Israel trip part 1: Why Israel?

When I decided last fall to take a mission trip to Israel, many friends and family questioned why I wanted to go there. Wasn't it dangerous? Aren't you scared? What kind of church brainwashed you into going to Israel? America also needs missionaries! 

To be honest there are times when these questions feel valid. Yet my biggest question that I have asked really since I moved to Japan is Why me? What makes me significant enough that God should care for and even call me to His people? Most believers could easily count reasons why they feel unworthy of God's love or really how they failed him. I could probably count 5 times in the last day that I fell short of the glory of God. We can get caught up in our shortcomings and lose sight of God's grace. Yet that is kind of the point.

Moses: This man had a speech impediment (Exodus: 4:10) and killed a man (Exodus 2:11-15)
Jonah: He had to get swallowed by a large fish (Jonah 1:17) in order to actually follow God's call.
David: He commits adultery and has the woman's husband killed to cover it up (2 Samuel 11:5-27
Paul: He was at times the worst of all because he actually persecuted followers of Jesus (Acts 8:3). Yet he wrote some of the most profound books of the Bible when God converted him.

This list can continue on and on but the truth of it is found in what aforementioned Paul says in 2Corinthians 12:9 (that's second Corinthians for Trump fallowers haha) "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

These are just a few of the more well know examples found in the same Bible we Christians say we read. The point is we all fall short when comparing ourselves to Christ yet God chooses us in our weakness so that His strength is shown. He doesn't select the high and mighty. He selects the Davids of the world to take on the Goliaths AND WIN. Essentially this should answer the why me question for every single follower of Jesus. It's not our merits but His. Ok Greg's sermon part 1 is over. 

PART 2: Why Israel? 

Israel is a stew made from the same recipe. We're talking about a nation that is roughly the size of New Jersey. Yet, God calls Israel the"apple of His eye" in Zechariah 2:8. (Anybody every wonder where that phrase came from...mind blown? the Bible is full of great stuff). This is really an in depth question that my friends getting a masters in divinity could do a better job of answering than me. Simply, God chose Israel because His grace and love are magnified by his constant perfecting and pursuit of His people. Ask any teacher you know about that one student who finally did what you asked. An example will pop up right away and the intrinsic value the teacher felt will be unmatched. 

If I were to make an Old Testament for Dummies book it would be boiled down to this. God loves His people. Over the course of hundreds of years, these people are constantly on the pendulum of failing and turning away only to be brought back like the story of the prodigal son. 

Now let me flash forward for anybody that is still reading my thoughts, essentially I went to Israel because God loves his people. Because God loves me, He had the desire to share this joy for His people with me. One thing I've learned from Jonah is when God calls you don't let it go to voicemail. 

So what is this big majestic epiphany that God gave me because I listened and went to His holy land? It's pretty basic but not pumpkin spice latte basic (forgive me if you don't get the pop culture reference). It's a foundation principle basic. Because God loves me as He does you (reminder it's not about me but His love for me for those that skim read the beginning of this post), He wants to share with US his heart and the things He cares about. Picture sharing your favorite dessert with someone you love, it just makes it taste better. God has a love for Israel which is very evident through the Bible and through historical evidence for anybody that believes and reads about the history of Israel. 

In going to Israel, God shared His love for Israel with me and also renewed an understanding of the Bible in historical context. I could see and be at places that were Biblical but also empirically evident to those that don't believe. I often tried to look at places I went with atheistic eyes to see what a nonbeliever would see at these places. It's very difficult to connect places without the context of the Bible. Scripture speaks of locations and things that today are being unearthed by archaeologists. If the Bible has valid historical roots, then it must have validity historically. 

The other part of my journey was embracing God's Jewish communities and those that believe in Jesus as their savior. Getting a measure of understanding about the difficulty of what Israel calls being a believer in Israel, its truly remarkable to see people following the Messiah. Less than 1% of the country believes in Jesus. Yet, there is a beautiful and inspired heart that in that 1% that I got to meet. I look forward to seeing God's joy work through them as they grow. 

**This is the end of part one. I know some people really just wanted to know what I did while in Israel and wanted context to the "pretty pictures" I posted in Israel. But I thought it was important to give the context for the context. Reminder I'm just  a random guy who God inspired to search out His faith more deeply in the last 4 years. I understand if many of you scrolled through and thought this guy is crazy or lost touch with reality. I would say "yes" and "Thank you Jesus" to that. But I also pray that you take the time to truly take God, Jesus, the Bible and your faith into your hands truly whether or not you have ever believed. Pray, ask questions, visit more than just the church you grew up with. God appreciates discernment.The person you see on Sunday, can only take your faith so far and that person/church is not infallible. I often feel unsure about the direction God has in my life but am thankful for His compass. Remember God doesn't expect us to be perfect. Our imperfections are made more beautiful by His perfection. 

Stayed tuned for my thoughts on the trip!

