The 7575 Mile Journey: LA to Jerusalem

We arrived at LAX Sunday morning June 12th. Dr. Painter led our group which consisted of 16 students and 4 adults.^. All of us were ready to be in Israel at that moment -- a mere 7,575 miles separated us from our 3-week excursion in the land where Jesus walked. We exited the baggage claim and carried our luggage to the international terminal at LAX. Our adventure began interestingly at the check-in line of El Al airlines.

I had been aware prior to coming that El Al was going to make sure their flights were secure. Thus, it meant everyone flying on the plane was a security risk until cleared. We walked into the International Terminal and all 22 of us lined up (kind of) to check in our bags. El Al security measures included an obvious armed Israeli soldier at the back of the lines for the El Al ticket counter. After a while of standing and waiting one of the El Al security personnel began to talk with Dr. Painter. He explained that we were all part of a group traveling to study in Israel for three weeks. The interrogation did not end there. By the time we had checked in our bags we had all been "interrogated" separately with questions including; “what is your name, where are you from, what school do you go to, why are you traveling to Israel.” Some were questioned more heavily and taken into another room. One girl had her inhaler taken away. Leilani was asked where her mother and father were from and the origin of her last name. 

El Al airline at LAX

After security we realized there was not many food options. I was pretty disappointed there was no Starbucks. A small café was all we had to choose from. We ended up at the gate and were greeted by a large group of 100 or more Jews many of whom were students. I asked one of them what exactly they were traveling to Israel for. She explained that it was a “birthright” trip. I had heard about this a little bit last year when I was researching traveling to Israel. I ended up sitting by one of the leaders of the birthright trip on the plane. He explained that Jewish kids have the opportunity to travel to Israel for 10 days if they choose. They learn and explore their roots and...it is free! I thought that was a pretty neat opportunity for them. However, I was excited that I had 3-weeks in Israel not 10 days. 

We departed LA at 1:30 pm for a 14.5-hour flight to Tel Aviv. Dr. Painter had expressed that El Al airlines were very nice and the 'way to go' when traveling to Israel. I have to say I agree with him. I was fortunate to have an aisle seat on the long flight. Leilani and I managed to sit next to each other. Let me tell you that the aisle seat was awesome, cause when I came home I was stuck in the middle of the middle aisle where a large fat Orthodox Jew occupied the seat to my left -- for 11 hours! We all had personal TV screens and were privy to a large selection of movies and TV shows. I did manage to sleep on the plane... a plus! Food was not bad either. The time on the plane, while long, actually flew by faster than expected. I am happy to say not one time on the flight was I nervous (that is pretty big deal for me :) 

We arrived in Tel Aviv around 2:00pm Israel time. Israel is 10 hours ahead, so it would have been 4:00am Pacific time. We ARRIVED! And We were ALIVE! 

Leilani and I in Israel!

After going through customs and getting our luggage we caught a Sherut (taxi) from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem where Jerusalem University College was located. I had no idea what to expect, and I was trying to keep expectations low for our accommodations at the school. One fear I had was seeing spiders. If I didn’t see any then and room would be fine with me.

We arrived at Jerusalem University College 45 minutes later. The school is located on the present Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. It sits across the Watershed Ridge with the Hinnom Valley below. We are very close to Jaffa Gate and steps away from Dormition Abbey. After becoming aquainted with the area I was that the college actually sat in an amazing part of Jerusalem. I felt very blessed to be where I was at. My first impression however, of the school, was low. The sign does not reflect the character and beauty of the University. Thus I was pleasantly surprised by our accommodations. (better pictures coming in later blogs).

The entrance to Jerusalem University College: does not serve this place justice

Our room: we had a great view of the Hinnom Valley and had direct access to the large rooftop + no spiders!!

I ended up rooming with Leilani and Jackie, both Simpson students. I had met Leilani in Dr. Painter's class my last semester and we got to know each other by constantly talking about the trip to Israel in his class. l I had the chance to meet Jackie and get to know her while in Israel. I feel very blessed to have spent three weeks with these girls. 'Girls' have their moments, and I am sure I was not a great room-mate 100% of the time, but for the most part we all got along perfectly and enjoyed the much of the trip together.

