Memories of Israel: Day 1

I would like to recount my memories of Israel over the next few months and share with you some of my experiences and thoughts. I will continue to alternate with current stories of what is happening with my students. So, come along and hear the stories as I try to remember my experiences. Good thing I wrote things down! 

Our trip began with an early morning flight to Tel Aviv! My friend, Sarah and I got a ride to the airport at 5am, Sunday, January 1st. Waking up early to fly to Israel on New Year's Day is totally worth it! A great way to begin a new year! 

When we landed at Tel Aviv, our tour guide and bus were waiting for us. That is, after we got through the long lines of security. We were warmly welcomed to Israel! They drove us to a small picnic area for lunch then on to Tel Gezer! As we drove, we could see the different geographic regions of Israel: the coastal plain, shephelah, then mountains, and the wilderness. 

Israel is full of Tel's; hills were cities have been built, destroyed and built again. Our guide termed it "the land of construction and destruction." Some of these Tel's have been destroyed 25 times! Gezer overlooks the Aijalan valley and the land of Benjamin and was the entrance to the Promised Land. It is a strategic point between Egypt and Babyon. We were on the West side; the East side is desert. 

I received a book on Israel for Christmas from my parents. Gezer was a Canaanite city and was conquered by the Pharaoh of Egypt. He presented this city to Solomon as a dowry for marrying his daughter. 

Our leaders shared how these standing stones were at the top of the hill and the rest of the city was below. There is a basin, most likely for blood sacrifices. God appointed Israel to be a witness to the nations around her. Instead of influencing other nations, they were influenced by their pagan practices. Israel was put in a strategic position and this is still true today! God has placed each one of us in a strategic position to touch lives and share His glory! We are to remember God's faithfulness. He has been faithful to Israel even as they were incredibly unfaithful to Him! He continues to be faithful today to His people near and far and desires for the whole world to know Him! We are the living stones, appointed by God's grace to reach out and touch lives around us!

Can you see the olive trees? I truly enjoyed eating olives at basically every meal! They were delicious! 

Stay tuned for Day 2 which took us to Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo, and Nazareth! More to come from my students as well; Mexican food in cooking class and exploring percents in math class!