Our Friend Dave -- Em

After about 7 months of living in Jordan, our excitement was growing to spend the Holy Days with other church people on the tour in Israel. We didn't know what to expect, and I wasn't sure if I would even remember how to interact in a room full of English speakers outside our Jordan 5. After arriving, I was struck with amazement at the welcoming smiles and friendliness of the people we met. Even though we only saw a few familiar faces, we were accepted with open arms, and treated like part of the group. On our first night at dinner, Zach and I were choosing a place to sit, when a woman named Leslie and her husband Brian, from Australia, came over and said, "Hey, aren't you guys from Jordan? I've been reading about you!" It was so nice to hear that someone we had never met, from a country to which we had never been had heard about us, and was looking forward to meeting us.

(Zach & Dave)

We met so many nice people, and were encouraged just by being around them and getting to know them. One such person has left a lasting impression, and taught me a great lesson that I'd like to share. His name is Dave...

We waited in the lobby as the tour group arrived. We were so happy to see a few familiar faces after being away from them for so long. As most of the group went to their rooms to put away their things and settle down, a man came up to Zach and me, and introduced himself. He seemed really interested in us and took the time to talk to us. Little did we know, he would end up riding with the 5 of us in our van (along with Dr. Levy who was so kind to spend some extra time with us), he would share his life stories & adventures, he would treat us like his new best friends, and he wouldn't forget about us when he went home.

Dave made us feel at home in a far away land, and continues to reach out to us even after he's been back home, with all of life's distractions. To me, he is the shining example of the verse in Matthew 25:35 "... I was a stranger and you took Me in." Even though we were strangers, he reached out to us and showed us that he cared. Dave has inspired me, and made me want to do the same for others, to show that same care for everyone I meet. Afterall, we're each a little strange in our own way ;) but we all have the desire and need to feel loved.

Pictures: Lewis & Lena in Capernaum; Tine, Lena & Sheri at Megiddo; Lewis, Lena, Jo Robertson & Me in Jerusalem