Back Home on the Range

Wow, was that a dream or did I really go to Israel for 3.5 months?

Yesterday, as I touched down in Kansas City and walked out to see my family waiting, I felt like I had just left for my semester abroad. But, here I am typing at our family computer, stomach full of the chocolate chip cookies I just pulled from the oven, and reflecting on the trip and missing my friends. We experienced some unique adventures together, and I am grateful for the chance to get to spend so much time with such wonderful people. I definitly made some life-long friendships on this trip. I have learned so much and have already been fighting the losing battle of forgetfulness. Oh how I want to remember and put into practice what I've seen and heard! Abner reminded us before we left, that we came to IBEX to leave IBEX. We are to go back home to our churches, families, and work places and share what we have learned and live differently because of what we have experienced. And do so with love, for without it we are annoying, clanging cymbals (1 Cor. 13).

Well, my semester of great adventures has come to a close, and consequently this is my last blogpost. Thank you all for praying for me and coming along with me via blog! I appreciate all the encouraging emails I received! Please continue to pray for me that I will be able to incorporate the things I have learned into the way I live. It is so easy to fall back into old patterns and routines when I come home.

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever, Amen!" Romans 11:36