Day Threeeee

This morning I noticed that I have been kissed by the Israeli son, for the first time. Oops, I mean sun. (Bad joke.) But anyway, bring on the tan!
Going downstairs for breakfast was different today because ever since the baptism yesterday afternoon, we all feel this certain closeness with each other. What's terrible on my part is the fact that I can't remember anyone's name. So to save myself from embarrassment, I don't even try to guess their names and just leave that part out of the conversation. So instead of saying "Good morning Joe", I say "Good morning!!" (With an extra big smile on my face). My terrible memory makes me feel awful about getting everyone's names mixed up, especially since they all know my name. (You usually don't forget the names of the only 19 year olds on the trip, it's just a fact).

Also at breakfast this caucasian guy met me at the water dispenser with a "hey, how are you doing?". Turns out he's from Kansas and is on leave from the American military.

Today in Israel they're having this huge military drill. So while looking out the window on the bus you can hear the war sirens going off, see tanks firing out in the desert, giving off puffs of black smoke, and little green men running around everywhere with their M16 rifles. It's pretty cool! I feel like I'm taking a front row seat on all the action of the middle east; it's like I'm reporting live for Fox News.

First we drove up to a look-out point in Golan Heights; we saw the typical Israeli landscape of rolling sandy hills and green shrubs.

We also went to an old abandoned army trench. I went inside, of course!

Then we went to the Golan Heights Winery! This was sooo great. This consisted of a one-hour tour of how the world famous wine is made, then a free wine-tasting. I must say that I do enjoy a nice glass of red wine, white wine, and dessert wine. And as a bonus, we got to keep our Yarden wine glasses! Let's pray it doesn't shatter in my luggage on the way home to Canada...

Next we went to an Olive Oil factory. Olive oil production flourishes in Israel, since there are olive trees EVERYWHERE. And olive trees never die. They don't need to be irrigated or tended to. I also heard this rumour that they are fireproof. Who knows? The best part about this factory tour was dipping bread into different strengths of olive oil (virgin, extra-virgin, pure, lite...the list goes on. All I want to know, is how can something be extra-virgin?)
Now, remember at the beginning of this entry when I mentioned I met a guy from the American military? So yes, you didn't think that I just decided to randomly include that in my blog, did you? There's MORE to this story. Well...we ran into each other here at this olive oil factory and ended up talking for awhile. The world of tourism is sure a small one!
The rest of the afternoon involved visiting nature sites under the plus 40 blazing desert sun. I'm not complaining about this weather at all, it's more like bragging. (Haha) The only downside about this heat is the fact that it made me fall asleep on the bus TWO times today. That's terrible! When did I start getting so old?

When we got back to the hotel Charmaine and her mom and I decided to walk around some different shops in Tiberius. We figured that since we have an adult with us, there would be no chances of us being followed or stalked today. WRONG. What's sad about this particular instance, is that these three creepy old men decided to follow us in pure daylight. Now if they would've read the "Kidnapping- How To" handbook, they would've known that nightfall is prime time for business. Geez, at least the guy last night had enough common sense to stalk us in the dark. This city is a dangerous place for a youngin' like me...but don't worry Mom and Dad, you taught me well enough to know not to hang out in strange places by myself. Here's a funny entry from my journal: "We're getting so many freaking stares that it's actually starting to get to the point of annoying." Haha, and I wasn't joking when I wrote that.
The time right now is 10 pm and I'm just outside in my pajamas, barefoot on the balcony. When I close my eyes I can hear the waves crashing against the Galilee shore, laughter resounding from the boardwalk below, and the lonely echo of a jazz saxophone. You don't hear these sounds before falling asleep back on the farm; and that's what makes it so magical.

Day Two.

