It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since we took our first trip to Israel as a couple. We had been married for two years at the time and had always wanted to visit Israel together. We didn't do the usual faith based tour as we didn't have a big budget but found a cheaper trip via Secret Escapes. To make the most of it, I put together our own little travel guide, complete with information, scripture, and teaching about each place we planned to visit. We had the most wonderful Jewish tour guide who was full of knowledge and just a Gem! And I couldn't resist having my cameras with me to capture this precious places, here's a few of the many I took.

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

A Turning Point

There’s truly no place like Israel. From the streets of Jerusalem where Yeshua walked to the peaceful beauty of Galilee, it felt as though we were walking through the pages of the Bible. One evening stands out in particular—sitting outside in a kibbutz in Galilee, with the warm air around us and a glass of Gamla wine in hand, we found ourselves asking, "There must be more than this!" The "this" was where we were attending and the teaching we were receiving. Surrounded by people who didn’t grasp the huge significance of Israel and God’s promises to His people. Many couldn’t understand why visiting Israel was so important to us! Puzzled face! We prayed and asked the Lord to guide us to what the "more" was and Adonai answered our prayers in amazing ways! Since that night it's been a journey full of relearning, of getting to know the Jewish Messiah, understanding the Scriptures through Yeshua's lens and so much more.

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

© Olivia Susanna Photography

Hoping to Return, This Time with Our Boys

Now, ten years later, we still look back on that trip as a defining moment in our lives. We hope to return soon, and this time, we’d love to bring our children so they can experience Israel for themselves. It’s one thing to read about these places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing them in person.

In the meantime, we continue to pray for Israel and its people, especially during these uncertain times. The connection we feel to the land and its significance has only grown over the years, and we’re excited to see where this journey of faith takes us next.

Blessings,

Olivia