Mr. Solo Dolo

Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening to you! (It's been pretty interesting and cool to communicate with family and friends all over the world in different time zones. Just an FYI, I'm 7 hours ahead of EST in the states).

So I have officially started my month in Nazareth "alone". By this I mean my YL supervisor/host family has gone to the U.S. for the month of August to visit their family and friends while I remain here in Israel house sitting and spending as much time as possible with my new high school friends getting to know them more. Also going to be doing my best to improve my Arabic.

Nazareth, my new home city, from Mt. Precipice



I'm thankful for the last 2 weeks. Much has gone on...I've met a bunch of new people, all of whom extend a welcome to me and offer their hospitality in any way, we unfortunately had our Young Life camp for the Nazareth kids postponed because of the elevated conflict occurring, some celebration with the summer interns (Tanner turned 21!) and then saying goodbye to the interns as they left to go back for their fall semester of college, a couple YL make-shift hang out days for the high schoolers because camp was delayed, and then seeing Hunter, Lauri and Haley off.

It's kinda cool being a foreigner. Having a couple people I know here definitely makes life a little easier and provides some sense of comfort. When they introduce me to their friends and say "Zack is from America" it's funny to see the "ohhhh no wayyy" kind of expression that shows up on their face. America still has a good reputation here which is a positive. After the pleasant introductions and use of the basic few Arabic phrases I know, I share that I am here for an extended stay. Usually the follow up question is "why would you ever come to Nazareth when you could be in America?"
Hmmm, interesting question. My chosen explanation has been:
"When I visited last year I really appreciated the people. Their hospitality and kindness really drew me in. Also, I was offered a job here...the opportunity to be a leader with Young Life. And, to get to call home where Jesus did is pretty freakin sweet. But at the heart of it, I know exactly what America has for me more or less. I've spent my entire life living there...I know the culture, I know what I'll do for the most part from day to day. By leaving and choosing to live somewhere in a new country, I have been opened up to so much more that exists in the world. New experiences, new ways of thinking, living, and doing life."
This comes with the youthful adventurous spirit I know, but could be attached to any stage of life.
- That last bit is sort of an extension of some thoughts I had during my senior year of college and the past year in Raleigh, NC. My best example is: sometimes I would pass by a house that was having a 'classic' college party...and I thought ''Dang that looks like fun. Maybe I could walk in, say hello and have a good time with the people there.''
Then I would stop and think for a minute. I know exactly what will happen if I walk in there. I've done it many times. I know what is going on inside, I know what I would see, I know things I would say, I know what my actions would be.
Typically after going through this, that attraction would fade. I'm not trying to be arrogant or elevate myself at all, please don't take it that way. I just have been there and for the most part at the end of the night or in the morning I'd realize it wasn't all that great. So recently in life I've been looking for those new experiences, or doing something where I don't know what may happen...and that has helped me trust God even more with my choices.

Anyways...
It was a huge bummer to have to postpone camp for the Naz kids. Luckily I am staying so I'll be here when we have it in September or October, but I felt for the interns who wanted to be apart of it. It was to be the 3rd camp they worked at this summer and kind of a last hurrah. However, we were looking at the positives. Better to be safe than sorry obviously, but also with camp being closer to the school year, maybe more kids will come who wouldn't have because they were traveling over the summer.
One of the things I love about YL is the ability to adapt and be flexible as an organization. We set up a day at a local hotel for the kids to come out and just enjoy themselves. There was a pool, volleyball and football (not American), and even did some paintballing with a group of guys! Afterwards we had dinner and then club just like a regular day at summer camp. (club for those who don't know is the most classic Young Life event. Everyone together in a big room...then we sing some popular songs, do a couple skits/games, sing a worship type song and then a 15-20minute talk on a piece of scripture is given). About 70 high school kids showed up and it seemed like everyone had a good time. This provided an opportunity to make some new friends, introduce those who had never heard about or been to YL, and start some good conversations.

Some high school guys at the YL hangout

Saying goodbye to the interns was...odd. Since we weren't having the camp, everyone decided to see if any earlier flights home were possible. There was a day where everyone was pretty much on the phone for a while and suddenly 2 were leaving tomorrow, a couple more the next day, and so on. In the words of Ron Burgundy all I could say was "well that escalated quickly" haha. However, hanging with them all for a month was such a blessing. I got pretty close with the guys and loved spending time getting to know the girls. They all of amazed me with their level of maturity in faith and how they were following hard after Jesus. When you're with people constantly for an extended period of time it doesn't take long to get to know each others tendencies as well as create some funny "inside jokes". It also can be difficult as everyone is different, but the fact that we all have a common goal in life to pursue Christ unites us. Grace was given abundantly, everyone served each other, and conversations about the "deeper" levels of life were commonplace (my favorite). I thank God for the time we had together and look forward to hearing where their lives go from here and how this trip impacts them now and in the long run.

