Door of Hope

The Door of Hope is located in the worst part of downtown Tel Aviv. Where the old central bus station use to be located. In that area are more then 200 brothels. The first time I walked through this part of town I had no idea where I was, but the atmosphere made me pull my coat in a little tighter and walk a little faster, as I was walking alone.
Later I found out about Dave, Ohad, and Faith work in the center of this neighborhood . A small team volunteering in a bomb shelter, providing warm meals, a shower, clothing and a bed to the prostitutes on the streets working to support their addictions. So these three provide a safe place for these girls to feel humane again, cared for and loved, and pray hard for opportunities to get these girls out of this life style.
I heard several times, from many different people that these girls are at the bottom of the bottom of the pit of destruction. It took some time to understand what they really meant.
My first night of walking through the area with a group of people I saw two young guys walk out of a brothel. They looked at us, lowered their heads and walked away quickly. It was like a jolt to the core of me, as I tried understanding how common this is, and the condition of girls inside that building, and those young guys that just walked past me.
I stayed with Faith for the week I spent in Tel Aviv. Since I didn't speak the language I didn't feel of much use, so I found myself just checking things out in order to learn how to pray. And listening a lot. Because working with broken and abused women is one of the first things that drew me to coming to Israel. There is more to it then that but that is the only way I know how to say it at this point.
Two sundays ago, so February 22nd Calvary Chapel had a women's conference. Several of the girls and women from the streets came. I was sitting in the middle of the sanctuary when I felt like I needed to be in the back praying. So when I went in the back I saw a row of four of the street women and began praying for them all that was on my heart. The next thing I knew I heard Abba point out one of the girls to me, and He told me "I am calling her out of lifestyle. She is stronger then the others, and I am calling her out and will use her get her friends out when she is ready"
I wasn't really sure what to due with that. But I felt like I was to tell her. When she stepped outside for a smoke, I followed her. I told her, but I am not positive she completely understood. As her English is good, but there are some gaps. Either way, we began talking and her name was Sarah too, so we connected on that and other things as well. By the way for those that don't know I have been going by Sarah on this trip, hence why I include my middle name on updates. Anyways, we had a lovely rest of the evening together. Two days later Sarah showed up at the church for the clothes distribution, saying she wanted off the streets. I came by at the end of the event, and was able to go with the small group that took her to a refuge home up North. The ride was heart breaking as it walk like I felt her heart breaking and racing as she was leaving a life style she's known for who knows how long, and stepping into total unknowns. Thankfully I will be able to call her once in awhile to see how she is doing. Many of us are praying hard that Abba's strength and grace will carrie her through withdrawls, and rebuild her life and soul from the foundation of her being.
I don't know what will come of all of this, but I know I am not leaving the same person. I long for the day I will be back in this land...

little moments of fullness, oh and the change of plans...

You know those moments where time freezes even though you keep moving. It's when you get perspective on your life, or what it is that you are doing and you realize how very happy you feel and how glorious life has the potential of being.
I get these moments frequently while working on the farms, doing the most simple of tasks like planting seeds or sprouts. Or harvesting a bunch of veggies, or even while weeding, or painting a building.
I don't know how I will return to Huntington Beach California. But that is the current plan. I am returning home early due to a family situation. I am pretty grieved to be leaving but excited to be returning to my family. I will be flying out of Ben Gurion on Monday morning, 5am and land in Seattle at 2pm.
I plan to stick around there for probably about a week and then drive down to Cali. Enough time to gather my things and say goodbye to friends. Anyone want to join me?
I am hoping to find farmer friends at the farmer markets and make a way of staying connected to this style of life. We'll see...