Light and Darkness

The last few days have been interesting with so much going on.  We slipped away for church service on Saturday. We walked about a mile and a half to Jerusalem Baptist Church. What a good time and much needed time away to worship and be refreshed!  I think working on adrenaline is good for a short time but not so much for long term.

The church service was very interesting and the visiting pastor from Poland had a great word about darkness and light. In the chaos and messes of our life God is with us even if we feel as if we are in the dark. What is faster than light? The darkness that flees when light enters.  No matter how dark the circumstance or place, we as Christian can be assured we are never alone! God hovered over the earth before he formed light and darkness and he still hovers.

I spent the day w Lizan (Sunday & most of Monday) except a quick trip to the yard store. My first trip out alone in Zion Square. Although a Jewish area I was still  not completely comfortable but it was fine.  I worked on crocheting a bright pink ( Lizan's favorite color) scarf.  I finished and she loves it! We had a really heavy rain too. I love watching everyone around here when it rains. They get so excited and consider it a blessing because it isn't the norm.

We enjoyed watching Lizan use her new hello kitty umbrella!  

Today we said goodbye to baby Ahmed. He should be with his momma by now. Such a touching story. Although their lives as refugees is bleak and sad, they now have a healthy baby. No amount of anything could replace that.

I leave tomorrow night. I am very much ready to go home but a little sad at the thought of saying goodbye to my little friend and her mom and all the Shevet family.

Many Blessing!

Hospital / Garden Tomb / Girly stuff

Wednesday I made my first hospital visit. I was still nursing a cold so I kept my distance. We arrived to visit baby Mohammed first. He is still in ICU and critical with a tube in his chest. He is breathing on his own so that was great. He is the big chubby faced baby in the picture. The picture of us with the two fathers is baby Ahmed. Sweet and smiling. He is a Syrian refugee. We enjoyed our visit. The fathers are so opposite. One is funny and light hearted and offered us Chai tea for our ride home and the other so serious and stern.

On Thursday, Mary and I decided to go to the garden tomb.  It is literally half a mile from the home. We past through the Arabs side to get there. I can't believe the sanctuary of peace located just over a wall from hostile living conditions. Mind boggling!  The gardens were beautiful and the tomb a stark reminder of the awesomeness of the crucifixion but more importantly and meaningfull Christ sacrifice!  Wow! I was truly thankful and peaceful in my spirit unlike the feeling I had when I walked through the entrance! To visit this site was a dream come true!

To top off a wonderful day, Lizan wanted to do some girly things. We started with her painting my nails and then ended with her curling my hair. I love spending time with her and I love this little Kurdish girl.  The day ended with us watching Frozen and playing UNO.  The movie was in English but we hummed the songs together. What a joy she is.  I'm getting better at UNO and if I win two in a row she isn't as interested in playing anymore. Lol

Blessings!

God, why do you have me here in Israel?

My prayer before going to sleep was, Why am I here?  Probably a question many of us ask from time to time, why this, why that?  Answers come in different ways. The next morning during my quiet time, his answer came in a song and then again in my scripture for the day.  The song "You Said" by Darlene Zschech & Hillsong...You said, your glory will fill the earth, like water to the sea, you said, Lift up your eyes, the harvest is here, your kingdom is near...your LIGHT as it rises on us. The scripture Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.  The answer... To be a light, a radiance of God's glory. There is no way I can be as radiant as God's son but as a Christian we are all called to be a light wherever we are.  In my case, I can help in community, I can share and be but part of me was feeling I want to do more with the Muslims living with us, Lizan and mother. Isn't it just like the devil to try to convince us we don't have what it takes.  But God says...and that's all that really matters.  I will be a light and give God glory and praise for the time and hopefully seeds planted in their hearts!

Yesterday Lizan had four Jewish girls from a nearby school come to visit and play. They really helped the day to go by fast for her. See photos below. The waiting is more difficult for her mother. She was not herself last night. She laid down a few times in the evening. I ask if she was sad, she said, "thinking." I prayed silently. Please pray for her. She is homesick and missing her husband.  Pray the sharing she received by one of our caretakers about Jesus would brew in her heart and that she would experience His comfort.

