Tuesday, August 2, 2011

It's Been a While

I know, I know. I've been slacking in the blog department lately.

And no, I don't have a good reason (besides the fact that the heat here in Israel is paralyzing, I don't always get good internet access, between volunteering and soaking up the community life I have limited free time, I enjoy my afternoon naps a little too much, and well, while living in Nazareth I want to be doing just that!)

Like I said, no good reason.

BUT, I do want to get an update out there for those I haven't been able to call or skype with lately.

Since mid-June I've been here in Israel. The first couple weeks I toured with an amazing group from RCA (Reformed Church of America). By the fourth day I feared my head would explode and drops of information would get on everyone, but I somehow managed to keep it all contained (if not all retained) and thoroughly enjoyed the vast amount of teaching, good food, and wonderful, wonderful community.

After that I said goodbye to that group and headed up north to Nazareth, where I've been since June 20. I'm volunteering at an adorable little inn in the heart of the old city (www.fauziazarinn.com if you're interested). I get to greet the guests with a cold cup of water and fresh cake and make their stay here as memorable as possible. I have literally met people from all over the world, from all walks of life, and every faith background you can imagine. It has truly been an eye-opening experience! Just last night I had dinner at an Arab restaurant with a Scot, and Kiwi, and a girl from Czech Republic. How fun!

As many of you know by now, my boyfriend, Kalyan, was planning on joining me in Israel later this month. However, we found out last week that there are major complications to that plan. The chance of an unmarried male Indian missionary getting into Israel is slim. So, rather than wait until it was too late, we prayed and decided the best choice now is to cancel his tickets. I cannot describe how difficult this decision was for us both! Besides all the plans we had here, we now have to wait even longer to see each other. Ugh!!

On the bright side, we found out that Indians can go to Thailand for up to 15 days without a visa, and since we had most of our money refunded from our tickets, our current plan (Lord willing -- and I've learned that that phrase is key!) is to meet up in Thailand and travel around for a few days. It will have been 10 months since we saw each other last and you can believe I am more than ready to see him again!!

After that, we'll go back to India and I'll meet his family and friends around the country. I'm actually getting excited to return to the country that was more challenging to me than any other I've been to! God knows I like a good challenge. :)

Spiritually, I feel like I've been on a roller-coaster lately. God has kept me guessing as to what's next! But in the midst of that, I'm learning to trust Him more and more. I hate how unfaithful I can be with Him at times! But it is His own faithfulness that constantly calls me back to where I should be - that beautiful place created by trust in my Heavenly Father.

So, I think that's it for now. I promise to think about keeping you more updated in the future. (hehe)

May the Lord bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you and give you grace and peace both now and forevermore.

May your life - and mine - bring Him glory in this world.