Heart Hope by Olga

You might not think that the biggest losers would be found on a trip to Israel, but you might classify Doris and me as the "biggest losers" in our group. No, we weren't the biggest losers of weight, due to eating three multi-course meals daily for the entire trip. However we could be called the biggest losers of possessions. Prior to the trip we were told that we needed to be very cautious while traveling in Israel, not only because of the unrest and violence that we might experience, but also regarding money and possessions. So, we began using the safe provided by the hotel. We would place cash, credit cards, jewelry, even iPads in there when we left the room. We had a lovely room on the first level of the hotel which had a patio area that overlooked the Sea of Galilee and the pool deck. It was beautifully nestled in the palm trees with birds of paradise flanking the railing. There was just one problem, the door would not lock and we didn't like the i...

Washcloth was among the myriad of other things on the list of things to take on the trip to Israel. It was the only thing I didn't pack as instructed, after all they would certainly have them in the hotel room. At the first two hotels there was no problem, but at hotel number three, there were none in the rooms. A note had been placed on the bed telling us that they wanted to provide excellent service, and if we needed anything in order to make our stay more enjoyable, just let them know.  A stop at the front desk and I was promised that it would be delivered. Two hours later I was still waiting. On my way back to the front desk, I encountered a hotel employee with a cart and followed him to the "employee only" door. I asked for a washcloth and he holds up two towels, I shook my head. He then held up a roll of paper towels, again I shook my head no. All the while holding my hand in a small square and then rubbing my face. He then tried to give me shampoo. No ...

As Christ followers we are commanded to profess our faith through baptism. Each denomination has their own way of displaying the act. Some choose baby baptism in order to seal the child from birth. Others encourage children to be sprinkled when they join the church. And others wait for the individuals to get dunked when they put their faith and trust in Jesus. Since I have had all three I guess I can give my opinion on which I think is right. Since babies can't make the decision to know and love Jesus at that age I feel that it is more a commitment from the parents to raise the child in a way that they will desire that relationship as they grow up. If a child understands the choice that they are making when they join the church and that is a profession of their faith that's great. However, I always felt like I had missed out by not being dunked, so as an adult, I went one more time for the sacrament of baptism. Did any of these save me? No. I did them because I ...

After viewing the Sea of Galilee from the cliffs of Mount Arbel, the next morning we were able to get up close and personal by taking a boat ride on the historic body of water. Bright and early while the air was still cool, our vessel arrived at the port to pick us up for the ride to the end of the lake. The crew with their "I Sailed the Sea of Galilee" shirts welcomed us aboard. The first order was to raise the American flag next to the flag of Israel while playing the national anthem while the passengers all sang along. Then they sang the Israeli anthem.  This most moving gesture impressed upon me the importance of solidarity that must be maintained between the two countries. Israel has always been God's chosen people; even though they have faced hardships God still loves them and has plans for their future. The United States should not be on the wrong side of that conflict if we want to be blessed. On the boat we were taught a folk dance, tried to c...

Before going to Israel I was pretty ignorant about the land. Oh I knew the Bible stories and about where they took place, but my journey opened up a whole new perspective. Our trip included visits from "Dan to Beersheba." I had read and heard that term, but now I can fully understand the meaning because of the experience. It means from the north to the south of the country. The areas can be drastically different, with the northern part of the country being lush with green vegetation and the southern part more dry and barren. Early in our exploration of the land on the trip, we were taken to a spot with no Biblical significance—the cliffs of Mount Arbel. I quickly understood why; it was for the vantage point. You see, from that point you can look out over the horizon and view almost the entire Sea of Galilee where Jesus had much of His ministry. Our leader was able to point out many of the places that we would see up close and personal in the days to come. Wher...