This morning's wake up call was at 6:30. Waking up so early definitely messes with my head. Let me explain; at home I wake up at nine and before I know it, it's already 3 in the afternoon. But here in Israel, I wake up at six, and the next time I look at the clock it's only nine. Long days for sure. But the early morning was worth it, as the sun was streaming through the balcony windows and bouncing off the walls of our hotel room. There's something about the morning sunlight that gives me peace.
There's something that occurred last night that I didn't inform you about yet. I'll start from the beginning. Before this trip even started, I was told that one man on the tour would be getting baptized in the Jordan River. The moment I heard this, something just clicked inside of me; it's like the wheels of my heart were in working motion again. Baptized in the Jordan River...hmm.... These words were bright inside my head like a neon marquee sign for the next few days, until last night. People on the tour soon learned about this Jordan River baptism that would be happening soon and so some of them told the pastor that they too would like to be baptized. Because of this, Pastor Wee called a meeting after the worship session for everyone who had never been baptized before and felt in their heart that this is what God was calling them to do tomorrow. One would say that I made an impulse decision that night, a decision that yes, I was ready to make a public declaration of my faith. My decision did seem like one of spontaneity, but it wasn't. Baptism has been on my mind for almost two years now, I just had never felt ready until now, today. So I went to bed last night excited about my decision, but woke up deeply saddened in the morning, suddenly realizing that I would have no family or friends from back home here to witness this amazing moment in my life. Even though at breakfast I was sitting amidst a sea of people, I felt lonely. Can you blame me for wishing that my siblings and parents and best friends could've been there with me today? So after breakfast, the pastor apparently noticed I was acting differently and asked if I was OK. I told him the truth, "I wrote my family a quick email this morning about my upcoming baptism, but I just wish they wouldn't have to find out that way." He then offered me his cell phone and I was able to call my parents! My Dad answered the phone, surprised to hear my voice. In his usual joking manner, he said "Jenny it's midnight here, you woke us all up." And in my head I was like Ohh shoot. I forgot about the eight hour time difference! So as I apologized and gave myself a good kick, I heard voices in the background and asked what was going on. My Dad said that they were all at the table playing Dominos. HAHA. That was definitely a laugh out loud moment. Seriously, only MY family would be playing a firing round of Dominos after midnight. I knew instantly that I called at a good time, since 6/7 of my family members were sitting in that room, all able to hear the news at once. Don't tell them, but I felt like crying. I'm such a baby sometimes.
After that morning charade, my tour group and I hopped onto a wooden boat that floated across the Sea of Galilee. On this boat we had a sermon, worship songs, and learnt a fun Hebrew dance. And let me tell you, age does not stop your ability to dance. You should've seen some of these grandparents move, Wow! I could definitely learn a move or two. ;)

When we were right in the middle of the sea, the captain turned off the boats' engine, and it was like we were placed on a sheet of glass; the water was still, the breeze a constant sigh, and it was quiet beyond imagination. It was an incredible moment, trying to picture what it must've looked like to see Jesus walk on this very same water.

We then sailed to the town of Ginosar where the "Jesus Boat" is located. Meaning, that some researchers found a 2000 year-old boat at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee. Meaning, that this could've been the boat the Jesus once sailed on. Only God knows!

The rest of the day was filled with an endless amount of bus rides. We went to the town of Capernaum (where Jesus taught), ate a fish dinner for lunch (I refused to eat the eyeball), and went to Mt. of Beatitudes (where Jesus had the sermon on the Mount and fed a multitude of people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish).

You may have noticed how little skin is shown in my photos. This is because you're not allowed to enter a religious site unless your shoulders and knees are covered; it's all about respect, my friends.

Our last stop before heading back to the hotel was finally, the Jordan River! Arriving at this river, I was surprised. I picture it to be located in some desolate forest; you know, hearing the peaceful trickle of water and the wind rustling the leaves of the trees. Boy, was I wrong. It had an actual parking lot with like 5 tour buses! Haha, call me naive why don't you... There was even a gift shop. And you had to pay $10 in order to rent the white robe for your baptism. It was all very touristy and commercialized, unfortunately. Anyway, there were 11 of us altogether wearing these white robes, and the rest of our group sat on the concrete steps beside the river, in total support. Let's just say this experience flew by with guitars, hymns, video cameras, camera flashes, tears, hugs, and testimonies. And let's just say that I forgot that my immediate family wasn't there. I felt so included and loved and supported by the rest of the members in my group, that I immediately considered them as my family away from home. Right then and there I knew that the rest of this trip was going to be wonderful, because these people are so wonderful. I can't even describe it.

Is it strange that I didn't feel any different after my baptism? I mean, I felt a little wet (ok, I felt SOAKING)... and I felt a little light-headed, giddy, and shaky. But I didn't feel like the "Ultimate Christian". I didn't see a flock of doves sprout up from the water around me or notice the clouds part in the sky above me. Then again, I didn't expect any of that anyway, so what am I really even talking about? Haha. What I do know is that it felt good and it felt right, and I also know that God is working in my heart as we speak (or type), and that his timing is perfect. I was so incredibly blessed today to have been able to share such an experience with 51 of my new friends, in the Jordan River of all places. I will never forget that.

