Tears of joy

Today we said goodbye. We walked Jerusalem and we took it in with all we had left after climbing, following, pouring out, taking in and asking questions all over this beautiful land. Some of us weren’t sure we had any absorption left. Others were mourning that our last day had come so quickly. A few of us were terrified. Terrified of a tunnel.

Four of us would have rather been anywhere else than in a tunnel with cold water flowing through. As we almost ran through Hezekiah’s tunnel, some of us found strength beyond what we knew we had. We made it though together, just as we have every hike, every day and every turn of this journey.

Hezekiah and his men built a tunnel working from two opposite ends and meeting in the middle….an absolute miracle. On the last day of our time here, the miracle of this incredible building feat poignantly reminded us of the miracle of this entire experience. For many of us, other people made it possible for us to come. Some of us are in seasons of transition that allow for two weeks away that wouldn’t normally work out. If you asked any of us, we would all have a story to tell of the miracle that brought us here.

Today was no different than any day here: deep, pointed, challenging, fun, raw and overwhelmingly good. The western wall. The temple mount. The southern stairs. Time together as an insula remembering the past 12 days. Tonight as we shared our favorite memories and our top 10 lists we laughed. We laughed hard. We took communion through tears of joy.

However the part of today that will likely live on in our memories with the most tenderness and power has nothing to do with a tunnel, a wall or a top 10 list. Today, discipleship, love and honor were on display as our Rabbi Scott blessed and honored his talmid, Ryan. As Scott covered Ryan in the prayer shawl he prayed that Ryan would have double the blessing that he has carried as a teacher and leader in this land. Ryan left the southern stairs of the temple mount, likely the place of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring in Acts 2, with the blessing of a great teacher to go and do likewise. Through tears we each prayed for Ryan and added our “Amen!” to Scott’s “Yes!” to Ryan leading his own groups here. We all agree we want to be on the first trip Ryan leads and we’ll fight over who gets to be his back of the line.

As we blog for the last time on this trip, please know that we are indebted to each of you, our friends and family, who made it possible for us to be here. You watched our kids. You shared your stuff so we could make it here. You prayed. You cheered and we feel blessed that it’s you we get to come home to and share the stories.

See you soon!! Humbled by your love and grateful beyond words, Our March 2015 Israel Trip Insula (insala, for those who know).