Israel. Hello and Goodbye.

I realize that it has been a while since I have last updated. I do feel as if I have an excuse though - hence the real reason I didn't bring my computer to Israel. :)

Today is my last real day in Israel before I head out for Jordan. It's a little bittersweet. I've gotten used to everything here and it seems a shame to leave. On the other hand, most people have already left for the states by now, so that makes continuing onto Jordan a little bit easier. A little bit. But the unknown is always difficult.

On the whole, I've enjoyed my 3 week stay here. Certainly a lot more than I thought I would enjoy it. We were kept very busy, fed very well, and we were continually wishing for more time in all the places we visited. I've discovered it's very hard to see a country in 3 weeks, much less appreciate it how it should be appreciated.

(Quick) Highlights:
1) The group. Our class was awesome, to put it simply. We had a wide range of people and each one of them made the trip interesting - I will not be forgetting any of them easily. It does make saying goodbye hard though, as I wish that all of them went to Gordon or were at least in the area. Really, I can't say enough good things about our group.

2) Our teachers who know everything. See, a lot of people think they know everything, but the Phillips' really do. And they are humble about it. Not only are they excellent role models, but they are just really amazing people with amazing stories, like many people on this trip.

3) Connecting locations and biblical passages. This was our class description in a nut shell, but our experiences were so much more. To put it simply, I will never read the bible in the same way that I once used to, and I'm really glad for it.

4) Riding a camel. See below.

5) The 3 nights on the Sea of Galilee. We definitely ended the trip on a high note. The accommodations were wonderful and these nights were the most relaxing, even if everyone was exhausted. Singing worship hymns on the beach looking out to the city of Tiberius was also special. It should really be counted as its own highlight. 

Those have been my highlights for the last 3 weeks. They have been tiring ones, but worth while ones. I am glad that I decided to come, but I am ready to be home. I know that the next 2 weeks will be challenging ones, but I have hopes that they will just as fruitful.

Signing off for a while.... but returning soon.

- Krystal

PS: No pictures for now; I do not have the technology or the time to upload pictures right now but, rest assured, much like last summer, I will try to do a series of posts when I get back.