Crossing The Border

Sunday, June 19, 2011
by Rebekah Plowman


Crossing the border from Jordan into Israel: Thankfully, our crossing was much easier than was expected and we were through in only 40 minutes. There were a couple of suspenseful moments when Ed was taken for questioning about our reason for coming to Israel, but he rather quickly emerged and then from our list of tour members, the guard selected the youngest non-minor of our group, Liz Saunders. Liz was asked similar questions, all aimed at assuring the Israeli guard that we were in Israel for our stated purpose, that no one had joined us since our trp from the States, and that our luggage had remained with us at all times. One very funny comment made by Liz was in response to whether there was a chance anyone could have put something in any of our luggage while it was on the bus, to which Liz very aptly replied: "Golly, I sure hope not." I don't think any of us could have answered his question any better.

The Arabs attempting to come across the border had a much more intense search, much like one sees at our airports - although the lines were quite long. We have been told that it can take hours for the Arabs to cross the border. I like to think the good Lord held us in the palm of his hand and provided us with safe and hassle-free crossing, much like he does in our daily lives when we but trust him. Crossing the borders with the Lord as our guide, is much easier.

To finish off the day, we were fortunate to participate in an Evensong Service at St. George's Cathedral in Jerusalem. Beside the amazing thrill of being in the Holy City of Jerusalem and singing in such a magnificent cathedral, Jeff realized that we were assisting in the leading of worship at the very same time our church was worshipping back home. It made our experience that much greater to know that although thousand of miles apart, we were still able to worship Christ together So, while y'all are thinking about us and continuing to prayer for us, know that you are never far from our hearts and thoughts!