LeSEA Tours Blog

Miracle at the Wall....

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:30:00 -0400

To read about Wanda's beautiful miracle at the Western Wall please go to my new blog site at www.leseatours.blogspot.com. And if you have been to Israel and want to share your story, I'd love to hear from you! Shalom! Kim

New Blog Postings!

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:22:00 -0400

Hey, don't forget to check out the new blog site. We just returned from another moving trip to the Holy Land. Each trip is special and God led and He really revealed Himself to us this week! Check out the blog when you get a few moments and say Hello! www.leseatours.blogspot.com Blessings! Kim

LeSEA Tours new Blogging website

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:22:00 -0400

Hi everyone, Just a quick note to let you know that we are changing the blog to a new link. Its located on our website where you can click on it - or you can go to www.leseatours.blogspot.com directly to find it. We will keep this blog open but starting today we will be putting current blogs on the new site. If you were a subscriber (if you automatically get this blog emailed to you) on this blog you will have to subscribe on the new blog again. Sorry about that! Technology comes with some down falls! Just a few days before we leave on another life changing trip to Israel...I've already blogged about it on the new site! Check it out and take the poll! :) Blessings! Kim

He always shows up...

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:34:00 -0400

Dear Kim and LeSEA Tours, We want you to know how much we appreciate traveling to Israel with LeSEA Tours. Between the two of us, we have gone to the Holy Land with LeSEA 16 times, and we are now looking forward to our next trip. There are so many reasons why we love going to Israel. The greatest reason is the spiritual experience of being in the place where Jesus walked. We never tire of going to the holy sites and reading scripture of the events that took place there. It's such a wonderful experience to go to the Garden Tomb, the Upper Room, Garden of Gethsemane and the Western Wall. To take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and then go to the Jordan River and watch the baptism...that is always such an emotional experience. The Bible comes to life in a deeper and more meaningful way in anticipation each time; because we know the Lord always connects with us in a special way. It's awesome to see how He always shows up. He may give us a special word of encouragement, or maybe an answer to prayer...but it is always something wonderful. We never know what to expect, be He always shows up and we feel so blessed. The two of us met in Israel on LeSEA tour in Feb. of 2000. The Lord took us half way around the world to meet each other and to become best friends. He knew we had so much in common, but especially our faith in God and our love for Israel. We have also made many other friendships during our LeSEA Tours to Israel. We still keep in close touch with these friends, some of which have become great prayer partners. These are special friendships that were developed because of the incredible experiences we shared together in Israel. God knit these friendships together and they are such a blessing. We also have some special Israeli friends that we have met. They make us feel so welcome every time we see them. There is an Orthodox Jewish family that we keep in touch with during the year through email. One time they invited us to their home for Shabbat dinner. That was a real cultural experience! The Israeli tour guides and the people associated with LeSEA are so wonderful. They take care of every single detail. We never have to worry about anything because they do it all. They make everything go so smooth while packing so much for us to do into each day. Even after going this many times, we continue to learn new things about Israel. There is so much to learn and see and do. Israel is a wonderful adventure, and there is nothing else like it. We would be remiss if we didn't mention the incredible shopping! We believe the Lord wants us to enjoy that too while we're there. We definitely take time for that also. We love to go to the Old City and shop in the Arab Market, then have lunch in the Old City (one of our favorite things to do). We also enjoy shopping on Ben Yehuda Street. It's fun to find great bargains for our loved ones back home. Often times people ask us if we feel safe while in Israel. We always tell them, "yes"...we feel very safe, even to go out for a walk in the evening in Jerusalem. It's common to see women pushing baby carriages out walking in the evening. Israel is very safe, day or night, and we have never felt fear any time we've been there. The only hard part of going to Israel is when we have to leave. But we are so grateful for having the opportunity to go. It is truly "A Trip of a Lifetime." As Christians, it has deepened our faith and our relationship with the Lord. We have a greater appreciation and understanding of the Word. For anyone who has it in their heart to go to Israel, we encourage them to go and to trust God to work out the details. We are amazed at how he has done this for us. God bless you for all that you do, and thank you for providing the opportunity for us to go to Israel. It means so much to both of us. Much Shalom, Mary & Naidean

May God forever bless you!