We didn't have tea after dinner last night like we typically do.  I mentioned it to Mary while I was playing UNO with Lizan.  She must have understood the word "tea". She disappeared for a little bit then return with a cup of tea for me and a cup for her. I'm totally serious when I say, that was the BEST cup of hot tea I've ever tasted!! I told her, "good...very good."

Today, I'm nursing a sore throat so I'm confined to bed. It has kept me from my first hospital visit. I am disappointed but I know I will have another opportunity, God willing. Praising God, one of the babies at the hospital was released and arrived at the home last night. I haven't seen him yet...when I get better I will!

I am missing my family today!

Blessings

Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea

The last few days have been full. We took Friday off to make a trip to Ein Gedi with the ICEJ (International Christian Embassy Jerusalem). Ein Gedi is along the Dead Sea. It was an interesting experience to give my feet a mud bath then walk into the sea. I didn't heed the warning of not walking to the water without shoes.  My feet were raw afterwards! Instead of sand the bottom of the sea is hard sharp salt rock. Later, Mary and I ate dinner in the desert and enjoyed the worship service for The Feast of Tabernacles. Many different countries represented...the worship and dancing were moving. 

I spent time with Lizan and her mother on Saturday. We made yarn Pom Poms.  I tried to show her how to crochet but it was too difficult.  Her mom really wanted her to learn but she got too frustrated. Maybe we will try another day.  She loves the game UNO and beat me miserably!  I was blessed to sleep in their room for the night.  The love they share for each other is really special.  I love listening to them speak Kurdish!  I had the opportunity to watch Spongebob in her language. That was interesting. I just said, "O No" when something bad happened to Spongebob and we giggled!

In the evening Rebekah, the house nurse, took me on a walk across the street to the Muslim Quarters in the Old City. We walked really fast because the shop owners were eager to sell their stuff and it was so crowded it was a little uncomfortable.  The Christian Quarters were less crowd and so we slowed our walk. It was the Sabbath so we didn't visit the Jewish side.

Today is Sunday.  Before the day started the staff and volunteers gathered for worship and prayer. It was nice to sit and reflect and praise God from whom all blessings flow! After our meeting, everyone was assigned chores in the home. I was in charge of cleaning the downstairs bathrooms. It felt great to contribute with housekeeping.  Very interesting and enjoyable living in community. Lizan's mother prepared a Kurdish lunch of chicken, rice and small noodles. It was very tasty.  

I'm feeling more comfortable than I did when we first arrived.  Thank you for praying. Until next time...

Blessings

Cold toes

I have spent one full day in Jerusalem. It is 2:30 am and I am wide awake. So much to take in from the day. I arrived on the eve of a Jewish holiday that was celebrated today. I played with Lizan, an 8 year old Kurdish girl. She smiles a lot although her mom says she misses her father. Her mom speaks some English. I was able to ask her what she likes about Israel. She said, "everything is easy here. Life in Kurdistan, everything is difficult especially for women." We talked about the beach here and she said they have a small beach but only men are allowed to go. We had a good time trying to talk and understand each other. She was so patient with me. I thank God for that! Me and Lizan made 6 or 7 rubberband bracelets and we played Legos. She is so smart and sweet. She knows a couple words. She pointed to the bracelet she was working on and ask me, "good?" I just clapped and nodded, good good! She smiled. Later in the evening she put her toes on my leg to let me know they were cold. I did the same to her and we laughed. A memory I will never forget.

