Life happens quickly. Moments and memories are captured in the unexpected and unplanned. The desires of our hearts and the items on our "Bucket List" are checked off and at times we feel the need to pinch ourselves. Did this really just happen? Am I really doing this thing? Then, you answer the question with a heart full of gratitude and say, "Yes, God you are amazing!" Take a breath and snap some photos. God loves His children and delights in giving them the desires of their heart. God is a dream keeper not a grim reaper. He loves us to believe Him for something and then let go and let Him do His thing. He is abundantly more than we could think or ask.
As my plane approached the runway I was surprised at the topography. I don't know what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. I didn't expect high rise hotels, narrow crowded streets with buses that had WiFi and a lack of toilets, and toilet paper. I didn't expect as many people from all over the world to line the streets and carry headsets. I had this preconceived idea of the Israel of the Bible. I wasn't at all disappointed or surprised. I was in awe, that so much had been preserved, when so many years and wars had transpired. Yet, the land had opened itself to the world, to come and see what was, what is, and what will be.
This is a view from my first few nights in Tel Aviv. What does Tel Aviv means? Tel Aviv is the Hebrew title of Theodor Herzl's Altneuland ("Old New Land"), translated from German by Nahum Sokolow. Aviv is Hebrew for "spring", symbolizing renewal, and tel is a man-made mound accumulating layers of civilization built one over the other and symbolizing the ancient. Tel Aviv is an overall safe city in terms of crime, but due to frequent terrorist attacks, it is ranked 81st out of 113 on the ranking of the safest and most dangerous cities. On April 11, 1909, Tel Aviv, the first modern Jewish city was founded. Ever since the time of Bible, including appearances in the books of Joshua, Jonah and 2 Chronicles, there has been a presence in the city of Joppa, or Jaffa as it is called today. Tel Aviv sees millions of visitors a year, and the police and military forces know how to keep them safe. Tel Aviv in general is extremely "street-safe," and is a walking and cycling friendly city compared to most major world cities as is most of Israel. Women especially will feel comfortable even alone.
I felt safer in Israel than anywhere I have ever traveled. Even while walking with other women at night through the old city and atop the walls of Nehemiah. The view was spectacular though very high above the city. Now, I want to study more on how in the world Nehemiah was able to do this?
I felt safer in Israel than anywhere I have ever traveled. Even while walking with other women at night through the old city and atop the walls of Nehemiah. The view was spectacular though very high above the city. Now, I want to study more on how in the world Nehemiah was able to do this?
Not only are the walls high, the stairs are steep and I wouldn't want to fall off. The stones the wall was built with are large, slick and the color of the sands of the beaches in Florida. If you want to tour Israel I suggest you be in good shape. I'm a runner and my legs were screaming even before the wall climb.
As you can see from the photos below public transportation is readily available and doesn't cost much. The town comes to life at night. Friends Tours and Travel is a great way to go. The bus is air conditioned and has WiFi. The driver is amazing and since I can't spell his name we will call him Houdini, because he could get us in and out of anywhere. He never complained, kept all our items safe on the bus, and even provided bottled water for us to purchase for a much better price than hotels.
As you can see from the photos below public transportation is readily available and doesn't cost much. The town comes to life at night. Friends Tours and Travel is a great way to go. The bus is air conditioned and has WiFi. The driver is amazing and since I can't spell his name we will call him Houdini, because he could get us in and out of anywhere. He never complained, kept all our items safe on the bus, and even provided bottled water for us to purchase for a much better price than hotels.
ACTION STEP: For the entire week I will be sharing with you some of the highlights from my trip to Israel. It had always been on my "Bucket List" but it's not something I believe I will ever be able to just check off. I want to take everyone. I desire those I love to see and experience, what I was blessed to see and experience. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and want to thank Pastors Dave and Teresa Verdecchio of New Destiny Christian Center, travelwithfriends.com, Bill and Claudia Whiddon, and our guide Charlie Dajana, and all the folks I was blessed to be on location with. We are "The Redeemed....and we've been to the Jordan and we'e been baptized." More on that later.
Going to Israel will want to make you read your Bible more and study the life of Jesus like never before. Being in Israel brings the Bible to life.
Going to Israel will want to make you read your Bible more and study the life of Jesus like never before. Being in Israel brings the Bible to life.
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