Shalom Everyone,
I started my first day of my new position at CFI today! All I can say is that I am totally in my element and enjoy every minute of it! Every morning, we as a staff start with a one hour prayer meeting with praise and worship and then we start our work for the rest of the day. I can't explain how refreshing it is to open up the day with an hour of intense intercession. it truly is a miracle. Today we focused on Yeshua's Return and what we must do as Believers called to live in Israel during these Last Days to prepare for Him. There is a lot of work to be done.
Within the first fifteen minutes, I was already signed up for my health insurance, visa extension and issued an email address through CFI! I have an office with plenty of work room and a computer. I will be in charge of many things from maintaining all the data for our mailing list which is worldwide, updating the HR forms, training staff once a month on computer skills and other administrative duties that keep CFI running smoothly so that the people of Israel are blessed as they deserve to be! I also get to go to the post office in central Jerusalem daily to pick up and drop off mail and I have already started making friends with the Israelis there. Also, we have a Rabbi on staff who is a non-believer but sees the love of CFI and has joined forces with us because he believes in our vision! His name is Ya'akov and he is a wonderful older man with incredible wisdom and is very friendly. Not to mention the countless other staff members from all over the world that have gathered here to support Israel. Wow, what an environment to work in!
Sadly though, I had to say goodbye to my mom who visited for two weeks. It was difficult to see her go but I can't explain how awesome it was to experience Israel with her! Do me a favor and call her up and ask her how it was! I know firsthand that when you get back from such an amazing journey, you want people to care. so call her up and ask her about it! She truly did an amazing job working alongside of our precious patients and I admire her strength. There are not many like her in this world. I am blessed to call her my mom and my friend.
I moved in to my temporary apartment two days ago and it is located near the Promenade in Jerusalem. I will be here for approx. one month until I move in with a good friend of mine named Kim. Unfortunately, we are across the valley from an Arab village and so at all times of the morning and afternoon I hear the Muslim call to prayer over the town. I just pray against the enemy and against the false religion of Islam. I pray that God will continue to protect His Chosen People, the Jews and keep them from the bloodthirsty religion of Islam that seeks the destruction of Israel through violent acts of terrorism.
Even though I am closer to my work, the bus has so many stops that it takes 45 minutes to get to work but I don't mind one bit! I actually love getting ready for work, walking to the bus, talking to the people on the way to work, walking through downtown Jerusalem and to the office. I was smiling the entire time this morning even though it was freezing cold and raining! You know you are where God wants you to be when you can be so happy in such circumstances.
Also, Happy Thanksgiving! On Friday, a couple of Jewish American friends of mine are getting together to make a turkey dinner (pray for us) and watch old episodes of Seinfeld. can't get any more American than that! Think of us as you sit down to dinner with your families.
As I was reading though my orientation packet this morning, it included full instructions for using a gas mask, how to take shelter in the event of a bomb threat and how to prepare for war. How many of you have had THAT in your orientation for a new job? I got such a kick out of it! And then it hit me again. I am not normal, am I? (heehee) An insert got my attention and it stood out to me so much that I want to share it with you. It was part of the information they give new volunteers at CFI and it really sums up what living in Israel is like:
For those desiring to work in Israel today.
"You must be willing to walk long distances, wait patiently in bumper-to-bumper traffic on crowded streets and highways. Be able to cope with mosquitoes, desert dust storms, street beggars, shuk shouting, price negotiating, inquisitive stares, shoulder shrugs, indifferent attitudes, rudeness, careless street walkers, pushy bus riders, crowded public places and pick pockets. Be ready for security checks and questioning, ride buses with sometimes careless bus drivers, drive in aggressive traffic, stop at road blocks, avoid sniper fire and roadside ambushes, security checks, bomb scares and suicide bombers. Not be afraid of machine guns, gas masks, sealed rooms, listening to gunfire and helicopters flying overhead. Be prepared for missile attacks, hostile enemy threats, chemical, gas and nuclear threats and emergency sirens. Be able to comfort the discouraged and battle weary, understand foreign words, read and hear daily depressing news, listen to biased news reports about your country and look at painful pictures. Must have patience to go to five places to accomplish one task and wait in long lines. Be strong enough to comfort the depressed, weary, lonely, forgotten, hurting and rejected.
ONLY THE SERIOUS NEED APPLY."
Wow. Some may read that in a negative light, but if you have been called to Israel like me, it's all so thrilling and exciting! Yeah, I think I found my dream job!
Oswald Chambers said the following:
"When the Lord has put His Call upon you, woe be to you if you turn to the right hand or to the left. He will do with you what He never did with you before the Call came; He will do with you what He is not doing with other people. Let Him have His way."
This is Erin reporting LIVE from Jerusalem.