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:31:00 -0400

11/25/2009 I could not leave for the holidays without letting you know personally; my trip was blessed. Israel is so beautiful and words cannot describe my wonderful experiences. I met so many Christian people and crossed paths with others who were not with our group. I was amazed to meet people from so many different tour companies coming to see the Holy Land. I thank you so much for making this trip possible. Again, words cannot express my sincere gratitude. May God forever bless you! Thank you so much for endless memories! Lula Harris

"In their own words"

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:23:00 -0400

11/30/2009 Hello Lumi: God bless you this day! It is a grand day indeed! To have gone to Israel and walk the very ground that we only see in movies and television shows, I can't begin to tell you how it felt and how I will treasure the experience forever! It was even more overwhelming than I expected it to be and even more so traveling with my family. My husband, myself and Shirley have been dreaming about Israel every night since our return. We love Israel and the chosen people of God. Israel isn't just another country anymore, God's chosen people isn't just in the Bible anymore, worship and praise songs aren't just another CD anymore, EVERYTHING'S BECOME ALIVE! God's been doing miraculous works among our (Navajo Native American) people since we've returned. Our Sunday services aren't the same anymore! And Shirley's been ministering ever since we got back. God is working! Our prayers are being answered! Thank you Lumi for all the arrangements you have made. I know you work hard at what you do. Our sleeping arrangements were wonderful and I can't thank you enough. I know the Lord will bless you for it! Michele W. Scott

And the sun said...

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:51:00 -0400

"Welcome to the Holy Land!" The sun shouted to everyone this morning! We had an early start today because there was a lot ahead of us to do. Breakfast was humming with the excitement of our first morning in Israel and our first change to look around in the daytime. Wow! Beautiful! Lumi and I were not kidding when we told you about the hotel being just a few steps away from the Sea of Galilee. Here is the sunrise as everyone got to see it today. The kittens even came out to watch God's show of wonderment! Our first stop today was a short walk behind our hotel to get on a wooden boat and cross the lake. The boat was a replica of the boats made right here at the time of Jesus. (just a larger version) After we got about ½ way they cut the motor and we drifted while Pete Sumrall welcomed us, Pastor Al said a few words about trusting God and Eli the tour guide told us about the lake and area in general. We sang some songs, took a lot of pictures and sat in awe. We are on the Sea of Galilee and we just opened our eyes to the light of day on day about 2 hours ago. What a great way to start a Holy Land tour! Our lunch time stop was fun! St. Peters Fish is on the menu! Most everyone got the fish while the others chose soup, pasta, pizza or french fries. I think Peggy and Shirley got the fish just so they could take a picture of it! Andrew's fish! Lots of pictures were taken before the first bite. Personally I don't eat anything that looks back at me so I watched the fun over my cheese pizza. After lunch it was off to work we go. The LeSEA Broadcasting staff were off working on future programs while the group headed to visit the Galilee area (Capernaum and Tabgha) We ended the day at the baptism site. Our Israeli staff was amazed by how many people out of 104 people got baptized today... I think she said 89 people! It was beautiful and moving experience to watch. Angela Sumrall reflecting on the waters of the Jordan River before everyone arrived. Now because of technology we were able to use Skype and air the baptism live on the Harvest Show which was going on at that same moment in our headquarters in South Bend Indiana and on all the LeSEA Broadcasting stations! What a day! So much happened today, our first day it was a little overwhelming! Time to process the day with our eyes shut. The adventure continues tomorrow with the 6:30am wake up call! Have I mentioned our next tour is in February? Check out the website for more information! See you tomorrow! Kim

Hard to put into words...

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:46:00 -0400

So many thoughts are going through my head right now, so many things I'd like to tell you already I really don't know where to begin. And yet, here I am with my fingers on the key board motionless. Some things are just hard to put into words... I greeted the group as they arrived to the hotel. It was fun to match the faces to the names and voices with those who Lumi and I have been talking to and preparing with for months. They were tired from their long journey but still smiling and in high spirits to have finally reached the place that they have anticipated for so long. Israel! As I helped pass out room keys and answer questions I told as many people as I could, "Don't miss the sunrise tomorrow!" You see 104 people arrived to Israel after sundown, drove for 2 hours to Tiberius but have not really seen Israel yet. The landscape is still a mystery to them. They really don't know what to expect! I'm so excited for them! As I sit here, trying to asleep tonight I'm thinking of them, knowing that in the morning their first view of the Holy Land will be the beautiful sun rising over the Sea of Galilee from their balcony or from the boardwalk surrounding the hotel. What a way to start the trip! Stay tuned for those pictures! More tomorrow from our first day! Kim

Be still…

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:03:00 -0400

How many times this week have you caught yourself eating a meal standing up, going thru a drive thru or rushing through a conversation that you knew deep down that shouldn't have been rushed. I caught myself eating lunch standing up in the kitchen yesterday in the rush and hurriedness of my day. I had to ask myself, is this what God really wants me to be doing? Rushing through my day? How many times during my day do I take the time just to be still? I'm thankful for my Pastor's Sunday message to remind me that God wants us to be still. He actually tells us to be still. Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God." Being still is not easy for me! But it is my hope for me and the others joining me that the upcoming days will be filled with moments of stillness. To be still in the presence of God, in the Holiest place on earth...the place where He chose for His home. In that stillness is the only place that we can truly hear from Him. I challenge you today to take some time out for God, to be still in His presence. I really believe that the 110 people coming to Israel with us next week took time out to be still. Actually, I'm sure of it! That's when they heard from God, felt God's leading and guidance to come to Israel. Many of you feel it too. That pull, draw and urging to come to Israel and experience the life changing journey that God has in store for you. It only comes from God, I can tell you that much. Not everyone will receive this gift from Him. Embrace the gift, listen and come to Israel... I promise you will never be the same. I promise! Kim ...and when you get back drop us a note / picture for our bulletin board!

