SURPRISE, I’M HOME!!
After ten transformative months in the UK, I flew back to Israel two weeks ago for a long-awaited reunion with my family. While it was bittersweet to leave Newport, I’m so grateful for how God used that time to bring healing, growth, joy, and rest. I was only meant to stay for three months, but God had other plans, and every extra day was a lesson in His perfect timing.
When I boarded the plane last July, I didn’t know if I’d ever return to Israel — or if I’d have a home to return to since the war was intensifying. Even before October 7th, I pleaded with God to open a door for me to leave. When that door finally opened, I ran through it only to find my heart longing to return. It took leaving Israel for God to show me how connected I am to this land and how much it matters to Him.
Hidden Identity
While the start of my trip was a refreshing breather from the heaviness of war, being away became unexpectedly difficult because I felt like I had to hide who I was and act like everything was “normal” while history was repeating itself and my parents were living through daily missile attacks. Living in Israel is not for the faint of heart, but I’ve since learned that there is freedom in living among people who understand what you’ve endured and walk through the streets with their heads held high, unafraid of who they are. Meanwhile, in Europe, I was always cautious of my surroundings and careful about what I said in public because I knew how the news, governments, and people twist events to accuse Israelis/Jews. Just before I flew home, I had dinner with my cousin in London, and we had to speak in code because we were actively aware of the rise in anti-Semitic attacks and didn’t know who might overhear our conversation.
After ten months, the strain of being away weighed heavily on my heart. I don’t usually get homesick, but I was suddenly desperate to come home. Still, I didn’t want emotion to guide my decision, so I asked God to close the doors that didn’t align with His plans, and He did. The alternative paths closed one by one, and I knew it was time to fly back.
God’s Hand in Every Step
Once I bought my ticket, the final days flew by — as if time itself was also eager for my return.
In the middle of preparations, Passover arrived, and God once again answered my prayers by providing a place for me to celebrate the Seder (shout out to Jenny and Gerry Brown!). Even more unexpected, my journey to the Passover table led me to the country hotel where my parents and I lived before moving to Israel — the same place my migraines began. Walking into my old bedroom brought back every memory and emotion. However, instead of reliving the hardships, the Lord shifted my perspective to focus on the blessings that flowed through those dark days. This encounter was the last piece of healing I needed before coming home. Though I’m still dealing with health challenges, that Passover weekend was a powerful reminder that we serve a God who hears His people’s cries, never leaves us alone, and always comes to our rescue!
I’m still in awe at how the Lord led me back to my hometown and reunited me with the Wright family. They were a pivotal part of my childhood and a true godsend as an adult, wrapping me in love, hospitality, and family when I needed it most. Spending those months with them after so many years apart was a blessing. I’ll always be grateful to the Wrights and the Warehouse Church for providing community.
Peace and Reunions
Landing in Israel was more emotional than I imagined. As the plane touched down, Brandon Lake’s song “Fear is Not My Future” played through my headphones, and I felt Yeshua’s peace, joy, love, strength, and hope wash over me. Though we are still at war — the sirens have sounded in Haifa twice since my homecoming — I sighed in relief at being back in the Holy Land. There is nothing quite like being among resilient people who choose to live while the rest of the world calls for our destruction. This is the land of the Bible, after all, and the more I dive into the Word, the more in awe I am that I get to walk on the same ground as Yeshua! Being in Israel puts everything into perspective and encourages me of the coming promises. God has His hand over this Land; the fact that we’re still standing strong is proof of this.
Seeing my mom in the arrivals hall stopped me in my tracks. After ten months of daily FaceTimes, I couldn’t believe I was about to wrap my arms around her or my dad. We crashed into each other, both weeping with joy, sorrow, and love. Poor Joey was sandwiched between us, but we didn’t care as we clung to one another like we’d never let go. It was a beautiful moment that confirmed my decision to come home.
I even got to surprise my grandparents, who had no idea I was flying back. Watching their shock turn to joy was a moment I’ll never forget. It was also special to receive a warm welcome from those at Ebenezer Senior Living Home and Beit Eliyahu, who ran to greet me.
So, What’s Next? God Only Knows, haha
Though I have a return flight booked for the end of the month, I’m not sure I’ll be on it — in fact, it might be canceled with the ongoing escalations.
Please continue to pray for Israel and the brave IDF soldiers risking their lives, especially as operations increase in Gaza, tensions rise with Iran and the Houthis, and as Israel protects the Druze in Syria who are facing atrocities of their own.
Whatever happens next, I choose to trust God. If I’ve learned anything these past ten months, it’s that God answers prayers, meets us where we are, and is never late. Sometimes, He calls us out of our environment to realign our hearts to Him. I left Israel full of fear and trauma, but have returned stronger, whole, and rooted. Yes, running from missiles is still scary, but when you’re walking in God’s will, nothing can touch you that He has not already preordained. As Gamaliel told the Sanhedrin when they tried to silence the apostles, “If their purpose or activity is of human owing, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39).
So, whatever season you’re in, trust that God hears your prayers and is moving even when you can’t see it. Be diligent. Stay faithful to what He has given you to do. Meditate on His Word day and night. Praise Him even when it looks like evil is prevailing. And, set your sights on Yeshua, our anchor and hope.
