My name is Meghan "Meg" Maginnis and I'm a military consultant in Northern Virginia. In October of 2007 I was given the opportunity of a lifetime, to travel across the world to Israel and Jordan. I'm a proud Army brat and an even prouder follower of Jesus Christ. As an Army brat I've had the opportunity to see the world, yet had no desire to ever visit the Middle East, until last summer when my Dad suggested the trip. I'm now counting the days until I'm able to return to Israel.
In October as we flew into Ben Gurion Airport outside of Tel Aviv, I began to realize what an incredible experience I was being given. Here I was traveling across the world to walk where Jesus once walked, and eventually gave His life for me.
Our trip in October consisted of 18 people from all walks of life. The youngest person in our group was 23 years-old and the oldest was well into his 80's. Over the course of 2 weeks, we walked where Jesus walked, sampled ethnic food, covered our bodies with Dead Sea mud, and made lasting friendships.
As I reflect on my trip to Israel I find it hard to come up with words that can accurately describe my trip. There is nothing like visiting the places that Jesus once lived. Nothing can compare with walking the Via Dolorosa. There is nothing like hiking up to the waterfalls of En Gedi, where David hid from King Saul.
Last fall when I told people I was going to the Holy Land, people bombarded me with questions about my safety and why I would even be interested in visiting the Holy Land. Before going over my view of the Middle East was very distorted, much like many people in the world. After walking the Via Dolorosa, sitting in the fields outside of Bethlehem, hiking the trails of En Gedi, scripture came to life. I can now envision what it would have been like for David as he sought refuge in the caves, near the Dead Sea. I've seen the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered over 50 years ago. I traveled along the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed many of his miracles. As I traveled around Israel, my life was changed. As I traveled from one Biblical site to another, the Bible became more real to me...and most importantly Jesus Christ became more real to me.
During our trip in October we had the opportunity to observe the Jewish and Muslim people. What fascinated me was how much they focus on tradition, not a lot has changed in over 2,000 years. I learned a lot about both cultures and religions. As a result, I have taken ownership of my own faith in Jesus Christ. After watching the people there, I began to thank the Lord for not only my security in my relationship with Christ, but as well as thank Him for showing me that you don't have to follow a list of strict rules in order to have a relationship with Him. He takes us as we are...no strings attached.
My life was changed when I visited Israel. Never again will I read the Scriptures the same way. Now as I read the various Biblical accounts, I can envision the sites. As you or your child embarks on this incredible journey, may you/they travel to the Holy Land with an open heart and mind, knowing that you will never be the same. I learned that you can't travel to the Holy Land without somehow being changed or influenced.
In my spare time I have a small photography business. While in Israel and Jordan in October I took 3,500 pictures and about 40 small video clips. As I look back through my thousands of pictures I can't but help get emotional, as well as excited about returning to the Holy Land. If you're interested, some of my pictures are on my website: http://megsmemories.org/
In October as we flew into Ben Gurion Airport outside of Tel Aviv, I began to realize what an incredible experience I was being given. Here I was traveling across the world to walk where Jesus once walked, and eventually gave His life for me.
Our trip in October consisted of 18 people from all walks of life. The youngest person in our group was 23 years-old and the oldest was well into his 80's. Over the course of 2 weeks, we walked where Jesus walked, sampled ethnic food, covered our bodies with Dead Sea mud, and made lasting friendships.
As I reflect on my trip to Israel I find it hard to come up with words that can accurately describe my trip. There is nothing like visiting the places that Jesus once lived. Nothing can compare with walking the Via Dolorosa. There is nothing like hiking up to the waterfalls of En Gedi, where David hid from King Saul.
Last fall when I told people I was going to the Holy Land, people bombarded me with questions about my safety and why I would even be interested in visiting the Holy Land. Before going over my view of the Middle East was very distorted, much like many people in the world. After walking the Via Dolorosa, sitting in the fields outside of Bethlehem, hiking the trails of En Gedi, scripture came to life. I can now envision what it would have been like for David as he sought refuge in the caves, near the Dead Sea. I've seen the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered over 50 years ago. I traveled along the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed many of his miracles. As I traveled around Israel, my life was changed. As I traveled from one Biblical site to another, the Bible became more real to me...and most importantly Jesus Christ became more real to me.
During our trip in October we had the opportunity to observe the Jewish and Muslim people. What fascinated me was how much they focus on tradition, not a lot has changed in over 2,000 years. I learned a lot about both cultures and religions. As a result, I have taken ownership of my own faith in Jesus Christ. After watching the people there, I began to thank the Lord for not only my security in my relationship with Christ, but as well as thank Him for showing me that you don't have to follow a list of strict rules in order to have a relationship with Him. He takes us as we are...no strings attached.
My life was changed when I visited Israel. Never again will I read the Scriptures the same way. Now as I read the various Biblical accounts, I can envision the sites. As you or your child embarks on this incredible journey, may you/they travel to the Holy Land with an open heart and mind, knowing that you will never be the same. I learned that you can't travel to the Holy Land without somehow being changed or influenced.
In my spare time I have a small photography business. While in Israel and Jordan in October I took 3,500 pictures and about 40 small video clips. As I look back through my thousands of pictures I can't but help get emotional, as well as excited about returning to the Holy Land. If you're interested, some of my pictures are on my website: http://megsmemories.org/
We interracted with young bedowin children.
We walked the streets of Jerusalem.
We visited multiple churches.
We covered our bodies with mud from the Dead Sea
We set on top of Mount Carmel as listened to Jimmy tell of the battles that will one day take place here.
We visited the Western "Wailing" Wall in Jerusalem
We visited the town of Capernum, home to many of the apostles.
We visited Petra, one of the 7 Wonders of the World
We hiked up to En Gedi, where David hid from King Saul
We traveled along the Sea of Galilee on the "Jesus Boat"
We walked the streets of the old city, Jerusalem
We ate St. Peters fish, with the head still attached.
3 comments:
hey meg! i'm regina and i will be meeting you very soon on the israel project! jimmy de young had your link on his website for us to check out ahead of time so i did just that! what a neat blog you have! it was very encouraging to look at and read and of course very exicting as we get ready to leave! it got me pumped up for Him! i can't wait to meet you and for all of us to do some amazing work for His Kingdom! thanks for you blog...it was a blessing to read! have a great day..let your light shine! :)
see you soon,
regina
Meg - this is awesome. I had not seen this blog yet and noticed it on your Blogger profile.
I love the video. "In Christ Alone" is my favorite hymn of all time.
What a wonderful experience.
Thanks Rich!! I need to write on here about my second trip to Israel, the one I just returned from. Both trips were incredible, but very different from each other. I'm currently working on creating a video/slideshow of my most recent trip. I'll post that once I get it finished.
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