New and Time-Tested

Hospitality is a skill which must be developed, refined, and carefully cultivated. I believe it has tremendous power to be a blessing for both the hosted and the host. Since my arrival to Israel, I have experienced the beauty of being hosted more than I could have imagined in my wildest dreams. People welcome you with open arms and without expectations. There is an art to entering people’s homes as a guest as well. To my delight, most people allow me to bring something to add to the meal when I volunteer a contribution. It also brings joy to my soul when the host allows the guests to help with any remaining preparations and the cleanup afterwards. (of course I always give an honest protest when such help is offered to me haha) Many hands make light work and have a way of making menial tasks fun (: To be the host, undoubtably requires more planning and organization. One must choose a date in advance, invite guests, plan an acceptable meal including details of dietary restrictions, and bring it all to fruition. It takes practice and intentionality to be a good host. Currently I am practicing, observing, and adjusting when necessary.

I was reminiscing about the way my mom has always been an incredible and welcoming host throughout my life. Even when I was younger, I remember one particular traveling salesman who came to our home to pitch his wares. My mom made a sandwich, cut up fruit, and ensured he was well fed before he went on his way. If the mailperson or Schwann’s delivery coincided with our supply of dessert or other treats, she dished a hearty portion for them as well. Even to this day, she is a gracious and willing host to all the friends my siblings and I bring home. I have watched her welcome unexpected visitors with a smile more times than I can count. I’m so thankful to have such a wonderful example of hospitality.

As Hayden and Pniel have hosted me countless times, it was my absolute pleasure to invite them to my apartment for dinner. Risper and Sammy were out of town and country, so it was just the three of us. I tried to consider both of their food preferences when planning the meal. Pniel doesn’t enjoy red meat, and Hayden prefers a healthy meal with vegetables present. I chose spring rolls, a recipe brought to me by Lauren Knibbe. I also stocked up on multiple types of tea as part of my quest to become a good host. I don’t particularly like tea or coffee, but here (and quite possibly other places) it is a big part of the culture to offer tea after the evening meal. I am training myself to enjoy an occasional tea, but I’m certainly not to that point with coffee haha, sorry Dad (:

The time together was as delightful as I had anticipated. The spring rolls were a hit (or at least that’s what they told me haha) and the meal was followed by a relaxing time of tea and dessert. At least one of the teas I had randomly picked at the store worked for everyone. Pniel shared stories and details of Israel's history. Hayden and I were on the edge of our seats, a testament to Pniel’s story telling abilities. To my shock I discovered that somehow, Hayden and Pniel had lived in Be’er Sheva for half a year without experiencing Park Hasofrim. I couldn’t allow this to continue in good conscience, so I walked them through the park on their way home. Also in route to their apartment was Simon’s small convenient store, the friend I described months ago. Admittedly, I have been avoiding walking by his shop for a variety of reasons which don’t even make sense to me. He has been very kind during my previous encounters, but for some reason it makes me slightly uncomfortable. However, I gathered myself emotionally and stopped by with some of oatmeal raisin cookies. He was delighted to see me. We chatted for a while, and he refused to let me leave without a container of Ben & Jerry ice-cream on the house. As I was leaving, he stated I should stop by every day, to which I could only laugh and give him a wave as I headed home.

The ice cream went to a good cause ;)

The following morning, I hopped on zoom for a virtual hang out with Liz and Jacey. I’m not sure if I have mentioned this previously, but we have started meeting about every other week to encourage and hold each other accountable with verse memorization. We meet during my early mornings and their late nights. They are just one example of the way my friends continue to make time to keep me involved in their lives. To my dismay, there are mornings I arrive late, but they always forgive me and show my tremendous grace. My friends back home are a blessing I count daily.

I also had the opportunity to host bible study for the first time. I prepared soup and pita for the group with a banana chocolate chip dessert. True to form, I massively over prepared and had soup for DAYS afterwards (the best problem to have haha). There were only three of us this particular evening, but it didn’t require much to convince Risper to join in on the soup (: We don’t always sing during bible study, but that evening we ended with an extended time of worship and prayer. Sometimes when I am completely engaged in worship, I experience a glimpse of what I believe it will look like in heaven. It’s those moments during singing and praising Jesus when you simply wish it could go on forever instead of returning to the demands of life. Peace is abounding and Jesus tangibly feels present. This was one of those times. Of course it couldn't continue indefinitely, but my cup was overflowing by the end of the night.

I didn’t experience the best sleep during the week, but I had been looking forward to the weekend. Hayden and Pniel invited me to join them on a hike with the rest of Pniel’s family. I woke up early Friday and took the train to Jerusalem. Once there, Pniel guided me via Facetime to the spot where they waited to pick me up. I’m sure I looked silly to any and all persons I passed, but I could have cared less as the adventure of the day began. On the drive there, we saw several camels along the road, waiting to offer their services should anyone desire a ride. Camel riding is still an item on my bucket list, but now I know where to go if a more organic opportunity fails to arise. On our way to the hike we stopped by the good Samaritan outlook. Our guide would have been willing to talk for hours, but we requested the summarized version when we realized our initial pace would keep us there all day. There were a numerous of artifacts and beautiful symbols.

The bottom one is David (:

I did some of my own research about the Samaritans following our visit to the outlook. There is still one community of Samaritans living in Israel today. Today they follow many of the traditions of Ancient Israel without the additions Jewish sages have made. Most scholars believe the Samaritans diverged from Judaism around the time of the Second Temple (Herod’s Temple). Around the 6th Century, there were about 1,500,000 Israelite Samaritans. Tragically, by 1919, only 141 remained. Through the years they were persecuted and killed on the basis of religion by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans. Today most live on the sacred Mount Gerizim, with about 800 total in Israel. They make up one of the world’s oldest and smallest religious groups today. They are well-known for continuing to practice the act of animal sacrifice on Passover. Presently they have both Israeli and Palestinian identity cards, putting them in a unique position amidst frequent turmoil.

