It is surreal to think that in 1 week, Brandi and I will be in Israel, on our way to see the Holy Land, where Jesus walked and where many followed over 2000+ years ago. As we celebrated Resurrection Sunday (Easter),Good Friday and Holy week last week, I am in awe of what God has done, is doing and continues to do in my life.
It has been 10+ months since Lori went home to be with Jesus. Time sure has flown by. As I continue to get my bearings on being a widow, on doing things on my own, on being a single father to an adult daughter, on fulfilling my calling as a pastor, shepherd and working citizen...the one constant has been God's grace, mercy and love through it all. Along with our church ohana and blood ohana supporting us and loving us through it all - it has been a great season for me.
My health is getting better after not taking physical care of myself through the last few months of Lori's battle and the months thereafter. My relationship with Brandi continues to grow...being a Father is so much different than being a Mother. My ministry at our great church is getting healthier as we continue to relate and help each other to live out our mission statement at New Hope Aloha Pau'ole:
WE ARE COMMITTED TO LOVING GOD AND ADVANCING HIS KINGDOM BY LOVING PEOPLE TO A PLACE OF FREEDOM.
In the midst of all the challenges, chaos, tears and the gamut of so much emotions over the last 3.5 years since Lori's diagnosis back in October 2012, God's joy, strength, courage, endurance, perseverance, hope and promises has been so present. Regardless of the challenges or setbacks that have occurred or continue to occur, my hope does not rest in the outcomes of those situations...it rests in that God has a plan in store for me for His good and His glory. As I continue to value each and every person who I come into contact with as God values them and loves them, I continue to grow in His glory. It has been a great journey so far.
I have asked myself this question - What am I expecting in this 2 week trip to Israel?
The answer as of now is - I am unsure...but whatever it is, God will reveal what He needs me to see and hear and implement in my life. In preparing for the trip by reading the study guide, it is amazing to see how history of the past, will be so present when we visit.
I plan to post updates and pics as we go along and hope I can share with you all (whoever may read this) what God is trying to reveal to me through His eyes.
We leave on Sunday and will be in New York for a day and a half and then spend 1 day traveling and 10 days in Israel. We then return to New York for 2 days before we come back home. I have never been to New York before, Brandi has been there 2x...so I am excited to see the Big Apple.
Asking for your prayers and God's covering as we make this pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Love you all and update you soon!!
