HOW NOT TO TOUR ISRAEL

BY DARYL HEDDING ICEJ USA DEPUTY DIRECTOR

uncommon to answer familiar questions from pilgrims along the way. However, when you get very particular questions—like one elderly gentleman asking how he could get Israeli coins for his collection at home—you start questioning your sanity when a week later, another elderly gentleman asks you the same question, and you are not sure if you already answered him or if it’s a new person asking. I am not certain which, but I did help him (or them!) out as best I could.

My general feeling and prayer is that the groups never noticed my semi-state of confusion. But if they did, they were kind and chose not to point it out. In fact, despite my issues, both tours went extremely well and everyone, including me, was blessed along the way.

And that’s the remarkable thing about touring Israel. You will probably face some obstacles and difficulties. My second group was delayed for eight hours and missed a whole night in Israel. Some people got sick, and others suffered from common belly issues (usually solved by cutting back on the delicious hummus, as hard as that may be). However, through it all, I have yet to be on a tour of Israel when God doesn’t meet those on the trip—including me—in a significant way.

And that makes it all more than worthwhile.