Journal Entry: July 1, Isolation

       

 It's funny how you can feel isolated in the middle of a bustling city, But even more so when you can't speak the language. Isolation. Such a cold word. But an even colder feeling.
        I sat on a park bench with a truly spectacular view in front of me. But its hard to enjoy such a view when your eyes are full of tears. So I poured out my heart to the only one who understood the language of my soul. Language. It's a huge, daunting mountain. Where does one even begin? And how? A couple people occasionally passed by, and all their conversations were either in Hebrew, or some other foreign tongue. And with every person the hopeless feeling grew. Followed by more prayer for grace and strength.

        I saw black shoes, and the end of a long black coat walk past. And then stop. I wiped my eyes and looked up. Looking back at me was a young Orthodox Jewish man.
        "Hello" he said....almost quietly.
        "Hello" I returned, as courteously as I could.
        "How are you doing?" He asked.
        "Fine, thank you." Inwardly I thought to myself, Who are you? and what do you think? Your looking at a girl scribbling in her journal, with a tear stained face! He walked over and sat down beside me, as I pulled my still open journal closer to me. I was ready for my heart to start pounding with fear, and my mind to be filled with questions as to what he was up to, or wanted. But they never came.
        "Is this your first time in Israel?"
        "Yes."
        "And how do you like it?"
        "It's okay." I tried to be as convincing as possible.
        "What's not okay about it?"
        I looked out over the valley and smiled weakly. "Well it's a little hard to get around if you don't understand Hebrew!"
        "Mmh...yes, but if that's the only thing that's wrong, I'd say your having a pretty good time!" He paused as I let that sink in. Instantly I knew he was right. It was like God had allowed me to have my cry, and was now telling me, it's time to move on. No your situation is not ideal, but you have  lot to be grateful for, get back on your feet.
        We talked for probably 10 min. before I decided it was time to go. That man was a God-send. I have never before been comfortable with strangers coming up and talking to me, especially guys.  But I was completely comfortable, an had peace while I was talking to him. As I walked away I wasn't sure what to think. I felt strangely comfortable and relaxed. I never looked back as I walked away. Kinda wish I would have.
        Whether God sent an angel, or just a plain Israeli Jew to speak English to me, I left encouraged, and convinced that God had in a small way heard and answered my cry.