I have been back for over a month now and am just starting to really slide back into life here. I definitely had some culture shock.
The first thing I noticed when I got off of the plane was that there were billboards and advertisements everywhere! Pop culture was all up in my face. I did not like it. For an entire four months I was free of the pressures and expectations of American media, I didn't even listen to popular music in Israel. I actually found that in Israel I was way more comfortable with myself, what I looked like, and how people saw me. I didn't know necessarily why that was but was talking with my mom one night and she said, "Well, you are not surrounded by a culture fixated on outward appearance and you are not being influenced by television, commercials, and magazines." It was such a relief, and almost an ideal environment! Luckily, seeing the difference when I got back has helped me to realize the phoniness of it more and more. I hate the pressures that this country puts on young girls and boys, and really, all people.
It was also very strange to enter a family structure again. In Israel I was taking care of only myself and I was responsible for only myself. It is like that at Azusa too, but in a completely different way. I am literally across the world. I have to handle everything. It was fun for me, and even though I love my family it was hard to be under that mantle again, especially with younger sisters who still live in the house and are under a very different set of rules. But don't get me wrong! I loved to be home and to be able to hang out with them for a few days.
Getting back I realized so much about Israel. There is something about that place. I have never missed a place that much. I know I have said that over and over again throughout the semester, but I realize it even more so now that I am back. I have been absolutely nostalgic for Israel. I would have times where I was praying and would start thanking God for the opportunity I had to be in Israel and would just start crying because of how much I missed it and because it was just such an amazing time!
The Bible. Oh the Bible! I do not read the Bible the same anymore. When before it was in black and white, now it is in color!!! It is totally 3D now. I literally have the scene set in my head when I read. I remember the first Sunday back I was sitting in a Bible study and we were reading a story about Jesus at the Sea of Galilee. I started tearing up while reading because I could picture it. I did not expect that to be such a powerful thing for me!
Since being home I knew that I could not go back to how my faith was. Usually when I come back to an old situation my faith goes back to how it was. But not this time! God took hold of me way too much in Israel for me to try and squirm away out of his arms. I learned so much and now am putting it into practice. Please pray that it never ends!!!!
I will NEVER forget my semester in Israel. I grew in every aspect of my life! I grew spiritually: God taught me about His Spirit and power and how to really pray. Emotionally: I matured in knowing just how to simply be in relationship with others who I am constantly with! Physically: I hiked a lot.... My calves looked great! And yes, even romantically! ;)
God has provided for me so fully. I cannot even describe how securely he is holding me in his arms. I LOVE HIM!!!!! I am now on to the next opportunity. I am interning down in Lake Elsinore this summer at a church as a Pastoral Intern. Wow, again, what provision God! Thanks to all who helped in sending me on this awesome trip and those who covered me in prayer while I was there. I am so grateful to you all! Thank you for joining me on this adventure!
Prayer requests: Please pray that I would be disciplined and consistent in my time with God and that I would never forget how He has and is taking care of me. Pray for this time in Lake Elsinore, that God would lead. And, PRAISE HIM FOR TAKING ME TO ISRAEL!
The first thing I noticed when I got off of the plane was that there were billboards and advertisements everywhere! Pop culture was all up in my face. I did not like it. For an entire four months I was free of the pressures and expectations of American media, I didn't even listen to popular music in Israel. I actually found that in Israel I was way more comfortable with myself, what I looked like, and how people saw me. I didn't know necessarily why that was but was talking with my mom one night and she said, "Well, you are not surrounded by a culture fixated on outward appearance and you are not being influenced by television, commercials, and magazines." It was such a relief, and almost an ideal environment! Luckily, seeing the difference when I got back has helped me to realize the phoniness of it more and more. I hate the pressures that this country puts on young girls and boys, and really, all people.
It was also very strange to enter a family structure again. In Israel I was taking care of only myself and I was responsible for only myself. It is like that at Azusa too, but in a completely different way. I am literally across the world. I have to handle everything. It was fun for me, and even though I love my family it was hard to be under that mantle again, especially with younger sisters who still live in the house and are under a very different set of rules. But don't get me wrong! I loved to be home and to be able to hang out with them for a few days.
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| Aren't they lovely? I got to be home just in time for Mother's Day! |
The Bible. Oh the Bible! I do not read the Bible the same anymore. When before it was in black and white, now it is in color!!! It is totally 3D now. I literally have the scene set in my head when I read. I remember the first Sunday back I was sitting in a Bible study and we were reading a story about Jesus at the Sea of Galilee. I started tearing up while reading because I could picture it. I did not expect that to be such a powerful thing for me!
Since being home I knew that I could not go back to how my faith was. Usually when I come back to an old situation my faith goes back to how it was. But not this time! God took hold of me way too much in Israel for me to try and squirm away out of his arms. I learned so much and now am putting it into practice. Please pray that it never ends!!!!
I will NEVER forget my semester in Israel. I grew in every aspect of my life! I grew spiritually: God taught me about His Spirit and power and how to really pray. Emotionally: I matured in knowing just how to simply be in relationship with others who I am constantly with! Physically: I hiked a lot.... My calves looked great! And yes, even romantically! ;)
God has provided for me so fully. I cannot even describe how securely he is holding me in his arms. I LOVE HIM!!!!! I am now on to the next opportunity. I am interning down in Lake Elsinore this summer at a church as a Pastoral Intern. Wow, again, what provision God! Thanks to all who helped in sending me on this awesome trip and those who covered me in prayer while I was there. I am so grateful to you all! Thank you for joining me on this adventure!
Prayer requests: Please pray that I would be disciplined and consistent in my time with God and that I would never forget how He has and is taking care of me. Pray for this time in Lake Elsinore, that God would lead. And, PRAISE HIM FOR TAKING ME TO ISRAEL!
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| SHABBAT SHALOM! |
New perspectives are priceless. Makes me ache for my own. Thank you Aubrey.
ReplyDeleteAubrey, each experience is like a makeover - more or less extreme! And you're right, we generally slide back into old habits. After my first trip to Africa, our team leader invited us to consider being intentional about NOT sliding! She asked us to identify a few things that we would do differently as a result of our experience. Even small things. I determined that I would advocate at FPC for ICM.
ReplyDeleteSo I pass on that question to you: What will you, Aubrey green, do differently as a result of your 4 months in Israel? Be specific!
God bless you, dear!