Sometimes life throws us curveballs, requiring us not to get too far on to our front foot! Waiting to allow God’s blessings to come without charging ahead with our own plans usually yields positive results. Tuesday was such a day.

We were scheduled to travel up north to Kiryat Shmona to prepare meals for those remaining in the destroyed village and the IDF soldiers defending the Lebanese border. But, lo and behold, there was not a big enough need for our help, so that activity was pushed off until Wednesday. Meanwhile, our plan B could not have worked out any better!

First, we were up bright and early to see the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee from the balcony of our Airbnb. It was gorgeous and we enjoyed a devotional time as we welcomed the day. It ushered in a very serene day in which the quiet and peace of Israel were on display! For those concerned about visiting Israel, there is just no way to describe the peacefulness, even in the areas deemed by many to be “dangerous.” (More about that later.)

Because we had a free morning, I took the group to a very impactful place, particularly for women. That place is Magdala, the Biblical home of Mary Magdalene. Jesus valued women and Magdala is a testament to that. There is a beautiful chapel on the grounds of Magdala and in the rotunda, several women of the Bible are honored. Among the highlights at Magdala:

• Viewing the excavated synagogue in which we know Jesus taught.
• Seeing the excavated fish-processing city of Magdala, including an impressive string of mikvaot with circulating water.
• Beautiful mosaics, including one representing the healing of Jarius’ daughter.
• The world-famous mural of the bleeding woman touching the hem of Jesus’ garment in order to be healed.
• The chapel boat that serves as a pulpit, but is depicted as floating on water, even as you view it with the Sea of Galilee in the background.

It was a delight to have Father Kelly, a seasoned guide with tremendous humor at Magdala, explain to us the Latin verbiage encircling the rotunda, venerating women with grace and goodness. As an all-female group, we were blessed by the encouragement of Father Kelly.

Following our visit to Magdala, we were treated to a very special afternoon. A guide friend of mine, Moshe Gabay, who is a partner in Keshet Journeys (a Christian tour company) took us to the kibbutz where his family lives. There, we learned much about life on a kibbutz, and about the area of the Golan Heights they call home. A highlight was sharing lunch together outdoors at an Israeli food truck with the best Israeli specialties! It was delicious and the fellowship with Moshe and his wife, Jeanette, were priceless. What an delightful couple!

Following lunch, Moshe loaded us into his Ranger and we went off-roading to overlook an ancient Syrian-Israeli battle site, then on to Hippos, a Decapolis city “on the other side!” Jews in the time of Jesus rarely, if ever, went “to the other side” of the Sea of Galilee where pagan criminals lived.

All, except Jesus, of course! He went there to free a demon-possessed man, then told the man to tell his entire village about Him. Apparently, he did, as the city of Hippos became a bastion of Gentile believers. Jesus also referenced a city of lights, and Hippos fits the description. It is perhaps this site, not Caesarea, in which the Gospel first went out to the Gentiles. Opened only in 2023, it was a first for all of us.

Now, about that dangerous part! We were privileged to go where tourists cannot! Moshe took us to see a tank unit up on the Golan Heights! This unit is literally within eyesight of the demilitarized zone with Syria. From there, we saw the evidence of why it is no longer dangerous up on the Syrian border.

We viewed the Israeli border fence and patrol road on the Israeli side, the border fence on the Syrian side, and the newly constructed road and buildings in the demilitarized zone. For terrorists to infiltrate the border in those parts, they must traverse two border fences and a highly patrolled demilitarized zone. Laughingly, the UN has an outpost there as well.

The IDF has taken over Syrian bases of operation, and the Syrians no longer have the capability of a major strike in Israel. In addition, Moshe noted that kibbutzim that were once guarded by 6 post-IDF soldiers, are now guarded by 35. Terrorist infiltration into Israeli kibbutzim, such as happened in Gaza, is no longer a viable possibility.

Unfortunately, for reasons you can imagine, we are not able to show the faces of IDF soldiers we snapped a photo with. However, Moshe did spend a bit of time explaining the situation.

We finished the day back at the kibbutz…and back at the food truck! It was incredibly delicious, and SOOO Israeli! (Everything fresh, everything colorful, and everything more tasty than what we ever get at home!)

When you’re ON MISSION with God, prepare for surprises! This was one we will never forget!

Hang in there with us, friends! Our next stop is Kiryat Shmona where we are assured they have work for us on Wednesday! Meanwhile, please pray the missing piece of luggage arrives from Frankfurt today, and that the delivery goes as planned.