Letter From Emily 10/28/23

Shalom Good Hope Family Fellowship,

I hope you are all doing well. Writing this letter is the first time I feel I’ve been able to think about you guys this month. Know that I’m lifting you all up in prayer now as I write. 

The first week of October, we celebrated Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). This has been one of my favorites of the holidays so far! (Please bear with me as I try to do my best to describe it and feel free to check me on the information I provide). Everyone sets up their Sukkas (a simple square frame of wood covered in palm branches on top and blankets and sheets on the sides). They are all unique in size and decor depending on the family. During  Sukkot, they have dinner in these tents every night. Aside from the natural excitement of putting up a tent and eating with friends and family in it, there are deeper joys it brings me. This is the 7th Feast, the one feast that is not only a celebration of God’s faithfulness in the past (guiding the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom in Israel), but a celebration of God’s faithfulness in the future. Sukkot is preparation for the Wedding Feast. One day, the joy of this holiday will be fully experienced as what we’ve been celebrating comes to pass. We eat in tents during Sukkot as a reminder that this is temporary. We have a greater joy to look forward to. 

Another important event we celebrated here this month was my birthday! My concerns for having a birthday an ocean away from my friends and family feel silly now. I had no idea before I came that I would find friends and family here. We had some of my favorite food, watched good movies, and they were even able to surprise me with a party in the evening. I felt very seen and celebrated. 

I don’t tell you these things to ignore what’s currently going on— the war, Hamas, sirens, rockets, etc.. But if I’ve learned anything from the people of Israel, it’s that life goes on. Celebration, mourning, joy, desperation— it can and does happen all at once. The people here are amazing. Of course they aren’t known for their southern hospitality and I have apologized to people saying, “I’m so sorry! I totally Israelied you just now,” after I’ve pushed past or cut someone off. But they have a resilience that is unmatched. It reminds me these are God’s chosen people. There’s still traffic on our way to work. All the shops we frequent are open. There are more Israeli flags and banners up than ever before. And at the same time, people from other parts of Israel are fleeing their homes, mourning loved ones who’ve been captured or killed, dealing with the unimaginable. And they all stand together.

For me personally, I can honestly say I’m okay. Yes, it’s heavy. Yes, my heart drops every time the siren has gone off. Yes, I miss you all, especially my family so deeply. But I’m where God has called me. I’m safer here inside of God’s will than I ever would be back home outside of God’s will. I have His peace that surpasses understanding. 

Thank you for your prayers. It works. It gives me strength to know y’all are praying. Keep praying desperately. If God leads you, give to Bridges for Peace. You guys are a part of this story right where you are. I miss you all.

Emily