Now I understand

This was an amazing journey through Israel, starting in a biblical garden and Gezer, and ending with walking the streets and tunnels of Jerusalem, and culminating with a silent walk on the ramparts of the city. A journey that cannot be described in words or shown in photos, only experienced in the heart and soul. As we hoped, God met us here. In the capable hands of our guide Ronen and pastor Mike, we were guided through this fantastic land. I belive this will take a full year to process all we have seen and heard.

I am realizing three things:

1. What the Jewish people have gone through from ancient times to now (all over the world).
2. The lengths ancient people had to go to to protect themselves (and now!). Living in caves in the side of cliffs. Building fortresses on the top of mountains. Then the incredible effort spent to conquer each other.
3. Witnessing the extraordinary effort they have put forth to follow God's law and be obedient. What example is it to us right now?

Many times during this trip I said to myself, “Now I understand.” After walking and climbing, we find a place in the shade to rest, discuss, explain and learn. We had the pleasure of getting to know people we hadn't met before while enjoying the companionship of friends.

Knowing that we are walking in the same places as Jesus and the disciples and seeing their buildings is incredible. The same views the patriarchs saw. The places David fought and ran to for refuge. The land here speaks. God not only touched me here but grabbed me! The bible will not ever be the same to me!

Many thanks to Pastor Mike who taught us with passion and wisdom, kindness and patience, the trip staff who worked so hard documenting the trip, keeping us all together, and our guide Ronen who, as Colleen describes him, is a splendid “Son of Israel" a lover of God, this land and the bible in which he plainly delights.

To Israel: WE WILL REMEMBER! SHALOM, L' CHAIM!

Brad & Colleen Lyon

“Ronen-isms"

• Hello Friends!
• Hold your camels!
• Conquer the land!
• How long?
• I have an ID
• Aahhh...
• Go when you can, not when you have to
• Wakey wakey
• Forehead flashlight
• On a clear day...
• Edna the cow
• Sharpen your elbows
• National sport of complaining
• It's good to be the king
• Herb pronounced
• My name is Ronen and I will be your tour guide today