Holy Land - The Arrival

Yesterday afternoon (Israeli time, morning if you are in the states) we landed at Ben Guiren airport in Tel Aviv. The flight was LONG, but actually pretty good. I hate flying, but it really wasn't that bad, although I got next to zero sleep and watched "Stranger Than Fiction" with Will Ferrel 3 or 4 times. We got off the plane and proceeded to Customs. We had our passports stamped and got our luggage. it was a little surprising how much the airport there was like one in the States. We got our luggage just fine and headed out.

We were then met by our tour guide, Irit. She is a 'Sabin". That is someone who has been born in Israel since the re-formation of Israel in 1948. We drove to the hotel and felt very at home as we were stuck in traffic. It felt like being on I-45 during rush hour. Directly before we got on the tour bus we met up with Christian Friends of Israel. Many of us brought clothes to donate to them as there are thousands of immigrants coming back to the land monthly and are generally in need of clothing. They were very thankful.

We got to the hotel and in our rooms and then had the opportunity to go out on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea. We got to see the sunset on the Mediterranean, it was From the beach you can see Joppa. Today it is a modern city, but Joppa is the place where Jonah ran to, boarding a boat after running from God's will. It is amazing to be here. We are surrounded by Biblical history everywhere. These are places that we've read about and learned about. Allie and I are so thankful to be here and see all that God has for us.

Last night we had a devotion on the beach with Pastor Sonny. He highlighted our connection to Israel and our place and purpose here. That we have been grafted into the tree as it says in Romans 11 and now it is our purpose as believers in Christ to make the Jews jealous through our love and grace. May God bless this purpose in our pilgrimage here.

After our devotion we went right to bed. We were tired so tired. We then woke up today at 3:30 AM Israeli time. I think there is still some adjustment to make in the time change.

Blessings!