MONDAY: I'm Just Overwhelmed!

Today has been an amazing day. Started out watching the sunrise on the Sea of Galilee on a balcony just outside my hotel door. As I sat watching the mountain range waiting for the sun to crest, I realized there was a flock of birds in trees next to me. And they were all a-flutter. The closer the sun got to the cresting, the more excited and louder they got. Then just as the sunrise came over, they got quiet. Like they were in awe. For about a minute, they remained silent. Even the birds seemed to recognize His majesty. Very cool moment!

Then went to the Mt of Beatitudes. Then a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee which is really just a big lake. Again, felt very at home . . . boats and water, what more could an East Coast girl want!! As we were getting on the boat, the boaters were directing us to back of the boat. So as I came aboard, I asked if I could go to the bow to take some pictures. The captain just looked at me and said no. I laughed and asked could I since I know it's called the bow?? He snickered and said the answer is still no. Had some sweet moments on board as we talked about how storms can come on all of a sudden and talked about the objects of our fears. when we are consumed by the circumsances, it's easy to get lost in the storm. But when you change the object of your fear to the One who can take care of the fear, the storm doesn't seem so bad.

While enjoying the peace of boat ride, had some sweet moments of just catching up with my friend, Carey. As I mentioned before, we used to work together and now continue the honor of being a part of their family. Carey and I have been on several international trips together (while working together). I am so excited to share this journeywith he and his wife, Amy.

Then made a trip to a cave on the side of the mountain where Jesus could have taught. It was beauitful. Crazy hiking (not far but lots of rocks :-) to get there but we've got some incredible men on the trip who have servants hearts and have been helping us "unsure" women make our way through the trail.

Next, on our way to the Jordan River. I've been looking forward to this baptism time for months. As I was changing into my swimsuit and robe, I just began to cry. This is the first moment that I stopped to really, really realize that God had really brought me to this place. Nothing I did. This was it. Then to be able to have my friend baptized me who is also a Spritual giant in my life, well, it was just a precious moment that I can't imagine ever forgetting. Obviously being intricately woven into each other's lives, God gave him the exact words that I know beyond doubt were Spirit-led to be prayed over me. Again, just overwhelming.

Just before we were baptized, our Messianic Rabbi, Baruch, who travels with the tour and teaches, spoke about baptism. One of the statements he made was that emersion causes change. In order to have faith to change (and allow God to change you), faith comes from obeying. We hear the word given, faith is the verb once we've heard and we, in response, obey.

That's what this trip is for me. An act of obedience. When everything said no, God said yes. When physically I didn't think I could do it, He allowed the surgery to be early enough to be able to heal. When financially I knew there was no way, He provided in ways that still just astound me. When in my mind, I just wasn't sure if it was my turn to experience this, He spoke in overwhelming ways and confirmed again, "it's time to go". So in obedience, I'm here. I'm making my statement of faith. Enough of my will. I'm laying it down and now look at me. I'm blogging from a patio looking over the Sea of Galilee.

Overwhelming is the word for this trip. Just overwhelming.