Once upon a time a little girl went to church with her family.  She had been taken to church since she was two weeks old.  She went every Sunday and Wednesday, and any other time the church was open.  Now she was four years old and going to the 'Beginner' department.  (That dates me I know.  Just in case you have no idea what that means -- it's the four & five year olds.)  She began to hear great stories from the Bible.  She began to hear names such as Bethlehem, Calvary, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River just to name a few.  As she grew older the names became more familiar, and others were added to the list.  She knew the names.  She knew the stories.  She saw pictures along with these stories.  She could imagine in her mind how the stories happened.  She loved the stories.  She had Bible story books and read them over and over.  She believed them to be true.  At the age of nine she believed with all her heart that Jesus lived, and died just for her.  She asked Him to come and live in her heart.  And He did!  Since that time, she continued learning more about those places and stories.  But those places and stories happened a long time ago.  That little girl could not even imagine seeing the places where Jesus walked and taught his disciples.  Much less where He hung on the cross for her, giving His life.  And then conquering death and rising again three days later!  Did you ever feel like that?  It's just a place long time ago where Jesus and His disciples lived and ministered.  Just a place -- so long ago.  Yes, it was a long time ago, but the ancient city of Jerusalem still stands.  And that little girl has grown up, married a minister whose dream was to visit the Holy Land,  and is going -- to walk where Jesus walked and taught, to ride a boat across the Sea of Galilee, to see the Garden of Gethsemene, the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, to view an empty tomb, and many other sites.  

Mike has always wanted to go to the Holy Land.  This will be our third attempt to go.  The first time didn't work out.  A group from the church was going, but never made it out of Burleson.  The company decided to close down right before our trip, and took our money with them.  Second attempt we made it closer. Mike and I found a Holy Land cruise.  What could be better than seeing the Holy Land and going on a cruise at the same time?  It even included seeing sites outside of Israel, like the island of Patmos.  We were so excited.  I was more excited this time than the first.  We were to set sail from Rome.  After seeing the sights of Rome, we made a stop at Pompeii, then on to Egypt.  After seeing the sights of Egypt (once is enough!), we boarded the ship and set sail for Israel. When we wake up in the morning, we would be there!  The Holy Land!  Then we became 'Moses'.  God brought Moses out of Egypt, but said you will not enter the Promise Land.  Just before bedtime, our ship caught on fire and we were stranded in the Mediterranean Sea.  (That's a whole other story.)  We never made it to Israel.  We were towed back to Egypt and sat in dock until we could be flown home.  So here we are -- our third attempt -- leaving May 14 and returning May 23.  As the days get closer, the reality of it is overwhelming. What do we take?  What will it be like?  How will I feel?  Is it safe???  Then we step back and know God is in control of all things.  This is a trip I never want to forget. My plans are to take time each night to record the highlights of each day and try to describe my feelings of being there.  Of course, I'm sure I will include a few pictures along the way.

This blog is intended mainly as a diary for my personal use to remember each day and when we return to put it in book form so our trip will live longer than our memories.  But I don't mind if you join us while we are on this wonderful journey on one condition -- that you will pray for us while we are there.  Please pray for safety, health, and God's blessings for the whole group.