Our adventure in Jerusalem began the first night by our own accord. Dr. Painter led a few of us out into the Old City. We were introduced to Shaban, an Arab Christian who owns a shop in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. Many universities in the US including JUC visit his shop because of his fair and low prices. We exchanged our dollars for New Israeli Shekels. The exchange rate was about 3.5 NIS to the dollar. And it is here we were introduced to a very good strawberry banana drink that is not sold in the US :(

Dr. Painter headed back to the college and the five of us checked out the Old City that night, establishing a tradition for the rest of our free nights in Jerusalem.

I was the photographer : our 1st evening walk in Old City Jerusalem

A Hurdle Before the Adventure

My hurdle: Flying! Last summer when I desired to go to Israel I remember thinking my life was a tad dull - "I just want to go on an adventure”. Well the time for that adventure came about on June 11^th when I departed Seattle for the San Francisco airport to begin my journey to Israel.

Prior to leaving, friends and family would ask me how excited I was to be going and all I could think about was... the llooooonnnggg flight to Israel. As much as I was excited and felt blessed to be going, a hurdle had presented itself. Flying. When I fly I sometimes come close to having heart attacks -- moments in life when I am dramatic :) I am usually pretty silent about my fear on the plane, but my body experiences it. I knew once I arrived in Israel I would be excited for the adventure ahead of me. But the only thoughts I had about the upcoming trip was the two flights to LAX and then the 14.5 hour flight to Israel.

As we took off from Seattle, some of my fear subsided strangely enough after a women directly behind me vomited. It was pretty disgusting, just because it came out much like a fluid sneeze literally flying and the contents came from her stomach... not her nose. Thankfully I missed it :) Unfortunately two other passengers did not. I suddenly felt proud that I was not scared enough to vomit, but I also knew I handle my fear differently. Interestingly enough, I became a little more relaxed on the plane. Possibly because there was someone else that was scared and as long as someone was scared for the plane then I could relax. (just a mind game...i suppose).

This newfound courage was shattered after spending almost an hour in the air, waiting for clearance to land in San Fran. Once we were cleared the turbulence that had been present while we were circling persisted until the second the plane landed. I truly felt that our wing was going to hit the ground and we were going to crash. I was also aware that when you land in San Fran the landing strip begins from the Bay. Thus, you are relying on a miracle and the skills of a pilot you have never met -- to land at the right time. Cause a second early and you could be drinking water. In the end - the plane ride was not a good beginning to my flying excursion. The "excursion" would persist tomorrow... we would catch a plane to LAX. Then from there connect with El Al airlines to Tel Aviv. SO... that’s pretty much all I thought about while trying to doze off that night in San Fran. 

San Francisco Airport 

SFO - our group at check in on our way to - LAX

Putting my fear of flying aside – I met Leilani, Liz and Faith at the Hilton hotel in San Francisco. It was nice to have a good night rest before we spent the whole day in planes. We decided to venture out into the city that afternoon. We began with an adventure on the BART,(Bay Area Rapid Transportation). We were dropped off close to the Cheesecake Factory in San Fran. Seattlelites: if you have experience on the Sound Transit, then here's an analogy for how fast I thought the BART went. Sound Transit = the speed of a kid riding a tricycle/ BART = speed of light ( little exaggeration, I am afforded one, once in a while). We walked around the area and enjoyed the high rise restaurant. Location, location, location...it was a fun and different experience. We sat outside and had a fun view of part of the city. I prefer the Fisherman’s Warf area of the city, but I always love the factory and it is near a Forever 21 :)



Bay Area Transportation BART



That night we tried to get some rest, but our wake up time was set for 3:30, so we could be at the airport at 5:30. Again, for the 2nd night I got about 3 hours of sleep.

I usually have a pretty great memory and even -- a photographic one :) I can remember what I did and where I was, with a pretty accurate memory. Yet, I cannot remember one thing from the time I woke up that morning to when we departed SFO and arrived at LAX. I do remember that I picked up my bag at LAX and thought that the plane ride had actually been great! I think that I am more fearful of flying alone than anything else. That feeling gave me a boost for the long journey ahead; due to the fact I was flying with a group of about 20 people. So knew I was ready for the Adventure to begin!

God’s Provision of a "want"

12 days have past since returning from my adventure in Israel. I noticed that other people from our JUC group have shared their experiences on a blog or Facebook. Other than posting a few hundred pictures online, I have shared very little about my experience. I thought I should write and reflect somewhat, before these thoughts pass away. I am beginning my new blog by sharing how I came to be able to say, "I am going to Israel!" 

