Day 10 REPORT - TAME Israel Trip - May 25, 2018 Waking up for this last day in Israel was a little different than all the other days. Seeing the last sunrise over the Sea of Galilee, packing up all of our belongings and souvenirs we picked up over the week (mine, mostly rocks), it’s kind of bittersweet. Today we drove to the city of Haifa to see Mount Carmel and we then drove down the coast to see Caesarea Maritima and Joppa! Reflecting on the past week of all the sights we have seen, places we have been where Jesus himself walked and taught and even performed miracles is overwhelming. We are all pretty wiped out, but are excited for this last day of final adventures! Our first excursion today was Mount Carmel. After driving to the top, we all sat down under a tree in this beautiful courtyard and read the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Seeing and sitting around the spot where this actually happened helps to bring color and validity to the story. This whole trip has been incredible and is changing the way we see and read scripture. As we walk through scriptures and stories, it puts in to perspective that right where you are, the stories you have been hearing all your life, are real. The trip brings about more confidence in the scripture and gives them newness and color. Our view all week from the retreat center looked over the Sea of Galilee and from the roof you can see where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, you can see Magdala which is a small town where they know for a fact Jesus was and a temple that He taught and healed people in. Seeing these beautiful places has been life changing. When we walked through the old town of Jaffa, we got to see the house of Simon the Tanner, which is where Peter had the vision and the Lord told the people in Caesarea (Acts 10) to send for him. We read through the scripture and had an awesome discussion about how we will use the experience we’ve had these past nine days. Dr. Sanders also challenged us in the city of Jaffa through the story of Jonah. When the Lord called Jonah to go preach to the gentiles of Nineveh and he fled to Jaffa. He challenged us to lay down our lives and walk in God’s Kingdom rather than live our lives for ourselves and not let this experience impact our walk and confidence to use all that we learned to make a difference in our fields. I am so thankful for all that we have learned on this trip - it has been unbelievable! The sites, the nearness and just the different vibe you feel when you are where Jesus walked. This week the Lord has shown me so many things, but the biggest challenge He has placed on my heart is to be more aware of His voice. As I go, wherever He leads, to be aware of His prompting and to move when He asks. Being in these places, all week He has told me, “This is the land I chose, and this is where Jesus walked, but I am no further away from you where I have placed you.” He has reminded me that His Spirit is in me wherever I go, when He called my name and I chose to follow Him I became one of His chosen. This truth He has shown me all week has been so encouraging. Isaiah 35:1-2 “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.” God is NEAR, He loves you, and whatever season you are in, know that He doesn’t waste any season. He has a plan and He loves enough to send His Son to come and live perfectly and die for you. Not only did He die, He rose, and lives today! Entrust your heart to Him!!! In Jesus name! ‭‭Davis Robinson Senior