Away

As much as I have learned to appreciate our time here in Israel, and as many lessons as I feel we are learning, it does not change the simple fact that some days it is very hard to be away. It seems that for some reason, many of our friends in the States are going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Friends and family that we love are fighting for their marriages. Our son's best friend (who is 5) is fighting for his life right now. This is heartbreaking for me and makes it very hard for me to be away. We have friends who are struggling in faith, friends who have been hurt, or are being hurt and beat down emotionally by people they should be able to trust. This makes it hard for me to be away. I want to be home, where I can hold these friends. Where I can pray with them face to face. I want to shed tears on his bedside and not from Israel, from so far away. I dont know why the God who gives us such a love in in our hearts for people, or gives us such a longing to be near people, also sends us away. I trust that God is "near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Ps 34:18)." I know that he is with my friends. And I know that he is here with us in Israel. But today, knowing that doesn't make it easier to be away.