The hidden joys of our trip

This morning we woke up by the Sea of Galilee with birds singing and breakfast being prepared for us. Many of us were sitting on our porches early this morning, quietly pondering the wonders of our time here and the day that was waiting to unfold before us. We were excited to experience the words from Psalms 119:130, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

What words and experiences will our shepherd and shepherdess bring us today…and how will God unfold them in our hearts. Unfolding and unfolding until they take up so much space inside us that they overwhelm our souls. We visited Mt. Arbel, Chorazin, Capernaum and Bethsaida today and we heard some wonderful teachings there. I’m sure that you have been reading about some of those great teachings. But this time I would like to tell you a few other ways that our souls have gotten filled up and overwhelmed on this trip.

We have traveled together for about a week now. Our bus rides have become very communal, sharing stories and laughter together. We have become family. On the trails, our shepherd and shepherdess lead us and teach us. They fill us up with our heritage and truth, but they also give us opportunity to share with each other on the trails. Today, instead of unpacking all of the teaching we learned today, I thought I would give you a little window into other things that happen on a trip like this.

This morning one member of our family lifted her voice in song on Mt. Arbel. Others have begun to share with each other both the joys and the sorrows that they have stored away in their hearts. We have let hidden things tumble out of our hearts…only to find that they are caught by our new family who considers them treasures. Treasures they hold tenderly. This new family of ours has had to lean on each other in order to reach the top of Mountain. Those who are weaker have learned to lean on others for strength. This has also built a tight bond between us. What a JOY it is to come alongside of each other carrying each other’s loads. These are some of the hidden joys of our trip – a bus-full of people, hiking trails in Israel, and becoming family. I hope you enjoy the pictures of the places we visited today but I also hope you enjoy the pictures of our family which we have come to love.