Yardenit

Yardenit on the Jordan River

September 5, 2022

On this day—Labor Day in the United States—something far more significant was happening in my life. It was the beginning of my internal transformation, the day of my baptism, and the answer to so many prayers.

Just two weeks before our journey to Israel, I asked Jesus into my heart.

Nine months prior, we were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. As my gift to my wife, the words that unexpectedly came out of my mouth were, “I’m taking you to Jerusalem.”

The truth? I had originally planned a getaway to Memphis—music, good times, and, of course, celebrating each other. But I had no actual gift in hand. I had forgotten that part. And yet, suddenly, those words left my lips. I had no idea if we could afford it or why I even said it. Why would I trade a beach vacation for Jerusalem?

And just like that, our journey to Israel began.

That moment—December 31, 2021—changed everything.

Since then, we have been to Israel three times and are already planning our return. I once had a long list of destinations I dreamed of visiting, but now, there is only one place I long to be—Israel.