Dia Cero

We left Saturday at 1pm and arrived Sunday at 4:30pm but it was less than 24 hrs of traveling.

In the airplane from Newark to Tel Aviv there were many Jewish people. Little did I know it was a little taste of what I was about to experience walking in Jerusalem.
There were different Jewish people, orthodox and others. One thing stood up to me; that they really believe their religion, and even though they have to do so many things to fulfill the standards they are not afraid of what people might think. Religion is their life, in their political, social, artistic, economical etc aspect, they live a wholeistic life.
Many times I even find myself having a fragmented life even though I know the truth.
This was another call for me to continue the thought on the previous post; of doing everything out of faith, being purposeful with everything.

Then arriving to the airport; the journey began, and the countdown started (sadly, but necessary to mention due to the many things to do and the little time we have).
Abner Chou received us and information started to be poured into us!
We were riding through Joppa, the place from where Jonah went out when God told him to go to the gentiles at Niniveh, and also where Peter was also told by God to go to the house of Cornelius (a gentile). Abner mentioned the importance of the place and the even, and the fact that if the gospel hadnt been spread to the gentiles we all could not be there at that place to study the Bible!
GOd is sovereign and He makes all things possible; I'm thankful for that event, and the willingness of Peter to go out to the gentiles!

And this was day cero.
Now we just have to be ready to start getting to know better the history of the people that God chose so that other nations (every nation) would be blessed and saved through the Messiah.
Pray that we as a group wont be jaded by the fact of this amazing opportunity that we have, but that we might take it all in, and that we might be thankful about everything.


"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. " 1 Thess. 5:16-18

1 BI (Before Israel) >with great opportunity comes great responsibility<

Even though it's only a couple of months, I want to be prepared for what Israel can bring...I double checked the list of things I have to bring, I have been getting accquainted with the geography, climate, and many other little things before getting there.
My suitcase(s) are ready and I think my mind is too. I have been longing for it ever since I knew I was on the list!

Then I realize...
If I'm preparing this much for a trip that lasts only 3 plus months, how much more I should be preparing myself for eternity?! I should always be ready to take off, I should always be excited of my adoption into the best family-His family.
I say 'I should' because I admit that's not how it is all the time. I forget by getting distracted on little details, on things that I enjoy more than I should, on things that get me discouraged...the truth is I get distracted quite often. But then by the grace of God, someone (a friend most of the time) or something, reminds me to look up and await for the glories of heaven when I will be with my savior and "MY FAITH SHALL BE SIGHT"... and once I have this in mind it's much easier to redeem the time that the Lord has given me, and to be a better steward of all He gives me.

Considering that not everyone gets the opportunity to go to Israel (for 3 1/2 months!!) I take this great privilege and lay it down to Him; knowing the sacrifice that people have done so that I could go (my mom being selfless when caring for me, my education, and everything; my dad wanting what's best for me and giving it to me whenever it was the right time, the teachers that have worked hard for this program...); therefore I don't want to do what I want and may be waste precious time, but rather I want to do whatever God has for me to do and I ask for your prayers in this...so that Israel may continue to be a blessing to many people even through what I might learn!!

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil...giving thanks always and for everything..." Ephesians 5:15,20