October 9th, 2022 – 4:51pm – Hostel In German Colony, Haifa, Israel:

Today was exhausting. This morning I was picked up in a small bus and given a ride to the congregation on the top of Mt. Carmel. In the bus I met and talked with an soldier named Veronika. She spoke English and told me about the congregation and what to expect and helped me find where it was once we were all dropped off. I sat near her and her boyfriend and met another couple who I spoke to briefly. The service was very nice. It was nice to worship God in Hebrew.

After the service I rode the bus back down to my hostel and went to the grocery story. Not much else has happened today. Many conversations with people but nothing of note to report.

I know God is at work and I think this is sort of a waiting period for me. An interim between what was and what is to come. I feel “in transition” for whatever that’s worth. On one hand I feel totally at home but I’ve had a few moments of feeling I don’t belong anywhere in this world.

Which I guess is true… since my home is in heaven in eternity… the here and now is just that… the here and now.

There is a deep tiredness that seems to always come over me after a long period of speaking with people who do not have English as a first language. Although I am very able to communicate, it does take a massive toll to communicate across language and cultural barriers. And this drains me quickly of energy and life… but God is always good… always working to fill me up so that I can give that glass of cold water to those around me. One day at a time… one moment at a time…

So here I am in Israel. Called and chosen and just here. I don’t imagine I’ll see the full impact of all of these interactions with people along my journey until I stand before God and give account.

But I don’t have to wait for that day to hear Him say, “Well done.” He says that to me daily now… and what a gift that is. To hear Him say, “Well done.” I wish everyone could and would hear Him as clearly as I do.