the journey begins

as always, our director and teachers are finding ways to maximize our time in the Holy Land. So not only did we drive down to Egypt, we also stopped at important sites on our path. First stop: Tel Be'er Sheva, one of the homes of Abraham and the sourthen most tip of the ancient Israelite kingdom. We were required to wear hardhats, which made the visit seem very adventurous and dangerous. It's wasn't, but at least it made us feel that way. All that has been unearthed of the city (most of the remnants are from Solomonic times) are walls that reveal the basic plan of the city and it's gates. As we walked into a portion of the city, they talked to us about the gate system of ancient cities. Each gate was placed in a significant configuration to make entry as difficult as possible for invaders. We also had the opportunity to go into their aqueduct and see how they saved their most vital resource. Bossman then related the experience to the Lord's teachings. He used both these images to communicate that he is the protectorate of His people defending us as a gate in the city. He is the life that carries us onward and upward day to day, the essential source of renewal and happiness in our lives.

Second stop was Wilderness of Zin overlook. Essentially the grand canyon of Israel, I was overwhelmed with awe as we peeked over the edge at a vast and beautiful wasteland. My heart suddenly hurt as I realized: this is where the children of Israel wandered. And suddenly I knew them, I knew their tired and heavy hearts, I understood why they murmured, why they couldn't look up, why they couldn't seem to remember Him as they should. Nothing green met my eyes for miles except for a small wadi snaking below deep in the valley. It seemed so beautifully tragic, a forgotten land. No wonder they felt they were a forgotten people. Although my heart was filled with sympathy for them as their wanderings came alive to me, I also realized that just as the Children of Israel, we too travel through the wilderness of life. We become tired and heavy, feeling like we are forsaken in a wasteland. But all it takes is a simple look up-the faith to see Him there, even in the desert. He is there. Always.

Last stop was Avdat, essentially a trading post and rest stop for the Nabataeans. The sky was the perfect shade of blue and the ruins the perfect juxtaposition against it. We were the only group there and allowed to just run loose and explore the place. So cool. SOOO cool.

We ended the day with a tour of a Kibbutz, an amazing dinner, fits of laughter, and sleep. good day.

More to come,
m

the girls in our hardhats
overlook at Tel Be'er Sheva
roommates at Zin overlook
Zin Wilderness
me at beautiful Avdat