I also made a quick trip, I guess you could say that...the walk was long, inside the Old City. I could write so much. We entered at the Joffa gate and went to the Western Wall. It was amazing. I don't understand the customs but it is interesting to watch and observe the love the Jewish and Arabs have for their families. It was very special. We stopped for a break at a coffee shop. I was so blessed to met a German lady, here for a conference. She spoke Some English. She talked about finding Jesus at 50 years old when a Missionary from Africa came to her village. She was baptized and she led her mother to the Lord. And her mother was baptized a year later. That was over 20 years ago. She has had a rough life but you couldn't tell it by her sweet spirit. She said she attended Bible college a few years ago. She said, "I have Jesus, I leave the past, all of it and go forward with Jesus!" I was inspired. Then she started singing a song I grew up singing by Amy Grant. I was shocked and thrilled to know the song and sing with her. It was too much to believe! We were singing "El Shaddai El Shaddai" in the middle of a coffee shop in Jerusalem. 

Maybe all of this is why I'm awake or maybe it is jet lag. I like to think it is the emotions of the day. I'm thankful beyond any words to have experienced this outside my extremely small corner of the world. As I got ready this morning in this 100+ year old Jerusalem stone home, that was the first Israeli children's hospital, it hit me what a spoiled American I am.

Blessings from Shevet Achim

Courage

The word "courage" has been on my mind this week.  While studying or reading I've come across a couple of verses I have chosen to hold onto for my life.

The first verse was in Acts when Paul went before the Sanhedrin. In Acts 23:11, "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage!" As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." - The Lord always has a plan! For Paul this word was an assurance that God still had work for him to do. He was in jail for the time but he would go to Rome. He didn't want him to be discouraged but remain courageous.

I was reminded of the second verse while reading a Beth Moore book on Believing God.  Three times in Joshua 1 the Lord tells Joshua to be "Strong and Courageous."  He wanted him to be assured that He (the Lord) was going to be with him wherever he was going.  I love this part in v9, "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  God's promise for Joshua is also His promise to us!  God's not going to fail us!  He won't fail you and he won't fail me!  He is with us no matter what we are going through or how bad circumstances may seem. 

As I prepare my heart for helping at Shevet Achim, I'm reminded of how much courage it takes for a parent to bring their children to Israel for treatment.  They are desperate to save their child.  They have two choices; Stay home with a critical child and live each day wondering if it will be their last or they can muster up the courage to do something.  The courage to give their son or daughter a chance at living.  I believe God is working in the courage and calling them to have faith.

On this earth we will make decisions that "Take courage."  Remaining faithful to Him and trusting Him with every ounce of our being is His call to us.

Please pray for me and Mary.  That even now God would prepare our hearts for His work.  We leave in 5 weeks and 2 days!!

Thank you and Blessings!

Thrilled beyond words...

When God plans something...he does it right! He does it His way and in His time.

I'm thrilled beyond words to say...I'm going to Jerusalem in October.  My ticket is purchased and I have all the funds I need to go.  If you prayed for me or donated I want to say "Thank You" with all my heart.  God answered my prayers through you. 

Please continue to pray for Israel and the community I will be helping.  The workers are truly few and the work is so great.  The house is full as I keep up with them via the blog and website.  Hearts are being repaired and parents are being encourage through God's people. 

Getting closer to buying my airline ticket

I'm still amazed at the faithfulness of God!

I'm sitting still for a moment to let that sink in...I didn't have any doubts that he would provide for this mission trip.  I was however clueless to how and who he would use to help.  I'm humbled by Him!  I'm humbled by those that have wanted to be involved by praying or giving. 

I have received a little of $1,000.  I received my passport last week and that has really rejuvenated my hopes of getting my plane ticket soon.  Our travel agent informed us last week that the ticket price could start creeping up at the end of this week.  I believe it will work out exactly as God plans as we continue to seek Him for guidance, wisdom and provision.

My heart aches for Masa and her family.  This has been a roller coaster of a ride for them.  I believe God has Masa in His hands.  I pray as they wait that her mom will feel God's peace and comfort.  Please pray for this little girl and the doctors who are planning her procedure.  http://www.shevet.org/children/masa 

**New discounted price on tshirts** I've sold half of the 50 I need. Sale ends July 24th.  https://www.bonfirefunds.com/hearts-made-well-1

Many Blessings to you and your family!
Bonnie

Garage Sale in the heat of summer!

