Yikes—Am I really capable of going alone?

Yikes—Am I really capable of going alone?        

                                                                                     

Standing by the curb, I watched my son, Neil, drive away. 

Once again I looked up at the sign to be sure I was in the right place—“International Passenger Drop Off.” I took a deep breath and tears welled up in my eyes. Wow—was I ever out of my comfort zone! But I was excited beyond words. I whispered a prayer, latched onto my wheeled suitcase, carry-on, and purse and headed into the ominous Atlanta International Airport.

I could hardly believe it. I was going to Israel—Alone! 

Photo by Connie Wohlford

Yikes—was I really capable of going to another country without a traveling companion? I would connect with my tour group when I got there, but they would all be total strangers. My husband, Guy, was staying home to care for my elderly parents and none of my friends were available to go. I had traveled alone before—mostly by car and one other time on a domestic flight but this was really different.

I made my way through the process, trying hard not to appear scared. I arrived at my gate early and was told the flight was delayed for one and one-half hours. With lots of time on my hands and knowing I would be sitting a lot for the next twenty or so hours, I decided to take a stroll. I walked to the end of the terminal, not far from my gate and watched planes land and take off and observed other goings-on on the tarmac below.

I sat for a few minutes just thinking: “Wow! Here I am—on my way to Israel. Thank You, Lord!”

When I got back to the gate, expecting another hour wait, I thought it odd there were no passengers sitting around waiting to board. The lady at the desk called to me, “Are you Connie?”

“Yes.”

“We’ve been calling for you. Hurry! Everyone has boarded!”

“I didn’t hear you call me!”

I had no idea that at the far end of the terminal the P.A. system could not be heard. I was unnerved at the thought that I came close to missing my flight and I had a harsh reminder of what a novice I was at air travel.

The irritated agent processed my ticket and I ran down the jetway and boarded my transport to LaGuardia. What a huge relief to get settled into my seat. In my mind I profusely thanked God for not letting me miss the flight. If I had, I’d have missed my connecting flight from New York to Tel Aviv and that would have been disastrous. (The thought of that phone call to Guy was unimaginable.) 

“Oh God, I’m so out of my element!”

I had a couple of hours to calm down and calculate a mental plan for the next transition. I knew I should have plenty of time and it ought to be smooth going. I wondered if anyone on this jet was also heading for the same tour as I.

I arrived at LaGuardia thinking I had all kinds of time but when I realized I had to get on this train and then that train to get to my terminal tears welled up again and I felt overwhelmed. 

“God, I know You’re with me and You’ll help me do this.” 

I didn’t have time to cry and I set out on the next leg of this very unfamiliar path. I’d been in big airports before but except for one trip I’d been with at least one other family member. 

Step by step I made my way to the terminal. No one was there and it was dimly lit. I checked and double checked to be sure I was in the right place but there was no one around to confirm my hope. I knew I was early but would not have thought I was that early. 

Eventually other travelers began to trickle into the area. I wanted to talk to someone but they all kept their distance and didn’t seem interested in getting acquainted. I reminded myself that I’m a southern girl and this is New York City. Boy, was I ever a fish out of water!

Finally the time came to check board. I and the other ten or so passengers were taken into a closed off area. There we were each briefly interviewed and wanded by Israeli soldiers. I thought, “Wow, this is interesting.” I wasn’t sure if I should feel nervous or extremely safe. I decided to feel safe. 

We boarded the huge jet full of travelers. Upon entering I looked out across the sea of faces—not a single one was familiar. 

I smiled at my new neighbors and slipped into the assigned seat. Finally I was on the last leg of this phenomenal mission of getting from the mountains of Virginia to Tel Aviv, Israel. And finally, I could relax. 

I took a deep breath and again my eyes welled with tears—tears of joy and gratitude. In my mind, I thanked God over and over for this opportunity. I thanked Neil and his wife, Suanne, for their generous gift that helped make it possible, and I thanked Guy for caring for Mama and Daddy.

I also thanked God for giving me the courage to leap out of my comfort zone and take this trip all by myself. In about 15 hours I would step onto the ground in the place God called “the glory of all lands” (Ezekiel 20:6 NASB).

 Southern Steps, where Jesus walked up to the Temple

My two weeks in the Holy Land were beyond more than I could have asked. My appreciation for the things of God, for His Word, and for His chosen people was multiplied. The wonders of the Land cannot be expressed in a few mere words.

I can tell you though that I want to go back—I can hardly wait to go back. I believe God will provide again and hopefully even a few times for me to go back to the epicenter of His creation.  

On Masada, with Dead Sea in backbroun

Though I saw a lot and learned much, there’s so much more to see and learn. I smile at this moment just imagining going again.

A few times while in Israel I felt that anxiety of being out of my comfort zone, like when I first walked into my hotel room in Jerusalem, knowing I’d be by myself each night for two weeks in a foreign country. To call Guy would cost too much and I didn’t expect him to call me, though He did so a couple of times. It was exciting to hear his voice and to be reassured all was well back home.

At the end of my Israel adventure, while riding the bus from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport, those tears welled up again. Though I was ready to return home I could hardly believe the trip was over and I asked God to please let me return someday to the “glory of all lands.” 

Placing prayers into the Western Wall

Would it be out of my comfort zone to do it again alone? Absolutely! But it would not be nearly as intimidating as the first time. I learned a great deal about air travel and about being on foreign soil. I’m so ready to go again.

This year, as Israel celebrates her 70^th Birthday, would be a marvelous time to go back. I’m afraid, at the moment, I don’t have plans to go again, but the year is young.

Maybe—just maybe—God will make a way for me to walk again where Jesus walked in the glory of all lands. (I’m smiling.)

In the comment area below, please share: 

If you have been in Israel, what was one of your favorite experiences?

Are you planning on going this year, during Israel's Birthday celebration?

©Copyright 2018 Connie Wohlford