Top 5 Memories of Israel

I've just returned from an incredible trip to Israel and my heart, soul and mind are so saturated with images and memories that I just have to set it down in writing before time erodes the intensity of these emotions.  How does one even begin to summarize a trip to a land that has lived in one's imagination since birth?  My mother used to tell me stories from the Bible land even before I could talk!  Here are my top picks based on the connections that I felt while travelling through Israel.

 

SHALOM JERUSALEM!  My heart just leapt when I first set eyes on this city on the 15 March 2012 and tears started streaming down my face.  I would love to offer you a logical explanation but I can't.  All I can say is that my heart instantly recognised that Jerusalem is special and has the hand of God on it.  Set in the hauntingly beautiful Judaean mountains, it is at the epicentre of three major world religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  It is tempting to delve into the history and political intrigue of this Holy City, but I shall refrain.  Instead, I will offer up the words of King David in Psalm 122:

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

May they prosper who love you.

Peace be within your walls,

Prosperity within your palaces.

For the sake of my brethren and companions,

I will now say "Peace be within you"

 

The second most precious memory is also the one that surprised me the most.  Praying at the Western (Wailing) Wall was something that I thought was reserved for orthodox Jews in black outfits rocking in time with their chanted prayers. Not so much for a modern sophisticated world traveller who knows better (wink!).  But as I set my right hand on the wall and started speaking aloud my prayers, a divine connection took place and I know that the prayers I spoke for my family and myself were heard that day.

This photo was taken at the Garden Tomb, where Jesus was buried.  I know, I know, you probably think this cutesy Korean-drama inspired scene is a little inappropriate but let me explain that it's not meant to be disrespectful at all. It's meant to celebrate the fact that He's ALIVE!  Believe me, the tomb is really empty.  I checked it twice.  He came, He died, and on the third day, He rose.  That's the reason for the joy and happiness that you see in this photo

Beit Shean was the site where another goal was added to my Dream List.  I have always loved the study of history and archaeology but these kinds of subjects don't pay the bills so I chose to study Law and Economics at university instead.  But it's time to turn this into more than a hobby.  I will enrol in a course on archaeology and spend time digging at an archaeological site in Israel.  It will be done.

And last but certainly not least, is Avi Cohen.  He was our guide for the entire ten days and I can't say enough good things about this man from Jerusalem.  His depth of knowledge, strength of character and love of God is so integral to who he is.  I am so glad that our paths crossed and I am eternally grateful for this new (and lifelong) friend.

Avi, if you're reading this blog, these words from Philippians 1:3 are for you: 
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."