Regarding the conflict in Gaza: I won't go too in depth here because it won't do justice to all that it encompasses. I'm still completely safe. Nazareth is in Northern Israel, a good distance from Gaza which is in the south near Egypt. It continues to break my heart seeing such hatred between neighbors, although the majority of whom I join in praying for peace daily. It is not my place to choose sides...I'd rather choose Jesus every day. Simply talking about it and increasing anger does not do any good either. Therefore, I do my best to live in love to all those I encounter. It is my utmost hope that the leaders of these nations, after 3 full weeks of violence and an unreasonable amount of blood shed, can work together and choose peace over power.

Well, that is all I got for now. I do want to say, 'Shukran Ektir' ('thank you very much' in Arabic) to you all! For having an invested interest in my life, for sending prayers and good vibes my way, and for being the great people you are (:
I am a product of my experiences, everything I've learned and all the people I've encountered.

Oh yeah, and I want to ask...Now that there aren't people around me as much...will you facetime/Skype/call me?? It has been one of the things I look forward to most, getting to see friends and family from home. I have lots of available time on my hands, so let me know if you would want to catch up or hear how things are going and we can arrange something. I also want to hear what's going on in your life...maybe we can share advice with each other or wherever conversation may lead. Please do, it truly is a blessing to me.

End of hike waterfall in Caesarea Philippi

Cheers, have a great day and enjoy the moment!

Zack

Feels Like A Month Already

So it has only been 10 days into the move to Israel and already feels way longer.

First off, I am completely safe. Lots of information and activity has been coming out of the Middle East area, specifically relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict. A quick summary that hardly covers it all but there is an Extremist group known as Hammas that currently controls the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government and that small concentrated group are the ones who are currently in a violent dispute. It's important to remember that the majority of Palestinian people are not associated with Hammas and simply desire peace and equal rights. Hammas has tried sending rockets into some of the Israeli cities (all far from me) but all have been intercepted. In retaliation, Israel bombed parts of Gaza killing 186 Palestinians. Yesterday Turkey, USA, Israel, Egypt, and Palestine leaders met to try and work out a cease fire. Israel has been getting a lot of international heat for their actions and today they agreed to a cease fire but the Hammas group did not. If you feel a call to pray, pray for Peace. That the leaders of these countries could see reason and that the loss of innocent lives is unnecessary and can be easily avoided. Pray for equal human rights amongst all people in this region and the spreading of respect for each other as members of mankind.

While it has been so enlightening to become aware of this conflict and know much more about it than I would in the States, it breaks my heart. Much of my time already and from here out will be spent with Arab's who have descended predominantly from the Palestine region (before Israel was even a country). They are the most joyful, welcoming and hospitable people I have ever met in my life and I thank the Lord for this experience. He has changed my judgment and any presumptions  I had about a culture I knew nothing about except from 9/11.

The last 10 days we have been in Jordan. A planned trip this whole time to experience some other things besides just Israel over here. Thankfully it happened when it did just to ensure even more safety. Starting in Mafraq, Jordan for 4 days, we slept and worked at a church with Jordanian Christians who have been helping provide food and basic supplies to Syrian Refugees. As the Syrian Civil War goes on, over 2 million people have fled or been displaced to the surrounding countries (500,000 to the Mafraq region...basically a county). Each day we would join a local church member who spoke Arabic, stop by the market to buy groceries, diapers, basic toiletries etc... then visit refugee's homes who had registered with the church.

What a shock to my heart and a humbling experience of recognizing what others are dealing with around the world.

We were usually met by a mother and her kids...ranging from 2 to 6 in number. After stepping through the door, homes consisted of 2, maybe 3 rooms that had mattresses around the sides...and sometimes a tv. That's it. After dropping the supplies by the door we would sit down and simply spend time talking with them. In my very very limited Arabic I would ask the kids their name, how old they were, and how they were dong. After that it was just lots of smiles and learning some new words in Arabic from the kids as we tried to bridge the gap between language barriers. Through the translator, we would learn about their family, if they were doing ok, what they did before the civil war and anything else we could think to talk about. It amazed me that they main thing they all desired was to just go back home where their families are and live in Peace. No violence, no hatred...they just wanted to go about life as every other person does.
To hear story after story of family members dying or the suffering they have experienced.....it just isn't fair.
Praise God though for the innocence of these children. Still smiling and able to welcome in strangers to their home. Their faces will remain with me for a long time.

Syrian kids and I - Smile :)

And the people from the church were also so welcoming! There were 4 groups there from all over the world serving there (Norway, South Africa, England, and another American group) that paired with local Jordanian Believers all in Jesus' name :) All I have said is Thank You God for my short time there and how awesome it was to meet fellow believers.

