Shalom! It's already October but autumn is no where to be found in Sunny Eilat, Israel. Today, I am 129 days away from home.
I am sitting at a small, air-conditioned cafe away from town center. It's quite a luxury on a hot steamy day like this. Actually it's only 35C and it's considered a good day. Last week topped 43C.
I am savoring every sip of my iced coffee, listening to Mumford & Sons, simultaneously looking at travel details, and basically just minding my own business. My heart cried out when the music came on. I nearly forgot what normality feels like.
I have traveled 5 countries in the last couple of months living on bare minimum. It has been an amazing journey. My favorite has to be Israel so far.
A grandpa named David whose table is next to mine just offered to pay for my coffee. All the reasons why I love this country so much! I found people here very genuine. It's black or white and nothing in between-- they either love you and want to help you or they want to stone you. Just kidding. I have yet to experience the latter! Everybody I met along the way had been exceptionally nice.
I am staying in Eilat for nearly 3 months and volunteering a Christian hostel called the Shelter. A normal work day requires morning prayer meeting, cooking breakfast for Sidney, cleaning, reception duties, bible study, and talking and sharing the gospel with guests. But it's never really just a "normal" day. Affortable hostels like the Shelter attract people of all backgrounds. Weird people, good people, creepy people, tall people, and short people. I have many stories to tell.
Pause. A third person in this cafe just offered to buy me a drink. Of course I kindly declined. I'm not used to accepting free offers. I hope that wasn't rude in this culture. I have met many kind people during my time traveling abroad but the Israelis are so far the most hospitable. I am treated as if I am doing them a huge favor by visiting their country. What an honor! Anyway, I might save those Shelter stories for next time because there are too many to tell.
Jewish New Year, also known as Rosh Shannah or the Feast of Trumpets was three days ago. John and Judy invited the volunteers to celebrate the New Year with their family. Here in Israel, a new day began when the sun set. The Rosh Shannah celebration began on Sunday evening after John gave a brief bible study and broke bread and pour wine. This symbolizes the death of Jesus which washed away our sin and more importantly the hope we have in the second coming of Christ. Shortly after dinner, we gathered around in under the succot to sing and shared our new year prayers. My prayer for the new year is to continue to walk in faith and always rejoice in the Lord!
Shannah tova! Happy New Year!
