Sunday, June 23, 2013

First Week in Israel

I've been here for a little over a week and thought I would give a few observations.  Israel is the most unique place on the the planet.  Although I've only visited a handful of other countries I don't think there is any other place that could change my mind.  If you've been here you will know what I mean.  You are surrounded by ancient ruins that are thousands of years old.  This whole country is practically a museum that there are so many historical sites I could probably spend my entire trip doing nothing but site seeing.  They have more museums per capita than any other nation.  At the same time you are looking at city ruins that are thousands of years old a modern city has built up all around it and even inside of some portions in the case of Jerusalem.  Considering how young Israel is a nation (established in 1948) they are on the cutting edge of the future in many areas.  Did you know that the cell phone was developed in Israel by Motorola?  So was voice mail technology and the technology for AOL instant messenger.  The first ingestible video camera was also developed here which helps doctors diagnose cancer and digestive disorders.  What other country can combine the past, present and future like Israel?  I would say no other nation can. 
The old city of Jerusalem in the foreground with the modern city in the background
 
 
The second aspect of Israel that has struck me once again is how much the Bible really does come alive.  It sounds cliche but it really is true.  I was reading Psalm 68 and 69 yesterday.  I'll share a few verses that jumped out in particular:
 
"May God arise, may His enemies be scattered; may His foes flee before Him. But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." Psalm 68:1,3
"Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal." Psalm 69:4
 
As I read these words I could feel the truth of it with all the turmoil surrounding Israel.  Every country surrounding Israel and the other nations in this region of the world want to see Israel destroyed.  They blame Israel for their economic problems, their poverty, and just about any other problem.  The US would like to force Israel into land for peace deals that are not realistic, etc.  I've read these Psalms many times before but when I read them here in the Land it just has a different meaning.  I love to see the faith of the believers here as well.  They pray for situations and issues that we Americans can't imagine and with such faith that God will protect and prevail.  He always does and it has been proven in this nation over and over.  We tell stories in the pulpit of something that happened at Walmart... they tell stories of wearing gas masks in bomb shelters.  Definitely two different worlds!
 
The last thing that I thought might be interesting for you who have taken the time to read this far is that the laws here seem to be more like suggestions.  Want to park on the sidewalk, go right ahead.  Don't feel like opening up the lid to the dumpster to throw away your trash?  No worries, just throw it on the ground.  Adopt a highway definitely doesn't exist here!  I also have yet to see any type of speed limit signs. 
 
Can we say litter?
 
Parking on the sidewalk.  Why not?
 
 
So that concludes a glimpse at my first week in Israel.  This week will have a few new adventures.  I'll get to see the port in Haifa on the Mediterranean Sea, going to a Jewish wedding, a Shabbat dinner and a local children's home God willing.  Until next time!
 
Christina
 



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