There is something incredible about being near the location many biblical stories took place. It’s not that I doubt the existence of biblical places and events, but rather I experience a fragment of the gravity and reality of the history in these moments. When someone mentions Jericho is just down the road, I’m almost dumbstruck by the proximity. When I’m standing on the beach and I can see Jordan across the water, just a quick boat ride away, it is so real it almost feels unreal. I’m so thankful I get to experience these moments and emotions. It draws me nearer to Christ and his heart for creation.

Pniel’s family was waiting for us at Ein Gedi. It was a privilege to hang out with them during the hike. Initially it seemed like the day might be too cold, but the sun emerged from the clouds just in time. I quickly discovered Pniel’s mom and youngest sister Hillel are avid and enthusiastic bird watchers. It was fun to witness their joy at each discovery. They taught me some new words in Hebrew along the way as we spotted wildlife and waded through the shallow streams. They also brought delicious snacks for the hike with fruit, veggies, chips, and brownies. Pniel had packed some small sandwiches to tide us over until lunch. When she informed me they were peanut butter and jelly, I couldn’t find it in my heart to reject her offer on the grounds of my peanut butter aversion. Facing my trepidation, I slowly and carefully ate as much of it as I could. Don’t worry, I managed to survive and proceed with a smile. Hillel loves animals and inquired about the farm as we hiked. I was all too happy to oblige and share about one of my favorite places on earth. Since moving to Israel, I have been surprised to discover my farming background is a novelty. Whenever I'm at loss for conversations topics, I bring it up and without fail, people have questions. I discovered Pniel’s mom is currently working on her nursing degree. It was really special to see how effortlessly and beautifully Hayden now fits into their family. As Pniel often says, Hayden and her mom are the best of friends. Hillel would be happy talking and hanging out with Hayden all day as well haha, it is clear she adores him.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/48f20f_2a377a89babf42489312536f3e8fc32a/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

When the hike was completed, we claimed a picnic bench, and Pniel’s mom brought out the delicious meal she had prepared. It was a dish called Jachnun. Jachnun is a Yemenite Jewish pastry, traditionally eaten on Shabbat morning. It works perfectly because it is placed in the oven the night before on low heat and needs at least 8 hours to cook. We ate it with eggs and tomato sauce. They also brought supplies to make coffee and tea (and even hot chocolate!!) with our meal. It was delicious. Pniel later helped me buy some frozen Jachnun so I can make it on my own (: It’s in my freezer right now, waiting for the perfect opportunity to be used.

The time with Pniel, Hayden, and her family was refreshing. It was great to get out of Be’er Sheva and away from the studying that loomed over me. Being with them simultaneously gave my soul a piece of home and made me long for my own family. I look forward to future adventures with them. But I have realized a person can be surrounded by people they enjoy and are excited to be with but still experience moments of loneliness. It is an odd phenomenon; one I wish I could avoid. I think it is part of the process of forming deep and meaningful relationships. It’s somewhere in between strangers and soul friends; sometimes its fleeting and other times it rolls in a like a fog with no visible end. I believe this feeling has been a catalyst for personal growth, to continue to be more open, and to continue to invest in relationships even when it may feel heavy.

One of the incredible blessings about technology is the ability to balance these moments with contact from established soul friends back home. Around this time I caught up with Emma and Shayna, two friendships I deeply treasure. And my dear friend Kaedyn got MARRIED!!! (THE SAME DAY AS MY PARENTS ANNIVERSARY!!) Kaedyn was one of my first close friendships at K-State, and our relationship has only continued to get sweeter with time. I don’t get to talk to her as much as I would like, but I cherish the moments I do get. She blessed my heart and soul by allowing me and a few others to watch her wedding live on Facebook. I am so sad I couldn’t be physically present, but I had the next best thing. I zoomed my sister and we watched it together. And the tenderest friends shared their photos with me. While Dustin and Kaedyn were dating, I watched God move and work through them, drawing them closer to Him and allowing them both to grow. Along with my other married friends, their relationship reflects Jesus and just how sweet He is. Their wedding was beautiful and I’m so excited for what the future holds for them.

Aren't they so PRECIOUS???

Holding on to the deep soul friends and striving to develop new friends requires patience. It’s impossible to hold on to every friendship throughout life, and there are moments when friendships I have fought for simply continue to drift further away. I don’t know how or why, sometimes there is no rhyme or reason. Even the people I haven’t seen or spoken to in ages will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always consider them friends. In fact, an old friend whom I hadn't spoken with for over a year called me recently. It was a brief conversation, but I was so glad I had the chance to talk with them. It can be hard to know when to hold on and when to let go. I’m learning the art of living with open hands. For me, this means living in the now and soaking up every moment with the people who are present in my life, physically or miles away, without giving into fear of what the future holds for each relationship. I’m not a pro yet, but I’m a work in progress. One of my favorite sayings, an original quote from Liz Meyers, “Growth Is Happening” sums it up neatly. If you are reading this, I’m thankful for the impact you have had in my life in the past, the way you enrich and bring joy to life in the present, and the part you will continue to have in the future. (and of course, I’m just as thankful for the people not reading this haha)

P.S. To everyone who always makes time to talk, message, or comment – I am so thankful for your steadfastness.