     

My first year teaching in Texas

Hard to believe its been a year since that random trek to Texas and the 4th grade teaching job that just fell into place. I still remember the phone call from my principal. "Would you like to teach science and Texas history?" With the same spirit as a Texian who "remember(s) the Alamo", I decided to go all in and move to Texas. To be honest, looking back its truly amazing how clueless and even nervous I was to have this teaching job. Could I handle being the only male? Would I be put on a microscope because I'm new? Could I even make a proper lesson plan? Do I actually know anything about Texas?

Its funny how questions and anxieties can get the best of us but if we just keep pushing through in the direction we are led, they kind of disappear. I would say within the first month most of my random questions disappeared. I constantly went through the year going into events feeling clueless e until I showed up and just did them.

There's a million ideas circulating through my head on how to formulate this post so I figured I would do it question/answer style. A wise person once told me, "you can talk to yourself as long as you don't answer yourself. If you answer yourself you are crazy." Welp lets hope that doesn't apply to writing.

After teaching in Japan for 4 years, what is the difference from a teaching perspective between Japanese and American culture?

I could probably write a book on the differences if I took the time. Comparing Japanese schools, MeySen (A private Immersion English Academy), and my first year in Texas would be like comparing apples and meatloaf. Aside from good ol' Aunt Sally who put apples in her secret meatloaf, they just don't really compare. One thing to remember is Japan is the size of California. America is a large nation with every region so different much like the countries of Europe.

What were some differences you experienced?

In Japan, I taught kids who's parents were doctor, lawyers, professional athletes, etc. They really invested in making sure their students had the best of everything. That was actually a blessing and a curse at times. Parents were often competing with each other for who's child got the recognition and constantly watching every move. This honestly could be a similarity in some areas of the US. My Japanese students were also generally involved in a ton of extra curricular activities. They have a more busy planner than a CEO of a major corporation and they were in elementary school.  One of my students was even a professional violinist. I remember how hard she worked in everything she did, yet I could sense how much pressure she put on herself to be perfect in everything.

Teaching in America, there are few kids who are heavily involved but that's not always the norm. There are several kids who have more difficult home lives and they tend to assume a lot more responsibility in raising their siblings. There are also the few who would prefer video games and social media to actually doing things in this physical world. I recall being very surprised when I asked my Japanese students how much time they get to play video games, one boy raised his hand and told me he got an hour on the weekend and that was it. Probably the greatest difference between here and there is the diversity among the students in terms of background, interests, life experiences etc.

There are several other obvious differences. In Japan, I taught kids 6 days a week for about 300 days a year. At first, I really hated the idea of working on Saturdays but honestly got used to it pretty quickly. The job itself pretty much becomes your life. I did not really have much of a social life outside of where I worked and who I worked with. At times, it was a blessing but at times it was a curse. Honestly, the job itself was actually fun on most days so I looked forward to going to work. The other cool thing was when I left work, Peace Out...I was done.

In America, we teach about 180 days a year buuuut we put in countless hours outside of work. I spent most Sundays at Beltway Coffee grading or lesson planning as well as many other days trying to set things up. We get 50 minutes to plan but use the bathroom (finally), make a couple copies IF you don't have a meeting, phone call or e-mail  to make and all of a sudden its gone. Everything that really makes a classroom run smoothly is done on your own time and your own dime. Man do I miss having nearly 2 hours to plan and having essential supplies readily available.


What about discipline issues?

I had 16 kids in Japan. All of whom came from very similar backgrounds and usually had a strong intrinsic push to be successful. They had issues don't get me wrong but nothing even close to situations I have dealt with in America. Also, if I made a kid stand up for misbehaving that pretty much scared them from doing anything wrong.  I never once had a kid be disrespectful in  Japan.

In Texas, I had one kid in particular that told me pretty regularly "I hate school, school is boring, this class is boring." Other kids had a host of  issues I won't bring up on a blog post. There were so many unique situations this past year that made me go "What in the world?"

I feel as though I am painting out America in a bad light but let me reiterate how rewarding it is here. My Japanese kids had few issues and we enjoyed being around each other, there really wasn't much challenge in the day to day. When one of those kids in my American class who day after day misbehave all of a sudden make a complete shift, it is this feeling that I can't even explain.

One student in particular was melancholy day after day in my class and lived an emotional roller coaster. In the middle of the year after a really difficult incident, I  wondered why in the world am I putting so much effort into this kid. He slowly started doing better and better. One random day, he gave me a drawing that simply said "Mr. Z is the King of the World". He has never said one positive thing this whole year. I was ecstatic. These kids with all of their outside factors make teaching a challenge but such an incredible reward.

How is it being the only male in a school?

This truly has been a blessing being among my coworkers regardless of our gender difference. I honestly moved to Texas with nothing and no school supplies. By the beginning of the year, I had everything you could ever want and then some with very little paid for out of my pocket.  I am truly amazed at my coworkers day in and day out. The amount of work they put in outside of simply teaching their classes is just something to marvel at. On top of that, most of them have their kids with a full plate of activities. Some days I feel like I can barely take care of myself coming home from work. I can't even imagine having the energy to raise a family on top of everything else.

