Reflection

If I could use one word to express how I feel right now, it would be overwhelmed. Overwhelmed in a very good way. I am definitely a new person, I know I am. God revealed so much to me on this trip - more than I could have ever asked for.

The past 48 hours that I have been home, I have spent mostly trying to organize my thoughts...and my pictures. I don't even know where to start. I cannot imagine if I had not written this blog, allowing my family and friends to see the sites I had been to! If not, I would be in a lot of trouble.

There are so many thoughts that are swarming in my head - just thinking about what God has taught me on this trip. I am so overwhelmed by the idea that I was just walking in the Holy Land! It's almost like it finally hit me or something. It is mind-boggling to think I spent three weeks in the land where Jesus lived, where He served, where He died for my sins, where He rose again, and where He will come again someday. To also be baptized in the Jordan River where He was baptized, and publicly declare my faith in front of others was incredible in itself.

One of the greatest things I gained from this trip is a greater desire to read God's word. I can see the events happening much clearer, and the Psalms that David wrote are so much more meaningful as I better understand the context he was writing in. My goal this year is to read the Bible chronologically. I am really excited about that!

When I look back on this trip, I am also so grateful for the relationships I have built. The Taylor group I was with was truly remarkable, and consisted of some of the most selfless people I have ever met. Aubrey and Vernon were incredible and were so patient and excited to share their wealth of knowledge with us. I admire both of them in so many ways. The people that served at JUC were also some of the nicest people I have ever met. They served us with warm smiles and positive attitudes...every day. Dr. and Mrs. Wright were also two remarkable people, and it was so great to meet them!

I left this trip, also seeing how each person was changed. From the testimonies that my Taylor friends shared with me at our last meeting, there is no doubt that God was and is continuing to change us. I leave this trip having an even greater desire to know my Savior, and learn more things about Him. I want to continue to find my identity in Christ, as He knows me better than I know myself! I am just so grateful for this amazing opportunity that I was given, and the ways God used it to open my eyes!

Another wonderful thing that I take away from this trip is a better understanding of the conflict in Israel. I had the amazing opportunity to interact with the people there - especially the Palestinians. At the same time, I realize how fortunate I am to live in America. Today, I definitely have a love for the

culture and the people of Israel that I had never had before.

Every so often my eyes just tear up when I think about the trip and all that God has taught me. There is evidently such a strong presence of God in my life and how He is changing me, and nothing else could make me more excited. I am so grateful!

I created an "Israel CD" that I am listening to constantly, consisting of worship songs that I listened to when I journaled and blogged on the trip, along with some that we sang at the King of Kings church. My favorite is Chris Quilala - "Your Love Never Fails." Check it out!

Over these next few days, I'm hoping to get all my pictures and thoughts organized so that I can present the trip in an "orderly and educational" fashion! Ha - we'll see how that goes.

Overall, I know I am a different person today than from when I left for this trip. Truly a life-changing experience. I really hope and desire to live a life where others see Christ in me. I hope God uses this trip to witness to others, and I know He will! The Lord is so good, and I am immensely blessed to know Him as my Savior.

I believe this will be my last post regarding my trip to Israel. I hope you have all enjoyed reading my blog, and have maybe even learned a thing or two! Hopefully you are all encouraged to take a trip to the Holy Land! It is worth every penny...trust me! Thanks again for all your prayers and support! I look forward to sharing stories from this trip for the rest of my life : )

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."