Why Israel? (to borrow a phrase, Jana!)

Well, there seems to be so much to share. I apologize for not having more entries as apparently I'm in more demand than I realized! This entry may not be so much of a journal as it is a friendly chat to all my wonderful friends and family who keep up with me.

Before I forget to include this bit of info - if any would like my contact info here in Israel just email me and I'll send it to you. For obvious reasons, I don't want to post it.

Well I finally got to go to the Western Wall, or Kotel. I hadn't expected to go on my last trip to Jerusalem as I had planned on it being more of an individual venture as opposed to a group outing. There was much I had wanted to prepare for but sometimes life isn't as we prepare for it. I traveled to town with some of my new friends here, Carlos, Drew and Scott. I had originally planned to just find a nice sidewalk cafe where I could journal and read some while they wandered around. However, I ended up tagging along to get better aquainted with the area. Carlos was our guide and he took us to the Kotel.

Now one of the main attractions and goal of this trip for me has been to go to the Kotel and the Temple Mount as that is the very place where G-d Himself chose to place His Holy Name. In fact, in Judiasm, it's taught that this is the one place that never loses its holiness. Not to go into too much detail but it has been a bit of a struggle here at times as I have felt distant from G-d since my arrival; which is utterly frustrating as I am in the very land and almost the city where His presence dwells. However, I had been reminded in the Torah portion two weeks ago (to think I've been here that long!) that on the temple mount, G-d will be seen.

So, after we went through security and read a brief overview of the western wall we approached the area where the entrance for men and women is located. Just standing behind the partition and taking it in was such an overwhelming experience. I don't know that I could justly describe it. My time was relatively short in the presence of the King, but I did petition on behalf of my family. Friends, I will definitely remember you the next trip! It is my desire to frequent the Kotel and His holy presence while I'm here.

A question that keeps circulating among my fellow ulpanists (students in the language program, ulpan) is why do you want to learn Hebrew? I have several but the one I want to share with you is because I want to be able to speak G-d's heart language to Him. Granted, G-d is outside of all of our concrete and metaphoric expressions we use to try and comprehend Him with. Nonetheless, there is much to be said about speaking to a person in the language that their heart understands and expresses in. I don't know if I can say why I want this except that it is a desire of my heart and that is why I'm here.

For you prayer warriors - pray for my safety from the crazy Israeli drivers! Kristen, if you're reading this, remember Mexico and pray hard! Thankfully, however, on the Kibbutz there's no traffic as it's all contained and not many people have a personal vehicle so it's mainly on ventures into town.

Thanks again for all your love, support and emails - they really help! G-d bless you.
Shalom paz peace,
Melinda