Why do you love us?

This Hesed trip has given me many thrilling and surprising moments. I have been thinking about my favorites and have compiled a list . . .

No. 10. Dressing up in costume for Purim twice, and attending a Purim party at a local kehilah (church congregation)

No. 9. Watching F-16s from a nearby base practicing overhead, rushing out to view them at the first sound of their roar, feeling like cheering for them as they soar overhead

No. 8. Magnum Bars (yummy ice cream in your choice of flavors)

No. 7. Shopping in the Shuk in the Old City . . . oy vey, such deals

No. 6. Free Pepsi (ice optional!) and free snacks at our hotel's 10th floor lounge

No. 5. Learning new Hebrew words and delighting the Israelis when we use those words

No. 4. Praying at the Western Wall

No. 3. Worshiping with Israeli believers and hearing their stories of faith at the kehilah, a Shabbat dinner at various congregation members' homes, and a ladies' Bible study

No. 2. Watching the "walls" of fear and distrust come down as we work with the Kaplan Medical Center staff, and building bridges of love to them

No. 1. Getting asked by the Israelis, "Why are you here?" followed by "Why do you love us? Everyone else hates us" followed by hugs, amazement, and sometimes tears after we answer these questions

What a blessing it has been to participate with this Hesed team, sharing and shining God's love in word and deeds. Thank you to all who offered prayers on our behalf and for the Israelis we ministered to and with. To God be the Glory!

Cathy Bell
Indiana