Ulpan was definitely harder this last week. We are learning more and more everyday, so it’s a bit overwhelming. Homework is also getting harder, but still doesn’t take me longer than one to two hours.
This week, I got to know our Thursday teacher better, and she finally remembered my name! She’s really good teacher and spends most of the day making conversation with us, in Hebrew of course. It’s a nice change of pace when she comes, because it’s definitely more relaxed and a great review of all that we had learned that week.
Last Thursday, there was a large possibility that I was going to fly to the States to see our naturopath, to be tested, and start detoxing. After getting all excited about spending my holiday on a beach in Florida, I got the news that I wouldn’t be going. Thinking it through, however, I think it was a good decision, because it’s going to be much easier to detox in the comfort of my home and not have my body stressed from the long journey.
On Friday, mom and I drove to Netanya for a day of shopping and relaxation. It was so nice to get out of Tiberias and into better civilization. Mom loved the mall and started shopping right away. Isabella also met us there and joined us on our quest to find t-shirts and other summer clothes. I was actually really impressed with all that I bought and very excited to buy my first dress in many years, I can’t wait to wear it!
Having a girl’s day with my mom and Izzy was really refreshing, I don’t think I’ve had one for a while. Picking out clothes, having girl talk, chilling at Izzy’s apartment, and sipping tea on the beach was very therapeutic.
Before we drove to Netanya, we stopped by to see my grandparents. My papa hadn’t been feeling well all week and when we saw him that morning, he looked and sounded terrible. At one point, he was sure he had throat cancer or some incurable disease. That said, when we returned in the evening, he was on his feet and ready to play badminton with us. It’s truly amazing how quickly he can recover.
I wrote last week that I wanted to hear YHVH’s voice better, and I think I’m getting there. On Shabbat, I couldn’t find the hot water bottle, so I prayed and asked YHVH to show me where it was. In a matter of minutes, He showed me exactly where it was and I could hear His voice telling me. It’s an ongoing process, but I definitely feel like I’m getting closer to my Savior.
Something that really inspired me this week was what occurred on Saturday evening. Mom and I went to my grandparents place to spend time with them. Nan was really stressed with my papa being sick and her decreasing hearing abilities, so mom took her for a walk while I stayed back with my pups.
I had already planned to read while they were gone, but I got an idea (maybe from God) to ask papa if he would like me to read to him. To my astonishment, he was all for it! He told me that no one had read to him for a long time and was very excited for me to read to him.
So, I prayed and asked YHVH what book I should start reading and thought that Ruth would good, but when I suggested it to my papa, he said he wanted something with action. With that in under consideration, the book of Exodus came into my head, so I started reading that. As I read, I could see my papa soaking every word I was saying, he was like a little boy hearing a bedtime story. I really enjoyed reading to him, and have continued to do it whenever I see him and we have time.
Being able to read the Bible to my papa was really encouraging because he usually shuts me down when I bring up reading the Bible. It was so nice to see him enjoying something wholesome, and not trash like the movies he watches. When I read to him, I feel like we’re bonding in a new way, and I really like it.
When Monday came around the corner, I started to get nervous about my mikvah. I was completely fine until we arrived at the park and I saw how many people were about to watch me confess my sins and be mikvahed. Granted, there weren’t nearly as many people there like at my baptism, but it was just as nerve wracking.
After watching two groups of people get mikvahed, it was my turn to go in. Michael, a friend of my dad’s and the tour’s leader, introduced me and then asked me why I was getting mikvahed and what my confession was. I couldn’t really think of the right words, but was still able to say, “I confess living a life of this world and falling off of God’s path. I want to make a stand, today, and say that I’m ready to serve YHVH with all of my heart and not fall off His path again.”
Once the speaking part was over, I thought the hardest part was done, but I was wrong. After everyone in my group had shared what was on their hearts, it was time to go head first into the water. While I was under, it felt like time stood, and I could feel the weight on my shoulders come off and disappear.
Ever since my mikvah, I am no longer haunted by what I did in the past or thinking about it as much as I used to. The events that occurred are part of my testimony and I am happy to share that with people, but they are no longer part of my present. It’s so freeing to live without having the baggage I never realized I had.
I’m very thankful I had the opportunity to be mikvahed and am touched whenever I talk to someone who was inspired by my act of faith. The day after being mikvahed, my mom got a call from her longtime friend in Wales who said she was very touched by my mikvah and has a yearning in her heart to fly to Israel and spend time with us.
Though the mikvah was my pledge to Yah, I couldn’t be more thrilled that others have been encouraged by it. Our lives are supposed to encourage and inspire others, so I’m very happy that mine is.
Now, as this week continues, I have no idea what Yah will bring my way. All I know is that I’m trusting in Him to guide me through it. I pray that you will also lean on Him in this time of your life and know that He will never let you fall.