Big Sis in the Holy Land

This past week one of my big sisters Emily came to visit me in the Holy Land! (I have a 2nd big sister Kate just fyi) She was my first visitor to come specifically to Israel because I am here.

Quick background - Emily is 3 years older than me and a math teacher. She's been to 22 different countries all around the world doing ministry mostly so I was gearing up to hopefully provide her with a fun time and new things to see.

It really turned out to be quality bro/sis time as I showed her around the country and took on a bit of the tour guide role sharing all about what I have learned so far. We went to Caesarea, Hiked in Galilee, visited the Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Jerusalem on Good Friday walking the Via De La Rosa (path of the cross), Haifa, floated in the Dead Sea, Jericho, Bethlehem, and hung around my current hometown, Nazareth.
- This is all incentive for you to come visit me!!! Just get here, I'll do the rest

(Dead Sea mud, Nazareth Village, Jerusalem, and Mt. Arbel above Sea of Galilee)

 

Now, this is the first time I've ever had extended just 'Emily and I time' in our life. Growing up we loved each other cuz we had to as family, but never really would've chosen to be around one another. So I was a little nervous because I wanted to entertain her and also didn't want to argue/fight. Also this would be an opportunity to build some good memories to in our relationship for the years to come and as we've gotten older it has been easier to relate and enjoy each others company. The cliche is family first, or family over everything...but do we really live that day to day? I know I don't however I've learned a lot about how family is such a strong element here in the Arab culture. I am fully aware of the blessing of my family and thankful for my parents and sisters...and this time with Emily was I think a big step in our friendship down the road.

Hope you had a wonderful Easter! It was interesting in Nazareth, there are actually 2 Easters celebrated a week apart - one for the western/catholic Christians, and then the Greek Orthodox Christians celebrated a week later. I don't get it...we all believe in the same Jesus and little things getting in the way seem silly to me. It is a truly special time of year thought and reminder of the Genius of Jesus and what I think is the greatest moment in human history...the cross and then resurrection. PTL!!!

Go tell someone in your family you love them! - or - Do something nice as a surprise!

God Bless - Zack