And so it begins

In just a couple of hours, my children will take me to the airport.  It's hard to believe that after all the months of planning, fundraising, hoping and praying, the day has finally arrived.  The journey has begun.

What will I see?  What will I experience?  Who will I meet?

My prayer is to go to this land, to these people, with an open heart, an open mind, and outstretched arms.  My intention is to listen and to learn.

Some people have said to me that this trip won't make any difference; therefore, why am I going?  I do not pretend to have all the answers; not even one, in fact.

But just because something is the way it is, doesn't mean it always has to be that way.  No matter how long it's been.  That is probably a major reason why I am going -- so that we don't forget that innocent people are suffering.  The blockade of Gaza and the Palestinian/Israeli conflict have been going on for so long that it's easy to become used to it and grow complacent.  That, my friends, is the tragedy.

But, others argue (why must people argue?), there are people suffering elsewhere, too.  Look at Nepal, Somalia, Afghanistan.  Why aren't you going there?

The answer to that is really quite simple:  I believe it is our responsibility to help those that God puts in our path.  We can't help everyone; only those in front of us. This mission was put in my path.  Not Nepal or Somalia.  Gaza was put in my path.

It leaves me breathless to be a part of something so much bigger than me.  I am overcome with gratitude that I would be given this opportunity.

My sincere hope is that I can be a blessing to those I meet as much as I know they will bless me.