Through lineage my roots (according to Jewish law) are Sephardic. My extended family are practicing Jews. I, however, am a practicing Christian and have only been to a Jewish event 3 times in my life. 90% of my family are practicing Christians. I grew up in the Catholic/Lutheran school system and faiths and have never had the opportunity to see what the other half of my family believes in. Fortunately through friends of friends I have had the HONOR of meeting some of the most inspiring and supportive people in my life, who happen to be Jewish. They invited me to their Seder tonight and I happily accepted! I was awkward while getting ready. I changed outfits at least 5 times. Here’s some of the following thoughts that went through my head while I was on my way over there/getting ready
“Oh geeze, I’m a Christian going to a Seder, people are going to judge me. I’m crazy for posting it on my facebook”
“Crap. People at this Seder are going to think I’m a weirdo for wanting to learn about the Jewish faith”
“They are going to probably ask what the 11 month 11 country thing is. What do I say? Am I going to offend anyone because I’m a Christian”
When I arrived, that all went out the window. Not only were there other Christians there who were married to practicing Jews, they were some of the biggest supporters of the World Race. They were so openly EXCITED for me and the experiences I was going to have. One of the guys there had been ALL over the world and spent 5 years in Mozambique- talk about a wealth of information that was. I know 100% it was not just a coincidence that I was invited there tonight. This is the most motivated I’ve been on knowing I can do this mission trip.
Seder was beautiful. I am excited to learn about the WORLD Race not just the Christian Race. Who am I to judge if I should break bread with someone else of a different faith? All I know is regardless of it’s “okay” or not is I LOVE these people! I love that they were so kind and open towards me. I LOVE that they are supporting me on this trip. I LOVE that I was afforded the opportunity to experience a new culture.
On a lighter note…..
I had fish for the first time in my life tonight at the Seder. That experience in and of itself is a huge PLUS! I know right, who hasn’t tried fish in their life? ME! But now I have. And now that is one less thing I have to freak out about on the race 🙂
God is Good. And I know it was meant for me to be at that Seder and to feel loved and accepted by a different faith outside of my own. It isn’t just Christians who are rooting me on. My neighbors happen to be Muslim and are also pumped on what I am going to be doing.
Love is love. No matter what faith you believe in. And I love all people from all walks of life.