On top of all their involvements, they are some of the most selfless people I have met when it comes to serving others. Anytime there is a pregnancy (which we had a lot of), wedding, birthday, you name it, there were several people ready and willing to celebrate and pitch in to help. When something difficult happens in someone's life. They all are right there helping to make meals and do whatever they need to. Often extra jobs and tasks are picked up faster than they can even be offered at the school. I've honestly never seen a group of people that simply care quite like the women that I work with.

What do you miss most about your time in Japan?

It always comes down to the people. I really miss my students and not being able to see them grow. I miss friends I have made and just simply miss being a random American immersed in a different culture than my own. I also really miss having assistants. I forgot what it is like having to make my own appointments, actually having conversations with a doctor, and having a lady named Mia take care of all my emails and conversations with parents for me.

In the end, I am truly glad I had my time there but am so thankful to be exactly where I am at. I know God called me right to Abilene, Texas for a reason. A year ago, I had no clue. Right now, I feel present and engaged in the life I'm living. I'm heading to Israel in less than a month for a mission trip! Life is still an adventure and God is continuing to be faithful in growing me to become exactly who He wants me to be and exactly where He wants me to be. Like Farmer Fran tells Joe Dirt "Home is Where You Make it." I am home!

Christian and Muslim Coexisting My NZ New Years encounter

Especially at a time when there is such a heated debate about prejudice and hating people based on their beliefs. I found myself reflecting on my New Years Day encounter 2 years ago in Auckland, New Zealand. Disclaimer: Though the message is good don't do exactly what I did because the world is not always sunshine and rainbows.

New Years Day 2014

I was feeling the effects of having a dance club connected to my hostel in Aukland. I had stayed out until 3 and did not sleep nearly enough. The day after New Years I planned on flying out to Wellington to check out the LOTR sets and enjoy the city (side note:check out Te Papa museum if you are ever there.) Since my flight left at 6 am I got a really cheap hostel 5 mi from the airport. So in my exhausted state, I decided I wanted to go straight to my hostel and sleep the day away. I got to the hostel and was not at all what I expected. It was more like a motel that had random rooms spread along its campus. It was also run completely by people from India. I only note this to share that I just wasn't expecting to stumble into a hostel that is run by people not from New Zealand.

Anyway, I get to my room and barely listened to what he was saying I was so tired. The building he took me to had about 5 beds in a room and I was the only person there. I thought cool, I'm going to pass out and life will be great. The guy tells me to pick any bed or so I thought. I pass out on a bed in the middle of the room...

I wake up to an angry 40 year old middle eastern man glaring at me. I think I'm dreaming. He starts saying "What are you doing in my bed? That is my bed. Get out!" I was just in shock as I am sure he was seeing someone in his bed. Come to find out he was already there earlier and just didn't have his stuff on his bed. I quickly moved and contemplated about how I should probably avoid this guy. Now I'm stuck at this hostel apartment that fits about 20 people and its just me and the person who I rubbed my American germs all over his bed with nowhere to go. I figured I was really doing a great job of relieving stereotypes about Americans.

It was one the most awkward situations I found myself in during my travels. While I sat in the living area, I overheard this lady trying to fire this guy for being lazy and swearing at him on speaker phone. I felt like I had stumbled into this alternate reality. I went outside to avoid all his dirty laundry and couldn't help but laugh at the situation I had myself caught in.

I eventually went back and sat in the living area and the guy sits down across from me. I was thinking about how this couldn't have gotten any more awkward. All of a sudden, he starts talking to me. He explained the situation on the phone and offered some bread and mozzarella cheese. Forgetting my lesson about not taking things from strangers I just jumped right at it. He asked me for advice about a new business venture and asked me to send an e-mail for him on his computer in English because he always makes mistakes. Then he told me he would take me around town and show Auckland.

In my mind, I was thinking about the ways I could politely say nope. Its usually the set up for a joke or a news story: Christian man gets in a car with Muslim. He told me he had to run some errands and would come back and pick me up. I told him I was fine just staying there.

He came back about an hour later and said he was ready to go. Against any better judgement and to this day I think why in the world would I ever get in a strange man's car especially given all prejudices perpetuated by the media and Donald Trump, but lo and behold I got in the car. He told me he wanted to introduce me to his Iranian friend. I realize my passport is in my pocket. Internally, I'm thinking I survived a 9.0 earthquake and this is where I meet my maker. On the outside, we started chatting and had honestly great conversation. His friend wasn't home so we just drove around town. We discussed similarities of Islam and Christianity and talked about how it's important to care about people even when they don't share the same beliefs. We both had very different beliefs yet we could coexist and even become friends.

I look at all that is in the media and feel the fear perpetuated about people that are different from us. This constantly shown from several examples: the shootings of black teens by police officers and both sides see it in two different eyes. People fearing others because they have different beliefs. Democrats and Republicans keeping the country from true progress because they can't play nicely. Yet the truth that gets brought out by my New Years hangover story is that beyond all our stereotypes and hatred if we just take time to sit and break bread with people we may not agree with, then we can peacefully coexist and potentially help each other out. I pray that 2016 is a year that we can all not simply set aside our differences but honestly embrace them, share them, and beyond that realize we don't have to agree to care for and help each other as human beings.