Only to Israel to do volunteer work
U
ntil now I had never been to Israel alone, nor had I ever flown alone. I had offered my services in the organization's household. I thought it was quite exciting, but I had to succeed. Our daughter brought me to the airport with her boyfriend. She also thought it was quite exciting for me and some tears flowed. The two granddaughters who had also accompanied me had put together a few nice puzzle books as a surprise for me to pass the time on the plane. Every now and then I take them out of my drawer and am always moved by their kind words to me, their Grandma.
Arriving at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel Tel Aviv, I continued my journey by train to Haifa, where I was picked up at approximately the last stop by two Carmel employees who were already waiting for me, greeted me very warmly and then rode the minibus to Carmel. They were two nice young girls, with whom I would have a lot of fun later. It was already late in the evening and it was therefore very quiet in the Large building where the Bibleschool and the Guest House were located. I was taken to the large kitchen where I was treated to delicious pancakes specially baked by residents for the 'new guest'. Then I was taken to one of the guesthouses where I would have my stay for the next month. I thanked God for the prosperous journey, the loving reception, and the beautiful spacious room. What would I experience? I was wondering!!The next morning at 10:00 am I was going to meet Rita Tsukahira, who was in charge of everything that had to do with the household, but also led the Bible school, group tours, and all kinds of care together with her husband Peter Tsukahira addicts and single mothers. Surprising to me was that she too was familiar with Aglow's work worldwide. It was a cordial introduction. I was introduced to the sister who told me what my duties would be. Make your own breakfast in the kitchen between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., supplies were available. Gathering with staff, employees and students in the main lobby from 9am to 10am for worship and prayer, which became a wonderful start to each day!
Then everyone went to work. For me it meant setting the tables for lunch, replacing towels/tea towels in the kitchen. Cleaning toilets on the ground floor, emptying and replacing garbage bags and taking them to destination, etc. Also cleaning the tables after lunch and setting them for the new day. I would do this with other volunteers and also students who helped in the kitchen with mopping floors and helped the cook prepare lunch.
There were always some chores to do and so it always turned out to be a pleasant bustle in the building in the morning. the doors of all office spaces on the ground floor were also always open and it gave a special feeling of working together and being able to work for the kingdom of God. I could spend the afternoons and evenings as I wanted. Sometimes I offered to do laundry folding and ironing, but I could also take a rest in my room and then sit on the large balcony upstairs with a book. I was free to participate in everything that was organized for visitors, such as visiting Biblical places.
