Easter

Happy Easter Week!

I don't think I'm aware of the significance of how cool it is to be living in the Holy Land during this time of year. While there is the fun of eggs to be hunted by kids and the large amount of chocolate bunnies that will be eaten, we are all aware of the reason for this holiday. Jesus came to Jerusalem amongst a party of people who were all singing His praise, yet He knew exactly what was coming a week later.

I'm even more excited because my sister will be joining me here in Israel for 10 days! Emily is visiting during her spring break and I think I've told everyone I can that she will be here (partially because it is a sentence in Arabic I know I can say haha). I'm looking forward to hosting her, showing her around the land, and most of all introducing her to the amazing people I have built relationships with.
Even more so on the family aspect, my dad's brother and his wife came at the beginning of this month and I took a bus to Tiberias (city on the Sea of Galilee) to enjoy some time with them.

(with Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jim)

 

I've continued my time volunteering at the village (30-35hrs a week) during the tourist season and been blessed through that. While it is demanding and definitely "grind work", there are moments that I am truly thankful for as I've persevered and been willing to give of myself. (I call these "alter moments" taking a tip from Abraham, amongst many others in the Old Testament, who when God showed up in their life, they built a physical alter of stone usually to commemorate and remind them of it. These alters help me remember when God answered prayer or blessed me so I can look back at them during the grind work or when it feels like nothing is happening).

(baking bread at the Nazareth Village)

Young Life will happen Thursday this week and it is time for the "Cross Talk". In YL terms, this is the club where we share the message from scripture of what Jesus did by taking a punishment intended for us, and defeating death as the Son of Man on the Cross. I'm praying the kids who come are impacted by this truth and the gift that is for each of them...and each of you...and me.

Prayers are always welcome - that God continues to reveal himself to the kids we are getting to know and also for my time with my sister...and I pray that you get some quiet moments to contemplate Jesus on the Cross and the Resurrection this week.

Love Zack