After Jordan we went to Petra and saw the amazing wonders of the mountains and the temple that is in basically every movie with an epic setting in the desert (Transformers, Indiana Jones...maybe star wars?) haha. Something I never thought I'd get to see. We then spent the night in Wadi Rum, a tent community in the straight up desert. With no artificial light the stars were unbelievable to witness and our group of 13 decided to sing some worship songs for a bit. As this happened one of the workers from the community came up and joined us. Wa-El, a 24 year old from Egypt who was working to support his family that he sees once a year. He told us he was a Christian but how it was very difficult because nobody else he worked with was and he missed his family. After he shared some of his story and sat with us while we sang, myself and our Palestinian friend Youssef (who is head of Young Life in Bethlehem in the West Bank) got to pray for him bringing Wa-El to tears. Who would have thought in the desert we would meet a fellow believer and get to encourage him in his faith?!?!
Again, Praise You Heavenly Father for the work you're doing all around the world and what a treat it is to meet fellow brothers and sisters in Christ :)

Path on the way to the temple

 

Insanely cool! - Petra temple

 



We finished the trip at a hotel on the edge of the Red Sea for a couple days of relaxation before we get back to Nazareth and prepare for Young Life Summer Camp for the Nazareth high schoolers! It's vital and even a commandment from God to rest, something that can get lost in our economy driven culture. It's always go go go, work work work. I even get in that mindset sometimes and eventually reach a point of exhaustion.
It was great couple days though. I got to snorkel for the first time seeing beautiful coral and such a diversity of fish that I was again reminded of how everything in the world screams of a Designer. Finished the trip with watching the World Cup Final! Cheers to Germany and their amazing play throughout as a complete TEAM, the only nation to do so in my opinion. Wanted Messi to get one as I think he will go down as one of the all-time greats. Either way, he's definitely a player I admire.

Snorkeling in the Red Sea

Whew...long post but so much has already happened. Glad I get to share with everyone. The prayers, support, and belief in what I'm doing has been felt time and time again. From my parents to long time friends to new friends, I thank you. Shout-out to Russell and Kelsey, the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Moore!!! thanks for your support, it makes my heart smile and I'm grateful for our friendship :)

Blessings from me to you, I am only here because of my life experiences with you all and with God as the guide to my path.

Love Zack

Made it!

Hellooooo friends and family!

The day came and went, and it was a long and tiring day, but I'm finally here in Nazareth, Israel! After being dropped off at Dulles Airport around 3pm Thurs I got on the plane around 5:45pm. Unfortunately we had to wait an hour and a half to officially take off due to weather (thank goodness for movies on international flights). After an 8 hour flight, my layover in Zurich, Switzerland was supposed to be 2 hours. Needless to say I was a bit stressed when I realized I would have only about 25 minutes to get to my next flight once we landed.
Thankfully, I was able to make it on the flight to Tel Aviv, Israel and landed safely around 3pm local time (8am EST). Then came a little more stress. I got held by customs for about an extra 45 minutes...I think because I had a longer visa so they just wanted to make sure everything was okay even after their government had already approved it. That's one of the things you learn about Israel. Because they are the only nation in this region of the world following a western culture it's imperative that they maintain strict regulations. Here's my analogy  "If you poke Israel, they'll basically come and punch you in the face."
Anyways, so after being held for a little extra time, I then discovered that my (and my fellow travelers who had the quick transition) luggage didn't make it to Tel Aviv. So that was another hour figuring out the process to get my suitcases that have all my clothes to where I'm staying in Nazareth.

- It was interesting to watch how upset, irate, and annoyed some of the passengers were. I understand, it is a bummer and we've all had a long day. But seriously, that gives you no reason to take out your anger on a person who has had no impact on your luggage being late. It's not their fault...so what's the purpose of yelling at them? I coulda been mad, I could've blamed it all on the 17 hours of traveling I had just experienced. But I stopped myself and decided to MAKE A CHOICE. I chose to keep a level head, be patient, and work with whoever I needed to in order to get what I was looking for. Everything worked out and hopefully I can continue that process for similar situations in the future.

After ALL of that craziness and workin on about an hour of sleep, it put a huge smile on my face to turn the corner and see Hunter, his daughter Haley and 2 friends who are interns for the summer waiting for me with big smiles. I felt wanted, appreciated and welcomed. A feeling we all desire to have.

After the hour and a half drive to Nazareth from Tel Aviv, we got to the Lambeth's house! Even more welcoming to a few familiar faces and some new ones. The summer interns, who are college kids (Emily, Becca, Emily, Nam, Casey, John, Tanner) have been here for June and will stay through July. It's pretty cool to see some kids my age choosing to step out of their comfort zone and experience life in a different part of the world.

After a steak dinner, some hangout time, and late night world cup games, I finally knocked out. Woke up today and still tired...but it's so great to be here. I'm full of thankfulness. To the safety of travel, to the people here who welcomed me and made me feel like I am wanted. To my parents who care so much about. To my friends who have shared life with me and are excited for me. To everyone who has had a hand in praying for me and supporting me. To God, that He has my life and given me all these blessings.

Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you! It's been a long process but right now, my new adventure has officially started.

"The journey of a million miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu