Judea & Samaria

Firstly, I want to thank my readers for taking the time to read my rants, questions, giggly recollections, and theories, no matter how bizarre. I want you to know how especially greatful I am for your feedback through emails, comments on here, and phone calls. It is such a blessing when you call or write to check up on me because of what I've said on my blog. But, I'm not through with you yet! I need your support more than ever.

I was reading Exodus 17 this evening, something stirred in my heart, and I thought "That's me!" I am just like the Israelites, so many thousands of years before.

" [The people of Israel] tested the Lord, saying, 'Is the Lord among us, or not?'" - Exodus 17:7b

When I returned from Costa Rica I felt my heart breaking and bleeding for the children of prostitutes and drug dealers, for the down-trodden, the hurting, the lost. I was so overwhelmed by leaving that beautiful place that I cried for 4 hours on the busride to the airport, and teared up throughout the 4 hour plane ride. When I returned to North America, I was even more overwhelmed. We have so much that we don't need! Yet we complain and are discontent. Instead of taking the pain I felt for people and turning it into change. I turned this pain inward, allowing it to eat at me. Maybe not noticibly from the outside, but I've felt it eating at me. Where is God in the seemingly god-less place? I have felt like I'm wandering in the desert. Kennesaw State has felt like a wilderness.

"But I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

And so here I am, aware that even though I have doubted and searched, there is still something much bigger than me that I want to be a part of.

Sunday morning, the Parkers and I went to a small church to hear Karen Durnham speak. She works in 27 refugee camps in the West Bank section of Israel (also known as Palestine or Judea & Samaria). I cannot begin to explain how amazing her work is, and how it has been blessed, but what should be impossible, has been possible for her. She has been granted NGO status (only 90 organizations of the past 58 years have been granted this). She has 45 slots available to come and work at the refugee camps, distributing milk and food, fulfilling both physical and spiritual needs of the people. In this part of Israel, Israelis cannot enter, other Arabs cannot enter, but WE can go!

David and I have had trouble sleeping, we are so excited about this opportunity. I have never seen him so exuberant about anything since I have known him (well, there was this one time that we went to a used book store and he bought about 12 books. That was close to the thrill he expresses now, except after a few moments his excitement melted away as he delved into a book that he quickly became lost in.), nor have I ever felt this kind of inner peace and joy. It is that moment that hits you when you know what's the right thing to do.

Our tentative schedule is to "scout out" the land approximately December 13-January 5 and if everything is clear from there to return the first of June 2008 for an extended period (app. one year, or who knows?).

Nonetheless, this requires a huge step of faith and courage on our parts (and our families) to be provided for financially as well as for our safety.

Our expenses (per person) will be $400/month ( $5000) plus airfare (totalling $2300) plus trip exenses in December and safety net. This would be a total of about $9,000-$10,000.

That is a big number. I was reading the first chapter of Joshua, specifically Joshua 1:9:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

But, I have never noticed the verses before verse 9.

Verse 5: No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Verse 6: Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.

Verse 7: Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

It seems as if He is really trying to get his point across.

This is where your part comes in. Please join me in praying for courage, guidance, and financial provision.

I'm sure you will hear more about this in the near future! Hope all of you have a wonderful week!