The Journey Begins

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In about 40 days I will be leaving on a trip of a lifetime. I will go on the biggest adventure of my life (so far) as I visit The Holy Land. I will be traveling with a large group from my church and others from another Arkansas church. Some I know very well, others I don’t know at all.

I am told it is a trip that will change you forever. I am excited, and a bit overwhelmed at this point. So, I’d like to start the conversation here over the next few weeks. If you have traveled to Israel, please let me know your thoughts, experiences, and any tips you have.

I thought Valentine’s Day would be a great day to kick off this blog as I prepare to visit the land of The Bible, the greatest love story ever told.

31 thoughts on “The Journey Begins

  1. Oh my goodness ! I’m so excited for you and will be reading as you update !! It’s on my bucket list ; so for now , I’ll live thru you! Thank you for sharing ! Hugs , mrs Stephanie 🥰

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  2. My husband and I went to Israel together in 2009. He has been back and lead a group from our Conway church. Will lead another soon. It is indeed a trip of a lifetime! Can’t even describe how it will change your outlook. Everything you have read from the Bible will come alive. So impactful to walk where Jesus did. Enjoy every bit of it and take it all in!!

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  3. This is a trip I hope to someday take myself! Over the years in my bible study’s of all the places and landmarks, actually seeing them in person will be amazing. We have a couple in our church who take a group a couple of times a year and I hope to be with them one day. Looking forward to seeing your pictures and hearing all about your trip. Safe travels.

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  4. Praying these 40 days for good health for you leading up to, during and on way home from trip. Praying God not only shows you the wonders of Israel but gives you opportunities to share Jesus with others. Praying for safe and easy travels. Excited to see how God uses you and this blog. What an awesome God we serve!!!

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  5. I’m truly looking forward to being a virtual pilgrim with you on this trip. Godspeed and may the Lord be with you and all those who travel with you and guide you.

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  6. Looking forward to your blog.
    I remember my grandmother going years ago, I charish the stories she told about her trip.
    God Bless You! Go make memories ❤️

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  7. I am thrilled for you, I am also scared for you. We are about the same age, I grew up in White Hall, you in Pine Bluff. Be safe and take a lot of pictures.

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  8. Melinda we are about the same age, I grew up in White Hall, you in Pine Bluff, I am thrilled for you, this is a trip of a lifetime, especially for a Christian. Be safe…please. Take a lot of pictures!

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  9. Looking forward to seeing all the pictures, and hearing about all the things you see……walking where my Savior walked…..oh what an experience!

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  10. I had the amazing privilege of going last February and being there on Valentines Day! It will change your life and change the way you read scripture! Everything takes on such deeper meaning and you can now actually picture it in your head. The most moving spot for me was the place where Jesus was born, to be able to actually touch the spot where God became man was almost too much. Take notes and if you can record your guide with voice memos on your phone because there is no way you can remember all of it! Looking forward to hearing about your experience!!

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    1. Hi Brenda! When you go to my blog, there should be a button that says “Follow” in the lower right hand corner. If you just click that and put in your email address, you’ll get an email every time in post something new. Thanks for traveling along!

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  11. I remember my grandmother going when I was a little girl.
    I think it was the only big trip she ever went on, but it was the right one.
    She loved God with her whole heart 💓.
    God Bless you Melinda!

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  12. Thanks for sharing this. I have never been but I think actually seeing the Sea of Galilee would be the highlight for me. It is mentioned so often in Scripture and to know Jesus and his disciples had actually been too. Wow!

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  13. I am reading this as I’m sitting in my room in Jerusalem. Tonight will be the last night of our 11 day trip to the Holy Land. It is indeed a life changing experience – so much to take in. I am amazed by the numbers of Christian pilgrims from all around the globe… such a diverse group of brothers and sisters brought together by our Lord Jesus Christ. Take in every moment and sight – you will treasure your memories!

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  14. Your sandals look very cute and comfortable but please keep in mind that a lot of your walking will be on “ruins” unlevel,dirt, rocks and pebbles. Tennis shoes worked best on my trip. Most churches require that shoulders are covered so sleeveless tops, even though cute and cool will present religious custom issue. All churches do provide scarves while touring inside. Putting a scarf in your backpack is another suggestion. I carried an almost empty “carry-on” with a change of clothes and personal items but mainly so I could have an extra bag to bring back gifts for friends and family. One of my most emotional moments was the boat ride on the Sea of Galilee…once we all got on board the crew raised the American flag beside the Flag of Israel and we sang American songs and hymns throughout our ride. It was exactly 1 year ago that I made my “Roots of Faith” journey and I can’t wait to read about your experiences. I was never scared while traveling throughout this country; even knowing that fighting and bombing was going on in the Gaza Strip. May God protect you and bring you closer to Him during your Holy Land journey… Debbie

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