After Thoughts

The Israel trip to me has been a truly satisfying one. A blessed blessed trip. And I can't thank God enough for giving me this opportunity to visit His land, to stand in awe of His beauty, to learn so many truths about the culture and lifestyle of His chosen nation, and to experience His love and grace afresh once again.

The trip started off with a blessed blessed day. My mom's birthday. Haha.. it was almost like a birthday treat for her. Okay lah. It was. And I'm sure she was thrilled! :)

We knew quite a number of people on this trip already. 10 altogether. And yet, I remember being so overwhelmed by the sheer number of people at the airport! All the new faces, guessing whether they were from New Creation or not. Trying my best to recognise the faces, remember the names. Cos honestly, memory's superbly horrible. Getting better in Jesus' Name!

But yeah, rather overwhelming a group. Not in a bad way. Just.. so many people! (and I do thank God for that! :))

Said hi, put on a bright smile even though I just had an argument with my dad. Yes, that does happen. But I wasn't about to let it spoil my trip!

Honestly, waiting time at the airport was rather.. long for me. And so was the ride on the airplane. At least the one to Israel. 12 hours!! But God was good and sent lots of nice people to keep us company at the back of the aircraft. With warm soup and hearty chatter, it almost felt like we were in some kind of camp, squeezed behind in the small space.

Touching down in Israel, I really couldn't believe it. It was too surreal. Like, the day i've been waiting for all this while has FINALLY arrived. I felt too unprepared. I kept telling myself I should have read up more first before I came, then I would be able to understand all that's happening so much better. But hey, I guess that just leaves me with a reason for coming back a second time! ;)



Let's list down some thanksgivings:


1.Weather

it was truly beautiful. 20 degrees there abouts, with warm sun that made the day seem so perfect. Didn't rain at all, except for the very last day. Guess we had to leave some blessing behind for Israel. They're praying for rain all the time, and here we were praying for NO rain. Hahaha.. so we told God, only when we leave then you send the rain ok? And truly, that's what He did. On our last day! Our way of saying Farewell Jerusalem, and be blessed Israel! :)

one little incident. Piggie and I had breakfast with Moshe one morning, and the day was kinda dark, like it was about to rain. Moshe asked us if we brought our umbrellas or raincoats. And we didn't, because we had none. Then he asked us, so what's our plan should it rain? And silly me answered just as how I have been trained to answer.

"By faith!"

and you should have seen the look that swept across moshe's face. I mean.. it was like STUNNED. And a "NOT HAPPY" stunned. Because they have been praying and praying for rain, and here you have this young ignorant girl telling you how her God will stop the rain. (remember, they don't believe in Jesus)

best part was, God did stop the rain! =X I honestly had NO intention whatsoever of coming across as that arrogant "by faith" type of person. That's the last thing I wanted, especially to put your tour group leader down like that. Rather embarrassing isn't it? He didn't exactly React lah. He just looked at us and said a rather forceful "okay. I like that.". Definitely forced.

Anyhow, just hope he wasn't too affected by my stupid answer lah. Gulps.

Back to thanksgivings


2.Safety

Despite all the war that's going on. We were so so safe.


3.Fast Security

It could take forever. Seriously. But apparently, for most of it, it went by so fast! Hallelujah! =D


4.His Truths and Wonders taught

I've learnt so much. From Moshe, from Uncle Sidney, from just being there in the presence of God. It's life-transforming. That's why I love the song:

"there is a peace
there is a rest
that settles here in Your presence
When Your face is very near
Your love erases every fear

It's the power of Your presence
It's the strength of Your hand in mine
It's the glory of Your greatness
That has the power to change my life"

Amen!!


5.People

Really.. this I think is the most important point. Because honestly, it's the people who make the trip enjoyable. Of course I have the people I know. The uncle anils and the uncle peters. And their children. And we really did have fun! The suannings and all. The "serious" conversations, and the truly serious ones. That I will remember for quite a while ;)

but beyond that, there are the friends i've made throughout the trip. And in more ways than one, I thank God for them. So so much! :) to witness the joy that they have in their hearts, to see how friendly they are, and even though things might not be going exactly their way, they are still willing to accommodate and give in. in everything, there is peace. Laughter is always in the air. And it's that type of atmosphere that really lightens the entire trip up. Without all these marvellous fellowshipping, the trip wouldn't be half as good! Honest!!



will I go back to Israel again? OOH DEFINITELY. The question is when. But i'm sure the Lord will provide the right time, and right finances. And the right people once again! ;)

I came back terribly missing Israel. You know the sort of feeling where your heart feels like its sinking, sunk, deep into the pits. Into your stomach. Lost. Yeah, that's how I was feeling on the last day. It came too fast. Once again, too sudden. Sighhh.. I came back to Singapore wishing I was back there again, carefree and excited. Not that I can't lead that kind of life here, but.. it's just different lor.. because when you're there, it's like everything else in life is far far away. It's a form of escapism. But I like escapism in that sense. Hahaha..

oh well, at least I got lots of things to remind me of Israel. Gifts, photos, and this blog too!

And our newly made friends. We meed up like once a month at least, plus all the occasional meet ups in Suntec, and here and there.. hahaha.. we should seriously do this once-a-month meet up all the way! Even if some can't make it, those who can should still just hang out. Coz it's so edifying, just to see how everyone's doing.

Thank you lord for this wonderful blessed trip. I have once again come to experience your goodness and grace, and will never forget this experience that you have so lovingly blessed me with.. :)