I am sitting here trying to figure out what to write…so much is going on and I’m finding it very difficult to write it down in a semi-cohesive blog…so I apologize for that. Thus I will try.
I feel like I have hit the point in the race where it’s pretty much just the middle. It’s Christmas and of course I miss my family and friends. And yes more at this time of year. We’re now in our fifth month of ministry so the novelty of the race being “new” has worn off a tad. But one of my teammates, Jennifer, piped up one day and said “ok guys so we can’t talk to our families during Christmas, we can’t listen to Christmas music, we’re getting a little worn out, maybe a little homesick, but guys. What is GOD doing?? We’re in Israel…let’s focus on the things that God IS doing instead of the things that we can’t do or that we don’t have” …(because some of us were all in the same boat as far just being stuck). That really hit home with me because, I mean come on, I’m in Israel for Hanukkah (which started today!), Christmas, Shabbats… it is truly incredible. And God is bringing us through an incredible journey. I am watching the bible come ALIVE. And that IS beautiful. Learning about Jewish traditions and learning about the real meanings of words in Hebrew is … pretty much amazing. I’m so thankful to have this time. I know next year I will look back on this year in Israel and be a little homesick for it. It really is beautiful here…it is the promised land.
I also just want to encourage you to read my teams blogs as well. I am so blessed to be on a team with SUCH amazing women and men of God. The four of us girls are sharing a room and I am learning so much from them each and every single day. I am so thankful to walk alongside such amazing people. AHHH!! I am so blessed. That would be another thing I am realizing on this race…is how much I am blessed and the amazing family and friends I have. Oh I almost wish I wasn’t a thousand miles away so I could really express my gratitude…to all of you. SO BLESSED.
Our girls were reading this verse the other night…and it also struck a chord within me. To realize how blessed I am BECAUSE of Christ!
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new EVERY morning; great is your faithfulness.”The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him; let him put his mouth in the dust– there may yet be hope…” Lamentations 3:21-29
How DEEP the Father’s love for us! Ah. At the end of the day, my soul IS satisfied in Him and in Him alone.
Ok now…FAMILY and friends-I love you SO much. Oh how I miss you. Dad, there are about a BAGILLION things I want to tell you. And next July I am on a plane back to Israel with you AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. It would be SO much fun with you here (and the whole family but you since you’re studying Hebrew, and well now I really want to learn Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic). Mom and Rach—yes you would fall in love with Israel also. Although things are REALLLLY expensive. (we found oreos and for 16 of them its 9.6 shekels which is like $2.50, cereal is 25 shekels and the off brand is like 22 which is still almost $6, 1 liter of milk is a little bit more than $1.50, and at the market I bought 2 bananas, and 3 apples for 9 shekels which is $2.40 which may not actually sound that much…but shoo it feels like it on our budget …) anyway things are good. I miss you all. I did buy honey nut cheerios and I got a surprise game of Clue inside (miniature of course) and it was just like Christmas morning!! Speaking of Christmas morning, mom, I’m so excited for next year. And for Christmas morning. Because I’m already grieving the fact that I’m missing out on your breakfast casserole. The end. Oh and I was talking to linds the other day about your bomb lasagna. And that is actually the meal that I miss most on the race. J your lasagna.
Oh and Mann Clan- I was reenacting the Christmas Carol play in my head the other day (and it is stowed away pretty accurately) and I replayed several scenes in my head. It was pretty fun. I’ll be missing you guys on the 22nd…but next year will be so much sweeter! So MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all.
And Weaver clan— I’ll be missing you guys the day after Christmas BUT I’m making it a point to come visit as soon as I get home! I miss you guys so much and I love you. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
So anyway. Yes I miss all you guys a lot. But I have some good news. So keep reading……………… …………………………….WE GET TO TALK ON CHRISTMAS DAY!!!!!!!!! yes. BE EXCITED. I’m excited. I actually jumped up and down and yelled and laughed and cried. So be looking to either be on the phone all day. Or skyping…or emailing or any form of communication that I have available. I love you guys SO much. And we will talk soon.
Love, Ash.
