My wife Marcia and I have been in Jerusalem for three and one half days. After leaving the Greenville, South Carolina area where we had lived the previous five years, we now have an apartment in Talbiyah (within walking distance of the ancient walled city, the King Solomon Hotel and, according to our map, Herod’s tomb). We also have a bank account, Israeli cell phones, our dog, Penn_E (who’s forgiven us for hauling her 7,000 miles in a crate), immigrant papers, Israeli ID’s and blisters.
The question we are asked most often regarding the move is…“Why?”? Or one of several variants beginning, “Why on earth…?” But the question regarding the move that we liked best, coming from a disinterested third party, was “Is that wise?”
A fair question.
When asked I smiled and answered “I don’t know” not from second thoughts but because we never considered the move in that context. If we’d been asked if the move seemed natural or important…yes. A bit scary? Yes. Bittersweet because we were about to limit our access to wonderful family and friends, yes. But wise…?
Now, having had time to think about it, I would answer “Yes” if asked that question again. If it is wise to listen carefully, to embrace a sense of adventure, to assign hopefulness at least as much weight as fear, then yes, moving to the uncertainty of Jerusalem from the relative stability of Upstate South Carolina makes good sense, especially for, and to, a Jew.
Regardless of how valuable one considers the Bible it is interesting to note that today Jews from all over the world are “returning” to Israel (in increasing numbers from the US) regardless of how unwise it may seem and exactly as foretold by so many Hebrew prophets. For example, around 2,700 years ago Isaiah prophesied, “…and you shall be gathered, one by one, people of Isra’el.” (27:12) and about 130 years later Jeremiah added “So don’t be afraid…for I will return you from far away and your offspring from their country of exile…For I am with you to save you.” (30:10,11)
There are many more. Micah, Ezekiel, Joel… all revealing a clear vision of the restoration of Israel (non-existent for 1700 years) and the return of a remnant from “the ends of the earth.”
Three years ago, my citing scripture was probably more unlikely than our living in Israel today. I’ve been an atheist, skeptic, deist and theist. I’ve studied Zen. I fought a long, stubborn battle resisting this moment but it appears that God, despite my best efforts (and exactly as he promised through the prophets) has, just the same, returned me from far away.
We remain amazed. And, yes, regardless of what happens next we would have to say the move was wise.
I will update this blog from time to time as time allows. We have language lessons and all kinds of interaction with the government on the immediate horizon. Then job hunting.
Here is a 5-minute video of our 21-hour (plus) trip from Charlotte to Jerusalem.
G-d bless you both in all that you do.
We are so proud of you for having the faith to step out of the boat. Enjoy this adventure. Life can be exciting when God is in control.
Love you both in the Lord.
Shalom,
Michael & Cindy
Thank you so much for sharing your move Marcia and Cliff! So glad you two are settling in. I like how you describe every thing as “small”. LOL May you two be bless by the Lord and provide yall with good jobs. Poor Penny having to stay in her little cage but looks like she made it! The back where you will be walking Penny is beautiful! I was so surprised to hear you used to be an atheist, Cliff! The Lord drew you close to him, though, looks like! May you and Marcia have many, many blessings!
:Love you both!
Dellanie
I will follow your blog with a little bit of jealousy. What a privilege to live in that land! You are truly a child of Abraham as you leave “your country, and your people” to go to the land of God’s leading and blessing. May you find all of God’s promises fulfilled for you in His promised land!
I also was so struck by the line “to assign hopefulness at least as much weight as fear.” That needed a “selah” after it.
Looking forward to hearing more – Esther
PS I heard about you through my agent, Diana Flegel
Dear Cliff and Marcia,
I heard about your adventure from one of my “dog friends”, Mary Ann Ritter just today. I am so happy that you are able to do this. It’s a bit scary, but it wouldn’t be quite such an amazing venture without that risk. It’s so great that you took your dog too. So many dogs end up in the shelter when people move anywhere, even in their own country. I hope to stay updated and know that I will be keeping you in my prayers too. You have come such a long way from that funny kid who spent time at our house like yet another brother.
I’d love one day to hear the story of what led you to make the decision and follow through with it. I have a great respect for Isreal and feel that she is being abandoned by the people she once could count on for support. I am ashamed at the treatment she has received from our own government lately. It looks like things will get very hard there, so I would like to hear from you if you ever feel that you will need anything. Love you, Terry
So good to receive your email, post, and video and and learn of your new home. I’d love to learn more. Best wishes always, Jet.
What a wonderful calling. I am always amazed the way God reaches out to his people, puts his arms around us—without our knowing it—and aims us in a direction we have no idea where we are going. It is just the feeling. . .the feeling that He knows.
Bless you both.
Oh my gosh, what a surprise!! Sincerest wishes for your and Marcia’s happiness on your new adventure. So sad to hear that Snoopy did not make the journey. Looking forward to keeping in touch via your blog. Keep it coming.
Michelle Preiss
So excited to know you are there safely. I can’t wait to here all the steps God takes you on.
Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful blog! I look forward to reading more as your journey continues, and know I will continue to be inspired!
Wow, what an answer to prayer. So glad you are all there-3 of you! God’s calling is not normally understood by all, but make no mistake about, when He calls us to do something special, His grace is sufficient, even in our weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
May your lives be filled with joy and blessings in the coming days and weeks as you follow His leading.
Abe & Karen
So glad to hear of your arrival. I enjoyed the Blog and would love to stay in touch the rest of your Journey. It does seem a bit of an adventure.
I love your line “to assign hopefulness at least as much weight as fear.” Very profound. And very applicable to so many other areas. Looking forward to hearing the results of all that hope! At Women’s Retreat last weekend, the speaker said, “Life is a 1,000 piece puzzle and God has the box top.” So as a jigsaw puzzle fan and someone who believes in stepping out in faith, I say Mazel Tov!