Some know of my travels to Israel but few know my strong desire to go to the land and how it all came together. I’ll try not to be too dramatic, but it definitely was another story of God’s provision in my life. This time He provided for a “want” not just a need. Over the last few years my faith in the Lord's provision for my life has been tested; something I believed was strong. Each time I have gone through an unknown period of life, God has come through, despite my worry and doubt. This has allowed my trust in the Lord's will and protection for my life to grow stronger.

My desire to go to Israel began last summer (2010). Prior to that I had been intrigued by Israel, but the desire to travel to the Middle East was non-existent. -- Australia! --- If you asked me where I would travel if given the choice I would have said Australia.

My interest in the Middle East was sparked by a great professor (Claspill) at Simpson. He recommended the book, Son of Hamas. When I came home last summer I decided to read it. (Terrific book by the way – recommended it to 6 people and they have all read and enjoyed it.) After reading this book a new desire stirred within me to learn more about Muslims, the Middle East culture and Israel. I read a few more books and with that gained a new passion for the Middle East and their rich history. During this time I became interested in the idea of traveling to Israel and backpacking the land. I devoted my free time; reading travel websites, researching the land and places to see. I came up with a travel itinerary that included the expenses and all that fun stuff.  Some of the places that ended up on that list was; Qumran, the Mizpah Ramon Crater, the Dead Sea, hike some of the Israel National Trail, the Sea of Galilee, visit the Shrine of the Book where some fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed, hike Masada at sunrise, Caesarea Aqueduct and Herod's Roman Theatre, the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv and En Gedi springs.
My goal was to save, save, save and plan to travel there in 3 years; during which time I would share my passion for the region with friends and see if anyone gained an interest in backpacking it with me.

last year drafting my 'dream' trip to Israel
What I actually experienced hit this list (sans Eilat) and exceeded it

I was so excited about the possibility of traveling to Israel. Summer came to a close, I went back to school and decided I was going to write my senior history paper (25 pages) on events that shaped the birth of Israel as a nation. The paper was completed by December. By then my hope to travel to Israel was pushed aside. I still had a deep desire to go, but I concluded it was more probable that I would travel there when I was married and/or possessed a stable income. Fall semester one of my professor’s mentioned that a group of Simpson students were traveling to Israel on a study tour. At that time I didn't have the funds and the idea to travel in a small group and be independent of a tour group was cemented in my mind. I didn't want to feel tied down. I wanted freedom to explore independently. While my time down there was in part like this, the trip ended up being more influential and experiential then one I could have ever planned. Plus I was with a group of friends and other adults who wanted to be there as much as I did.

School began the 2^nd week in January and that week I began Hermeneutics with Professor Stinson and New Testament with Dr. Painter. I had not taken classes from either one of them and was enjoying their teaching and looked forward to learning in both of their classes. The first week of class professor Stinson mentioned the Israel trip that her and Dr. Painter were leading together.

For some unknown reason my interest at this perked. Up until then I had no desire to pursue the trip, but her 'shout out' prompted me to think about the possibility of traveling with them. At that point I began mulling over the small possibility that some how, some way... I could go. Finances would be the MAIN roadblock. At first, I was afraid to inquire about the trip. I knew once I saw the cost my dreams of going would be wiped away. 

I did a 180 degree turn in my thoughts about joining Simpson to Israel that week. I felt this sudden need and desire to pursue more information about the trip – so that is what I did. I ended up emailing Professor Stinson to  inform her I was interested in going. She equipped me with the all the necessary information. The whole time I prayed constantly, asking God to shut doors if this was not what he wanted me to pursue or finance. I prayed that He would take away my strong desire to go, so it would be easier to stop pursuing the trip due to finances.

I sat down one afternoon to look over the details of the trip online. I remember being excited and nervous at the same time. I scanned over the details of the trip and seeing the places we would go and things we would learn excited me further to pursue the trip. On the other hand, finding out the cost of the trip was not as exciting. Discovering the final cost should have been an immediete sign of a closed door for me. But I saw this door shutting slower than it should have.

There was no financial possibility I could go. Unless I recieved a anymous donation from someone who had no clue of my desire to go to Israel, won the lottery, my parents inherited an unexpected large amount of money or I...I just kept dreaming of ways I could make it work. And that week, while waiting for the door to stop closing and begin to open, I began to lose hope and had to bring myself back to reality. I couldn't afford it and that was that. But again, the trip kept nagging at me and I kept thinking about how to make it work.

