We have officially crossed the halfway mark for 2018!!! How are you doing with your resolutions and goals for the year? For me, this is the time I begin to make an “Exit Strategy” for the year. I look at how far I have come and what I can still accomplish before the next year. Let me say it this way, when it’s time to say “Peace out!” I plan ahead. It gives me something to reach for and something to go after.

Let me explain, in 2019 I plan to do two things that I have NEVER done before. Friends! I’m sort-of freaking out. These two things are:

1. Leave the my (beloved) country, the US of A.
2. Leave both my boys with their dad over night, and for more than one night. (Prayers appreciated, my husband is asking. Haha.)

I am really nervous to travel so far away from my favorite people in the world, but I completely trust the Lord. I’ll probably have to set up play dates so Trevin can see adults and grab a donut through the week, so he keeps his sanity. Cheers to Mr. Anderson being Mr. Mom for a week, ish. So where am I headed off too?

I am excited to see and experience the places Jesus walked in real life. Yes, that’s right! I am going to Israel next year!!! I’m planning to bring a tissue, knowing me I’ll probably cry I will be so excited and so expectant.

Now, to actually do these two things I have to overcome two hurdles. One, is FEAR. I have to face my fear of leaving my boys (all 3 of them), and face my fear of flying, ever since 9-11, I have always had  anxiety traveling. Second, finances. I signed up for this trip in faith, since my family is living on a single income and I have gone back to school, and we want to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary in DW at the end of this year. Clearly, we like to do it all at once. ;) I am trusting God will bring me opportunities to work or that God would completely provide the funds for this trip. Please pray that God will make a way. My faith is being stretched!

I’ll be visiting Israel with other alumni from Portland Bible College, lead by PBC faculty. If you know me, you know I love the Bible and I LOVE studying it, and seeing it make sense in real life, but leaving the country, so far from my loves, makes me quite nervous. Also, totally random but very serious question:  does anyone know if there is good coffee there? Asking for a friend.

In Israel, I’ll get to see where historical events took place, that mean so much to me. Here are the places we are planning to visit:

The Galilee & Jezreel Valley – This is the land where Jesus grew up, showed his power in miracles and where he called the disciples to follow him.

Jerusalem – It was here in Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected!

Coastal Plains - The Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea Maritima and eventually sailed to Rome from this port, taking with him the Gospel message that would reach the world.

Judean Desert, Dead Sea and Valley of Elah – In the Judean Desert, Jesus fasted for 40 days, and John the Baptist lived and began his ministry. David (the shepherd boy) began his military career in the Valley of Elah, by defeating the Philistine champion Goliath with a well aimed stone from a slingshot.

I plan to soak up every single moment and not worry too much if my toddler is actually getting naps and if my oldest isn’t on the iPad all day. I am also planning to take photos and share the experience here on my blog. I can’t wait to share this exciting experience with you. It’s going to be an amazing trip! However until then, if you would leave a comment with any advice on international travel so I don’t look too much like a rookie, I would be soooo grateful! So yea, with 2018 already half way over, I have two new things to do already on my list for next year! What’s in your future? What are you preparing for and growing into?

*Thank you Rob Bye for providing the photo of Jerusalem, and to McKenna Meyerson for the image of moi.