes assigned to us. We each gained about five pounds of mud on our shoes by the time we finished but Sammy, our driver, was waiting at the bus door with plastic bags for us to put our shoes in (so we would mess up his bus). Then they took us to the warden's station so we could wash them off. On Shofar people would have the passion for the land to go out in the rain and a muddy field to plant trees in Israel. WE LOVE ISRAEL!

Once we were somewhat cleaned up, it was time to head up to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is south of Galilee but it is almost 4000 feet above sea level, so it is always said that one goes "up" to Jerusalem. Our first stop once were arrived in the Holy City was to be Mt Scopus, which overlooks the city. We were to partake in a covenant meal and then had planned to blow the new shofars over the city. When wer arrived it was raining so we had the covenant meal on the bus. Abi, our guide, suggested that we try to come back later if we had time, after the rain stopped. We would not have it. Six determined shofar blowers and a few others braved the rain to go out and blow over the city. Abi and Sammy couldn't believe we were doing this. Abi came out with us and asked to video us so he could put in on his new website. We blew and blew. What a joy to break in the new shofars blowing over Jerusalem.

We took time after dinner tonight to get together and share some thoughts. Below are some of those thoughts.

Ingrid:

Beyond my expectations! I am so thankful for all the help everyone has given me in helping me get around. The most unusual thing I have experienced so far is when we had our fish lunch. I went into the bathroom and there was a lady there cleaning up as soon as someone left. When I went to wash my hands she was right there to wash them for me. So far the most amazing thing is the boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. As we were on the water, I began to think of all things we have learned from Rabbi and in Torah Club. I had to repent and ask God to forgive me for taking so much for granted. God is so good. I can’t express my feelings. If I could have I would have stayed right there on that boat ride. I am so thankful the Lord has blessed me by bringing me here.

Barak:

I never thought the first time I would get to blow my shofar (which was bought at the Kol Shofar shofar factory) would be from Mt Scopus over the Temple Mount. It was such a  blessing to be able pray the Aaronic Blessing over Rabbi when he being baptized, because so many other people were watching. I was praying it for them, too.

Paula:

At the baptismal site, I noticed how many other groups were watching our group and taking pictures. We often take for granted what we have until we see other people responding to what we do. I have asked God, “What am I supposed to see?” He responded and said, “You are not here to see but to be seen.”

Jackie:
The best thing for me, besides the obvious, has been getting to know Ingrid. I know her but I haven’t known her very well. It has been such a blessing to get to know her better and share our testimonies.

Sharon:

I really enjoyed being in Capernaum, where Jesus taught and so many miracles happened. I wanted to stay longer.

Anita:

It has been such a blessing to be with each of you. The first group we brought had their purpose, but this group is different. It has been such a joy to watch you and get to know you. Some of you I know but some I don’t know very well. So many of you are doing things that you would not have done before this trip. You are changing and growing; a shifting is taking place.

Ryan:

At the dance at Viktor’s church there was a lady who had to be in her 80’s video taping the dancing on her cell phone. She really enjoyed it.

Revkah:

I have been undone. He has been meeting me in unexpected ways. There has been restoration going on. We are in the land that He chose and His presence is here. Being in the Land there is a closeness to God that is just unexpected. I am undone.

Bob:

I am overwhelmed. Every time we do something I think “How can there me anything else?” But then then next thing happens and it is overwhelming.to see?” He responded and said, “You are not here to see but to be seen.”

Maggie:

You all have done so much for me to help me make this a really meaningful experience. I feel like I have been adopted by this group. When we came into Jerusalem my eyes teared up because I am so happy to be here. I have wanted to come here and now I am here. I wanted to go back on the boat, I enjoyed that so much. When I was baptized I wanted to run but I couldn’t.