Summer is coming very soon, and surely, the first thing that would probably cross our minds is – where should I go for a summer vacation? Of course, as believers in Jesus, we are trained to think that we must be wise in our spending, at the same time, we must not forget the One Who is about to provide for this much needed rest. I have listed my top 4 picks, not because they are popular, but these are the places where I had (or still having) the best moments with the Lord.
1. Israel
If you have a lot of extra cash to have the most magnificent time with the Lord, go visit Israel. For obvious reasons, this country was gone for almost 2,000 years, is currently speaking a resurrected language (Hebrew) which was dead for almost 2,000 years, and is a survivor of multiple wars. The existence of Israel is a miracle in itself, and for those who have never visited the land, I recommend that you should before the Messiah returns. After all, the new heaven and the new earth when the Messiah returns to reign will be here, literally, in Israel. Imagine walking along the Mt of Olives, where the Lord ascended and will return. Or see for yourself the places where our Lord Jesus performed miracles. Or touch the Canaanite tunnels where Abraham and Melchizedek probably did the first communion. Israel is filled with stories and visuals that will bring life to your bible reading. After all, when we were kids, we loved books with pictures more. What if you are able to see, feel, touch, smell the locations that the Bible is talking about? How awesome that would be! I have been living in Israel for a year and a half, and I still could not get enough it.
What you need to know: If it’s your first time, I would suggest that you join a tour. I recommend that you either (1) join your local church if they are organizing one. The advantage of being with your churchmates is that you have someone to rave with, and passionately share your insights and revelation. Plus, you can share your thoughts in your local language, and you can cry freely. (2) Join a tour organized here in Israel. I highly recommend joining scheduled trips by One For Israel. This organization has a Bible School in Israel, and their mission and vision is just amazing. They also specialize in Apologetics the Hebraic way, so you can have a taste of how our forefathers would discuss with non-believers during their time. (3) Come to the Feast of Tabernacles to join many Christians all over the world to celebrate the event. The biggest organizer during the feast is the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Many Christians flock to Jerusalem during this time because the Bible tells us in the book of Revelation that the only feast we will be celebrating during the Millenial reign is the Feast of Tabernacles. So it’s exciting to see a foreshadowing of things to come when the Messiah returns. Note that this event happens during autumn, when the weather in Israel is just perfect.
Practical tip: Learn a few Hebrew words like Shalom (hello), Toda raba (thank you very much), Bevakasha (please or you’re welcome), Sliha (sorry or excuse me), Sherutim (bathroom), Hamud (cute). I can guarantee you that you’ll fall in love with the land. Bring your most beautiful smile, as Israelis love seeing smiling people. While you focus your eyes on the Lord, don’t get yourself distracted with the people, as Israel is known to be the land of many good looking people.
2. Hongkong
If you have a fairly ok budget, I recommend that you visit Hongkong. It doesn’t seem like one of the holiest places to visit, but there are a few things that you can find that are amazing. Ma Wan island is a very small island where you can find a park called Noah’s Ark. They have a replica of the ark, and they have a lot of cool things that a child of all ages will enjoy, from 3 till even 80 maybe. It’s encouraging to go there as you will see how much Christians are willing to invest to find proof for the Bible. You’ll be so amazed at how accurate and excellent the Lord is with the details. Another interesting place to visit is Cheung Chau. It’s accessible by ferry, and is perfect for those who like to walk. I took a hike in that area, and it’s just peaceful, serene and beautiful. The best treat that I had there is I found a Baptist church and seminary right on top of the hill. We know Hongkong as more Buddhist than Christian, but seeing traces and strongholds of our Lord in places where He is ideally not so known is quite encouraging. Extra bonus, you can cross over to Macau and do a really fun activity – bungy jumping. One thing I can say about bungy jumping, is that control is something that we don’t need. We can let go, be free and enjoy life. It doesn’t have to last for just 10 seconds. It can be for the rest of our lives.
Practical tip: When you visit Ma Wan, make sure you come there first thing in the morning. One day is not enough, and you’ll surely want to come back again. Bring decent hiking shoes if you plan to go to Cheung Chau. If you’re planning to bungy jump, don’t torture yourself by hesitating to jump. Just jump, and enjoy. While you focus on learning more about the Lord, don’t get yourself distracted with shopping. It’s a really big temptation.
3. Mt. Pulag
If you’re Filipino and you’re into adventures, but you don’t want to suffer too much, Mt. Pulag is perfect for you. There is a trail called Ambangeg trail. It’s an easy climb, and you get to see many beautiful sceneries. The nice thing about being in Mt. Pulag is you get to have a stopover at Baguio to have those delicious strawberry taho. Have you ever wondered what it is like to see what God sees? Or seeing the bigger picture? Sometimes, it’s not easy for us to grasp the bigger picture, but maybe, all we need is another perspective. Climbing a mountain will give you a different view of the world – how water forms connect to each other, how valleys form the most incredible suspension, and can house such beautiful creations. Somehow, this will give us a tiny glimpse of how the Lord sees the beauty of His handiwork.
Practical tip: Best way to climb a mountain is to join a hiking group. I have only tried hiking with Trail Adventours, and they are just amazing. You’ll fall in love with their guides, how patient and proactive they can be. I found real friends from this group. You’ll enjoy their company.
4. Anilao
If your frustration is not being able to swim, but would like to see the underwater, take heart! You don’t need swimming skills to dive. All you need to know is how to walk and breathe, and have some skills to survive, which is something that can be learned. The Philippines is so rich in natural resources, and we have one of the best marine life in the world. Anilao is just a 2-hour drive away from Manila, and can be done as often as you want. Have you ever wondered why the Lord hid the underwater? Isn’t it just like our relationship with Him, something that we must intentionally pursue because the glory of it is worth pursuing and experiencing? Same thing with diving.
I have many reasons why diving for me is such a wonderful activity: (1) you can’t talk. You are just forced to listen and pay attention. In our daily lives, we sometimes miss out listening and paying attention. These are 2 very important ingredients to loving well. (2) You have no other choice but to follow the dive master. Just like our relationship with the Lord, if we just understand this principle, that following the Leader is the key to survival, then we can truly live. Also, the dive master knows the underwater very well. Go where he goes, you’ll see the underwater with his eyes. (3) You cannot dive alone, you need to have a dive buddy. It’s just like fellowship. We can’t live the Christian life alone.
Practical tip: Drink lots of water before the dive. If you feel hungry after the dive, it’s normal. Don’t feel bad about overeating. Don’t drink lots of coffee before diving, even if the Batangas coffee is just too delightful to say no to.
