The Journey Commences

Its amazing, the capabilities that we have today: waking up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and successfully traveling over 5,000 miles across the ocean to lay our heads down in Tel Aviv, Israel.

First picture of the team in Israel

We started out in the Tulsa International airport with a very interesting meeting.  A man came up to our team saying that

he overheard us talking at security about our excitement for israel and he extended $20 along with he email address on a business card asking if anyone was willing to volunteer to try his favorite dish from Caesarea by the sea--Shawarma.  Jonny offered to take that burden upon himself, although Im sure we all won't mind trying Phil Smith's personal favorite mediterranean dish :)  So fun to see the Lord at work all over the world, but starting in our very own small town Tulsa.

Our team experienced a basically flawless travel plans.  Quite seamless, until we reached Paris customs-- and experienced the slight tightening that occurs in one's chest when a realization that something is lost sets in, in this case, Jonathan Miller's final boarding pass to Tel Aviv.  No worries, however with a small amount of urgency the travesty was avoided and I am proud to say that all eight of us have successfully made it to the promise land.

Dan and Meg

After enjoying an authentic Middle Eastern meal for dinner at the Ruth and Daniel Residence (our hotel) we decided to take a night stroll to explore the city (minus Jonny and Mark, who needed their beauty sleep)  Although it was nearing 10 PM there were still some shops open near the flea market-Mostly food oriented vendors selling gelado or ice cream, falafel, croissants and other delicious looking breads and sweets.  Steve made an interesting comment that although some may have the interpretation that Israel is not as modernly savvy as America--The fact is , is that it almost has a New York quality to the pace of the city.  Meg and Nicole will attest to the CRAZY driving on the streets.  They seem to 

have no desire to utilize the blinkers on their cars, and the only "safety feature that they advocate and (in my opinion) overuse is the horn.  The horn is honked in a variety of fashions to get any and all messages across to fellow drivers, as well as pedestrians, bikers, and buses; and suprisingly most Israeli drivers seem to heed the "warnings" that they hear.

After our window shopping and snack outing; we decided to make our way to the mediterranean sea.  Seeing the waves crash (even at night) was breathtaking.  Dan suggested that we wander down to wade in the tide.  Everyone was pleasantly surprised by the lack of graininess of the sand.  It felt like we s=were standing on flour!

 Mediterranean Sea

Wading into the w=sea was so refreshing after spending basically two days air bound.  The water was air temperature; which gave the sensation that we weren't even in the water-- the only evidence of this was the slow sinking that happens when the tide pulls out.  the aqua-green color of the sea was briefly distinguishable even at night.  This seemed to give a testament to the crystal icy of the water-- so clear and yet still beautifully mysterious- think of all the glory and majesty this body of water must have in the light of day.


I can't wait to see what experiences and journeys this pilgrimage will create.

Eyes will be opened and focused---hearts will be molded and mended.  I pray for the Lord's guidance to be with us as we embark on this pilgrimage,  His discernment within our desires, and that our minds be present and expectant to any and all lessons that we might encounter.

God you are good.