Where It All Began — May 26, 2024
When we first began planning our trip to Israel shortly after October 7th, we faced many obstacles. There were more reasons to stay home than to go—canceled flights, security concerns, skeptical family members, and protests across the country.
Yet through it all, the Lord never removed the desire from our hearts.
“Why There?”
Some friends and family questioned our decision:
“Why do you always seem to vacation in places of danger?”
“Why not just help people here in the U.S.?”
My answer has remained steady: This is what God has called me to do.I know it deep in my soul, without question.
The Road to Israel Started in NYC
Since our first steps into Israel, I’ve experienced countless moments of learning and divine affirmation—small “God winks” that confirmed this path again and again. But my heart often returns to two powerful days here in the U.S., just before our flight overseas.
Those days in New York helped shape how I see the world—and offered a kind of understanding I hadn’t yet grasped.
If I’m honest, I was hesitant to even start the trip in New York. After everything I’d seen on the news, it seemed risky. Strangely, I had more fear about visiting NYC than Israel. But from the moment we arrived at the Springfield airport, the Lord placed people and experiences in our path to encourage and teach us.
God Was Already There
From a pastor named Ron who prayed over us before our flight, to our now-dearest friend Rachel—God showed up again and again through people. I don’t know if we’ll ever see Ron again, but I’m so thankful for his words that morning. They brought confirmation and peace.
At Newark Airport, we made our way straight to our hotel. Everything went so smoothly—it felt surreal. Our Manhattan hotel was in a perfect location, and the host even upgraded our room to a higher floor with an incredible view.
Right across the street stood St. Paul’s Chapel.
It was beautiful—and historic.
Built in 1766, ten years before the U.S. even existed, this little chapel hosted George Washington on the day of his inauguration. Then, 212 years later, it became a haven for first responders during the tragedy of 9/11.
Just 100 yards from Ground Zero, St. Paul’s survived the destruction. We couldn’t help but think of those who came to this place seeking peace in the days and nights that followed.
9/11 was our October 7th.
And yet, many don’t see the harrowing similarities to what Israel has just endured.
A City Full of Angels
That first day, we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge for some true New York-style pizza. Then we met Rob—a local with a tiny dog perched on his shoulder. Somehow, he ended up giving us a personal walking tour through SoHo, Chinatown, Wall Street, and more.
And then—just as quickly as he appeared—he vanished.
No goodbyes, no thanks. Just a gift of time and kindness from a complete stranger.
Later that night, we found ourselves locked out of our room—only to discover we had checked into the wrong hotel. Not even the right neighborhood.
But God.
Not only did the hotel let us stay in the upgraded room, but the final bill was a third of what we were supposed to pay. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Remembering What We Forgot
The next morning, we visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Outside, we met a firefighter who had served during the attacks. He shared about his friend who designed the memorial’s cooling system and introduced us to his daughter, who was leaving on a mission trip.
She, he told us, was a product of 9/11—conceived during those days when he and his wife clung to God and each other for hope. And now she was heading out to share that hope with the world.
How great is our God.
Inside the museum, the emotion was overwhelming. I couldn’t hold back the tears.
Have we forgotten?
We have a day of remembrance each year—but do we truly remember? The fear, the unity, the helplessness, and the love?
I was reminded of the oneness we felt on September 12, 2001—and how much we’ve lost since.
God’s Hand in Every Detail
In just a few short days, God placed so many amazing people in our path:
- Ron the Pastor at the Springfield Airport who prayed over us
- Rob, our tour guide
- A 911 Hero and Father
- A little Italian woman who helped us navigate the train system
- Two women who had just returned from Israel before October 7th
- A Jewish couple on the shuttle who noticed our necklaces—bearing both the Magen David and the Cross of Christ
They thanked us for going to Israel “for such a time as this.”
At then at the terminal, we met a woman named Rachel—who would soon become one of our closest friends!
A Journal Entry of Reflection
The long flights ahead gave me time to reflect. On the plane, I reread the prayer and verse I had written in my journal the night before:
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” — Proverbs 12:25
Lord, keep us in the Spirit that we may continue to hear your voice, see with your eyes and love with your heart.
And that is just what He did—for us through the people we met along the way and in New York, and through what we were called to soon do in Israel.
Something to Ponder?
As I reflect on those moments in New York City, I can’t help but wonder:
If we still lived with the unity and clarity we had on September 12, 2001—what might be different?
Could so much of this already be over? How could things be different if we hadn’t allowed ourselves to become so far removed?