Pilgrimage to Israel - Day 1

Today is another day of travel. We arrived in Tel Aviv airport at 9:30 am although our bodies are telling us it is 2:30 am. Our next flight to the southern city of Eilat isn't until 5:00 so we spend the day at the airport, taking a nap, eating an avocado and egg sandwich for lunch, and walking around to keep the blood circulating.  We arrive at our terminal at 3:30, plenty of time ahead...or so we thought.

Somehow I was flagged for the first degree security treatment.  Perhaps because I had quite a few electronics in my bag or I fit the profile of someone who could smuggle a bomb on board. First we were questioned, then our bags were scanned. Next I had to take absolutely everything from my carry on bag out and set it on the examination table. Every single thing was scanned for explosives. They examined my ipad and made me open it and use it. They did a body scan on me as well as check my shoes and pants for traces of explosives. It was about an hour process.

THEN, we were personally escorted to check in and get our tickets.  I thought she was just making sure we made the flight since it was already 4:30 but when we wanted to go to the bathroom, she said no. We had to go straight to the gate.  If we went to the bathroom we'd have to go through security all over again. So, no bathroom for us. We went through a second screening and body scan before we got on the gate. Trying to be gracious, I told the female security agent thank your for keeping us safe. She didn't smile.

As we were reflecting on this process eating pita bread and hummus on the beach of the Red Sea in Eilat (yes, the same Red Sea that Moses and the Israelites crossed), I realized the extent to which the people in Israel go to feel safe. And I thought the US airport security was tight! I am grateful that I live in a place where there are no checkpoints, no immediate fear of bombs on planes or buses or random violence (although I do realize there are places in the US where that does exist).

Not everything went according to plan today. We wasted one hour waiting for a bus at 11:00 that we later found out wasn't going to arrive until 3:00, we got the VIP treatment at the security checkpoint, we couldn't find our Eilat hotel which was supposed to be "just turn left and it's 100 meters down the street." But then again, when does anything go according to plan. We are surprised when it doesn't but life experience should teach us to be surprised when it does

Tonight I am grateful for a safe place to sleep, the sound of the Red Sea out the window, and a day of unexpected events over with. Tomorrow we start early at 6:30 to cross over into the Kingdom of Jordan.  May God grant us an open spirit, a listening ear, and a willing heart.