This weekend I had a garage sale to raise funds for my mission trip.  The temperature in Florida was in the 90's both days and I can't overstate how extremely hot it was out there!  I am thankful for my family and friends that donated items for the sale.  I made $280 towards my trip.  Tomorrow is the last day for the t-shirt fundraiser and unless something miraculous takes place I will not meet the 50 shirt minimum.  As of today, I have fundraised and received donations of $660 towards my goal of $2000. I was able to apply for my passport early and I'm amazed at how God worked that out!  The estimate for my airfare is roughly $1500. 

Please please pray for me.  I've seen God's faithfulness over and over again in my life but lately I felt discouraged.  I know what that's all about and continue to press on.  Thanks everyone!!!

Pressing on...

Well, I should have known as soon as I committed to going to Israel for a mission trip that life would begin to get difficult.  Not just your day to day little fires but big storms.  I believe in spiritual things.  I believe there is an evil one and that he desires to make our life miserable and will try everything to discourage us as we choose to walk in the ways of the Lord and when we commit to do something for God that seems impossible.  When I committed to going, Satan knew the impact.  The impact in my own heart, in eternity, and in the lives of those in the community.  Not that I have a special skill that will help them in a huge way but hopefully I can provide comfort.  Maybe bring encouragement or be a shoulder to cry on but right now I am feeling a tad overwhelmed with life. 

It might have been easier to just stay in bed today. The winds are like a hurricane.  It's that feeling of this is too difficult and the foggy feeling swirling in my head says you aren't doing so good.  The situations and circumstances seem daunting.  BUT GOD...says, "they aren't too big and you will not have to fight this battle, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged...for I am with you (2 Chronicles 20:17)."  Jesus said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."  So, I choose to stand in faith, believe what God says and press on!

The pain reminds this heart that this is not my home!

It was 10 years ago this week I was faced with the possibility that my baby might die.

Ryley was 2 weeks old when he began making strange breathing noises.  One week later while having lunch with a couple of friends, I was faced with the sad reality that something was seriously wrong with him.  I rushed him to the doctor and they sent us to the hospital because his oxygen levels were low.  Ryley was admitted and within a few hours he was transferred to ICU.  During the night he experienced respiratory failure and was put on life support.  The next morning he was airlifted by helicopter from Lakeland to Tampa General.  We drove to Tampa unsure of what we were facing.  A baby in extremely critical condition.  Let me just say…what a shock!  We watched in horror as he sucked on the tube inserted in his throat and while nurses ran beside his bed using a bag to help him breathe while transporting him for testing. To have a sick baby and not know if he will live or die is a scary and emotional roller coaster.  One I will never forget.  Ryley didn’t require surgery, Praise God!  He was diagnosed with two rare respiratory conditions that took two years for him to outgrow. The ups and downs were exhausting but at the same time we experienced a miracle. 

Recently, I was presented with an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Israel in October.  This is rather interesting considering our church was in the midst of a monthly prayer commitment.  One of the prayers each person was ask to pray over was for members of our church to commit to going on a mission trip.  I prayed, as if praying for someone else to go, not considering that I might be one called to go.  So here I am with a tug in my heart saying, "yes, I will go!" 

Just as interesting as how I was ask to go is the actual volunteer work. This trip is to support sick children and their families while they await and receive lifesaving heart surgery. (WOW...My heart can relate! I've been through the emotional stress of a child with a medical condition). The children and their family members come to a community home in Jerusalem.  I will stay at the community home with them for two weeks.  I will have the opportunity to pray for them, cook for them, play with them, make hospital visits and try to comfort them . This will be a time of sharing Christ's love with them.  While writing I was reminded of a scripture verse in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)  God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

I am believing by faith that if God wants me to go he will provide the support. Prayer and financial support. I will have a few fundraisers in the next couple of months.  Would you please pray for me?  This is a little scary.  I've never gone on a mission trip and I've never traveled outside of the U.S. Please prayerfully consider how God would have you help. Hearts made well.  Hearts made one.  Thank you.

 

How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133