I am pretty realistic in my expectations and desires. I pay close attention to the cost of things so I don’t pursue something I can’t actually engage in, due to finances. Uncharacteristic of myself, I continued to pursue the possibility of making the trip work. The first Friday of school I ended up making an appointment with the financial aid counselor. I wanted to see about the possibility of seeking an educational loan for the trip. It wasn’t something I necessarily wanted to do, but felt compelled to exhaust all my options. The information I gleaned did not give me much option except to seek a personal loan. That was not an option I favored but one I could pull out if I became 'desperate'. I knew I needed the blessing and support of my Dad before I continued to pursue the "ins and outs" of the trip. In order for him to "truly" listen to me and my dream of going to Israel, I drew up a financial plan that would make 'Israel' happen. Then I sent it to him.

I love my Dad. When it has come to financial decisions he has been wise council. When I wanted to take out a loan for a few thousand dollars to purchase a car he strongly advised against it. At the time I was frustrated with his lack of support. Nonetheless, looking back now I am so glad I listened to him. So when it came to this I knew what his response would be towards the cost of the trip --- And I was correct. He expressed his deep desire for me to go and was saddened that he didn’t have the finances himself to send me. The conversation did end with him saying, If there was a scholarship available that reduced the cost of the trip he could see my planning for a trip that was around $2500. I was disappointed…but I understood.

The time in which all this happened;  learning about the trip, seeking info, figuring out the expense, concluding I couldn't go and then what came next was all in 10 days. Those ten days were centered around me getting back into the school and the groove of work. In addition, strategizing how I to make the Israel trip a reality. I spent many car rides to school that week praying to God to clearly open doors or undoubtedly close them fast... so I didn't continue to waste more energy figuring out how to go. I had sought a financial aid counselor, considered and began to apply for a scholarship (which I didn't get), talked multiple times with professor Stinson about how to afford the trip, prayed and spoke about my desire with my parents. Nothing looked hopeful. PLUS I was made aware, that there were only 2 spots left with 3 people interested. SO I began to feel time was limited for the ultimate decision - could I financially pull it off or not? My conclusion was that I couldn't.

It was Thursday (first week of classes) when my drive to pursue Israel as a reality took off - but by Friday the next week, I had resolved that it was financially impossible. I was not mad at God; just disappointed... and confused. Why all of sudden had I become interested and driven to pursue the trip, a trip I had not been interested in a semester before? Monday, the 2nd week of school a family friend had messaged me and asked for my address in Cali. I thought she might be sending me a care package for school, which I thought was really sweet.

On Thursday she messaged me again to see if I had received it; afraid the letter might have been lost in the mail. So I checked Thursday and then was diligent to check the mail again Friday when I got home.
That Friday on my way home, I was thinking in my head, well maybe by some miracle they had decided to send me money. I thought if I was super lucky they may have sent me as much as $100. But I still didn't see any amount, enough to afford Israel. I tried to quiet my hopes of trying to make Israel work. Immediately when I got home I checked the mail to make sure the letter had arrived so I could let her know it hadn't been lost in the mail. It was in...the safety of the letter was secured. I dropped my keys off on the counter and took the card to my room. I opened the card and inside was a note. Longer than this, the idea of the letter was that they had prayed about their finances and felt called to bless me.

What I saw inside was my dreams of going to Israel coming alive again - --Inside I saw... Israel. A "want" of mine was slowly becoming a reality and if it happened it was not by anything I had done, but was solely the blessing of God and this faithful family.

I remember driving in my car the following night listening to worship music and had no other desire than to sit in my car forever worshipping God for providing one of the biggest “wants” of my life- at that time. I knew this feeling would pass as I reentered life and got back into the grind of school and work. I had already figured out, for the most part, how I would get to Israel. But at that moment I soaked in my love for the Lord and praised him.

I didn't have to go to Israel, but God had placed a desire within me and then allowed me to pursue that dream. He then made my dream...my hopes - a reality. I rarely cry, but the moment I received that gift I was brought to (many) humble tears. Thinking that I, an imperfect person, would be blessed immensely by God and not just in a way that provided for my needs but in a way that provided for my "want".