After the buffet dinner at the hotel (forgive me for my gluttony), Charmaine and I walked some of the streets in Tiberius, believing that it looked pretty touristy and safe. These streets were filled with those classic vendors, selling sundresses, jewelry and little trinkets of all sorts. I ran into this beautiful brown fringe purse, and then this Israeli guy (about my age) asks me if I like that purse. Yes, will you buy it for me? Ok, I didn't say that aloud, but before I knew it I got asked out on a date. Believing that I have a pretty good head on my shoulders, I had to turn him down. Aw shucks... As Charmaine and I were walking away we couldn't help but laugh at how forward some of these guys are. A few minutes later we hear somebody yell "HEY CANADA!" behind us, and we're like, ohh boy...that's him. He's following us... We casually yet hurriedly went inside a brightly lit store, in the hopes that we lost him. Turns out he sat himself down on a beach RIGHT outside the store. Realizing that we weren't going to come out anytime soon, he entered the store. So Charmaine and I snuck out the side exit. The only way back to the hotel was through this dark and depopulated alleyway. (figures!) We both weren't in the mood to be kidnapped, so we decided that we'd hang out by the shops until we found some people from our tour group who could be our "protectors". And alas, God sent 12 angels to us. And when our crazed Israeli follower saw that we were associated with numbers greater than him, he went the other direction. We told our friends about this creepy guy, and they all insisted that they walk us back to the hotel. This was a wonderful experience. It was on this walk back where we got to know more members of the group on a more personal level, and it was also when I felt how caring and loving they are. I know that I didn't tell this stalker story as well as I could've, and I probably didn't have you on the edge of your seat, but it was a pretty scary experience. It was also a relieving experience, just knowing that God is looking out for us little 19 year olds.
When we returned back to the hotel, we were invited by some more members of our group to sit outside by the pool. We were hesitant, until they bribed us each with a glass of white wine. (Hahah) I'll never forget this night. Full of laughs and making new friends. Here is a tiny entry I wrote in my journal that night "if I had the option of being raised by both my parents and 51 more mom's and dad's, I would."
This was such an amazing day, and my writing doesn't do any justice towards the strength of emotion I felt today.
Thank you so much for reading, and congratulations to you if you made it this far into this entry!

Day One: Israel

It's day one of the tour! And I've also been awake since 3 AM. Oh jet lag, you are too good to me. At sunrise, Charmaine and I headed out to the Mediterranean Sea and it was even prettier in the morning! It was here, with my toes buried in the soft, white sand, that I finally realized I was in Israel. It's a crazy feeling, and I dare for all of you to try it sometime. To be completely honest, Israel was the last place I thought I'd ever go. Actually, it wasn't even the last place, it wasn't in any place! It never even crossed my mind. I'll be the first to admit that God was in this; since I obviously never planned for this, who other than God could've written the itinerary? 

So random fact: in Israel, breakfast consists mostly of hard-boiled eggs, salad, watermelon, chocolate pudding, and cottage cheese. It's almost weird, right? Oh and at breakfast, I even had a cappuccino latte. I only stooped down to this level because it felt like 5 in the afternoon when really it was 7 AM. Talk about a looooong day.

Anyway, we all packed up our luggage and loaded it onto the bus with us. After we were all seated, Pastor Wee informed us to take a good long look at the person next to us, because they'll be our seat partner for the next 17 days. Haha, this was funny you see, because everyone was sitting with their husband/wife/friend.... Well...I thought it was funny. Every morning on the bus someone from the tour group does a devotion using the tour-guide microphone. I'd say it's a good start to the day! What I got out of this devotion was that "it's by the grace of God that we are here today, in Israel. We're here for a reason and he's going to teach us amazing things."

We went to Caesarea, a city built by Herod in 13 B.C. This is where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned for teaching in the Jerusalem temples. It was sort of hard to picture such a thing in my head; I can't imagine Paul being here. I mean, I don't even know what he looked like; it seems so far off to me.

We then drove up a hill overlooking the Valley of Armageddon. Revelation states that this valley is a focal point of where the final battle of the anti-christ's followers will take place and they will be defeated. This was also crazy. Can you honestly picture the end of the world? 'Cause I'm sure having a hard time. Wow.

Before reaching our hotel in Tiberius, we stopped in a little city filled with street vendors selling goods of all sorts. I came to this street feeling excited...and left this street feeling completely exhausted and almost stressed. It was here I decided that I hate bargaining with store owners. I also hate even being near them. I know I know it's a pretty harsh thing to say. But it's absolutely crazy. If you show a tiny bit of interest in lets say...a flag, the vendor will grab it and put it in a bag even before you say you want to buy it! They're also on your back the whole time; even while walking past a store they will run out and shove items in your face. The shopping experience is definitely very different from anywhere else. I feel like all those times I spent at the street vendors in the Caribbean and Mexico weren't nearly as crazy as these here in Israel. After buying a few things, I was more than glad to get out of there. This experience made me worry that the next 17 days were going to be like this.

Our hotel in Tiberius was amazing, and our balcony even overlooked the Sea of Galilee. What more could you ask for? Oh wait, I do know what I could ask for: free internet! But alas, that was impossible.

That night we loaded ourselves up with a buffet dinner, of course, and then had a little praise and worship thing. I am one of the worship leaders on this trip. Isn't that crazy? I can't really classify standing up front beside the guitar as "leading" though.

Oh and what's with the picture of the empty and deserted pool you ask? Well, apparently... ALL HOTEL POOLS IN ISRAEL CLOSE AT 6 PM. I'm not even kidding. I think it's an issue having to do with the lifeguards or something. But we all found it absolutely crazy, because most people on vacation only have time to go swimming and relax beside the pool late at night, right?? It also doesn't help that the weather at night is like plus 30 with a hot south wind.

Lilah Tov!! (For all you English speakers, that's "good night" in Hebrew) Yes, I am determined to learn some Hebrew on this trip.