Several weeks ago I was able to share some of my story in the middle school/high school chapel. Of course, I didn't end up preparing much, but once I get going -- wow -- I get so excited telling about the amazing joy and peace that only Jesus could give during scary times. The students responded with joy that matched my own as I told them how God has taken me through the last few years.
You know, earlier this year I was trying to impart to my kids the importance of enjoying the study of the Bible and not allowing it to become rote homework. One way that God has answered my prayers about this came the day that two of my talented 8th graders walked into class with a guitar and a hand drum and asked if we could have a little worship time before the lecture! I told them I would love it. That day they led the group in an impromptu worship service and they've been preparing a time like this once a week for our class. It is so encouraging to see the students taking initiative like this!
(Okay, just FYI, I'm not in the plane anymore. Now I've been home for a couple days. Just wanted to be completely honest with you! haha)
One of the things I've missed most about home is my small group (Bible study group from Mercy Vineyard). I have been so busy here with school and it's dark by the time I leave, so usually I just go straight home and curl up in my room... :) Anyway, a few weeks ago some of my friends at school invited me to do a Beth Moore study with them. So the highlight of the week now is meeting together and diving into the book of Esther. I love love love the opportunity to participate in a study like this and make time in the week to sit down and talk about God and to God with my friends. One of the moms from the school has actually been hosting this group and having us for supper each week -- what a blessing!
Another way that God has provided for me this month is U.S. Bank refunding all the money that some crooks stole from my bank account. I believe it was an ATM hacking incident. Anyway, I only panicked a little... :) But, I was soon reminded that it's all God's money anyway... and luckily he chose to restore it me! :)
Okay... the moment we've all been waiting for... my trip to Isreal! A brief synopsis:
A while ago, Ukraine changed their visa laws and basically voided all existing visas and required every foreigner to leave the country and obtain a new visa. I decided I would go to Israel to visit our dear family friends the Westlunds. Some time after buying the tickets we found out that Ukraine wasn't requiring Religious visas to be renewed -- this is what I have (in fact, I'm one of the few people I know here who actually has a Religious visa) -- another blessing! So, I ended up just going for the visit!
Day 1 - Went to the Old City with David, originally to run some errands and maybe catch a free tour. We ended up scrapping our original plans! :) Ran into some really random awesome people and did some exploring around the city.
Day 2 - I was going to venture into the city on my own, by the time I got out of the house the clouds looked ominous but I didn't really pay heed. By the time I got off the tram and was walking toward Jaffa Gate, it was pouring and my shoes were squishing. But, the people there were happy because rain is valuable, so I decided to make the best of it. After wandering around for a while I found some Aroma Coffee!
Day 3 - Joined a free tour in the Old City. Had a great tour guide Dvir who took us around to all four quarters and made sure we tried some falafel. I did some shopping and wandered the streets.
Day 4 - I went to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial museum. It was incredible; so moving and really beautifully designed and curated. When I finished at the museum, I met up with Anneli, who had just gotten in from Tanzania; we quickly jumped on a bus to Tiberius.
Day 5 (Thanksgiving) - Went to Capernaum, saw first century ruins, and ate "St. Peter's Fish" on the shore of the Sea of Galilee! The lake was gorgeous and so surreal! (See the pic below) It felt like I was in Narnia looking at the edge of the earth or something! Later that night Anneli and I found some gourmet pecan pie in Tiberius to complete our Thanksgiving Day. I have so much to be thankful for!
Day 6 - Caught an early bus that followed the Jordan River down to the Dead Sea! We ended up at Mineral Beach and got the whole spa package... mud and all! Ahh, so refreshing! It was a beautiful day and the water was perfect! We got out of there just in time to catch a bus back to Jerusalem (Sabbath starts at sundown). Went to bed early because I left the house at 4am for the airport! :)
I know, you thought I was done, but no! When I got back to Kiev, my friend David from my DTS with YWAM was here visiting! So, the last few days have been full full full even including some sight-seeing here in Kiev.
Now, I'm back into the full swing of things at school and each day is going faster as we get closer to the end of the semester! Only a few weeks left!
Thank you, all for the prayers and support! I value all of you, dear friends and family! I praise God every time I remember you! :)
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