On Our Way...

We haven't even left American soil yet and our journey has been fun. Of course, I'm married to a talker and we get to know everyone we come in contact with on any vacation we take. This time is no different. This trip has already brought home the idea that Jerusalem is the heart of the world. If we were to tell people we were headed for Germany or China, they would say something like, "Oh, how exciting. Have fun." Then the conversation would be done. When you say you're going to Israel, people have a strong reaction. So far, all of ours have been good. Everyone we've talked to has overwhelmingly shared in the joy and excitement of going to the heart of Christianity.

We stayed the night at a hotel by KCI airport before leaving early this morning. The lady behind the counter who was checking us in casually asked us where we were going. We told her Israel and she freaked out! Her excitement was so overwhelming you could tell she had to be a Christian as well. It was fun to watch her try to maintain her professionalism while wanting to talk about our trip instead. She was excited as she actually knew someone getting to go to Israel! As we wrapped up the check-in process she forgot all of her normal spiels that she normally gives checking in customers. After talking about our trip a few moments we finally had to ask some things like "Where should we park our car while we're gone," "Which room are we staying in?" and "How do you get there?" I am far from criticizing her job skills. I'm sure she would have shared all that information if she hadn't been so excited about meeting someone else who shared a passion for the Holy Land and was going to get to walk where the Savior walked.

This morning we boarded the hotel van to be transported to KCI airport with another couple. Jimmy (Remember - the talker?) asked where they were headed and after answering they asked as us well. I swear the man's eyes got as big as saucers. He had just returned home from a mission trip to the Philippines and has always wanted to go to Israel.

As we were sitting here in JFK waiting to check in a little bit ago, a young lady came by and asked if we're going to Israel since we're sitting by the El Al Airlines counter. She shared how, although not a Jew, she has gone twice with ICEJ Young Adults and a group called Grafted. They go every fall for the Feast of Tabernacles. This young woman obviously knew the Word and obviously loved the Lord. It was so exciting to see her enthusiasm for us as she knew what kind of experiences we have in store.

What was even more exciting about all of these experiences was that the first woman was an African-American, the couple on the bus goes to an Assembly of God church in Branson, and the young woman was from Bulgaria. God's church is all around the world and, not only that, but people around the world love Israel and want to bless her during these times that we live in.