20 days and counting!

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:28:00 -0400

20 days and counting! I love counting down the days! At about 30 days out I like to start "the countdown" on the big white-board hanging in my office (see below). I find myself looking forward to coming to work each morning and erasing the previous days number and lowering it by one. Others here at LeSEA know about "the countdown" and I catch them glancing at the number when they enter the office, joining in on the excitement. Today is 20 and as I wrote the number I couldn't help but stop and embrace the feeling of anticipation as my heart picked up its beat. For a brief moment I paused and let my mind drift; wondering what it will feel like to step off the plane...what exotic aromas will fill the air as I stand on my balcony looking over the Sea of Galilee. In my mind I'm already there...gazing in wonder at the stars reflecting over the lake that Jesus walked on. Anticipation is a wonderful thing... I have no doubt that the 107 people joining me on this wonderful journey of a lifetime are pausing to wonder what God has in store for them as well. Each enjoying the anticipation of their own count down. Another thing I know to be true... God will move and move powerfully on the hearts and minds of each person on this trip to the Holy Land. So while I allow myself to entertain the day-dreams of what's to come 20 days from today, I am also reminded to open my heart for whatever it is that God has in store for me. There's still time left for you to start your own count down. Join us in Israel this November! Blessings, Kim Kims white-board with countdown...

"Wow!" "Amazing!" "The presence of God...." "I want to go back!"

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:38:00 -0400

"Wow!" "Amazing!" "The presence of God..." "I want to go back!" Those are just a few words I've heard from some of those people who have called us since they've been home from their June trip to Israel with LeSEA. I love to hear from them! Lumi and I feel deeply privelidged to be a tiny bit involved in facilitating in these life changing moments that God has orchestrated. We love to talk to people "before" they travel to Israel... then hear the amazing stories upon their return. We can tell they are changed; we can hear it in their voice! God is good...all the time! Stay tuned and I will share some comments from those who traveled with us this June! Feeling very blessed, Kim

Ahh, to be there!!!

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:25:00 -0400

While I'm home in Indiana where it can't seem to warm up, I have heard reports from the tour group in Israel where they are enjoying an abundance of sunshine and hot weather. I've enjoyed watching the Harvest Show and hearing and seeing live feeds from the tour group via Pete Sumrall and Skype. Yesterday we watched a small part of the baptism LIVE on Skype! It was a goose pimply moment for me and I felt that familiar longing in my heart to be there with them. Hot and tired...but still smiling from exploring wonderful and enlightening places; the group so far has experienced Baptism in the Jordan River, boarded a boat on the Sea of Galilee, visited the Garden of Gethsemane, stood on the Mount of Olives and touched the Western Wall. They have witnessed with their own eyes Megiddo, the place of the final battle of Armageddon. A place of such beauty and grandeur yet we know much fighting is to come... The group tomorrow will be visiting Bethlehem, singing in the Upper Room and will walk in the steps of Jesus on the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) and end with a heartfelt communion service in the Garden Tomb... Ahhhh to be there! Do you ever feel that longing when you watch programs on TV about traveling to Israel, read about it in your Bible or hear about it on the news? Many times God places desires in our hearts and while we feel them, we don't respond to Him. If you're feeling the longing to experience the power of God's presence in the Holy Land this year, I will bet that God has a hand in placing that desire in your heart. Go to Him in prayer and take a step of faith. You will find yourself more blessed than you can ever imagine. Kim LeSEA Tours

June's Blessings...

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:08:00 -0400

June holds a special anticipation for 76 excited people who have listened to God's calling on their heart. On Tuesday June 9th, 76 people will eagerly step off the airplane and place their own two feet on the very land that God chose to be His home. Israel! God chose this land... His Son was born here and was crucified for me and you here! Please keep this faithful group in your prayers this month (specifically June 8-15) while we ask God for travel mercies, good health and for an open heart and mind so that He can reveal Himself to us with no inhibitions. For some, this trip represents a life long dream coming true...some are looking for healing, answers, guidance, a closer relationship with Him...for whatever their reasons, I know that God will definitely show them the scriptures in 3D and the Bible will unfold and become more clear and more meaningful then ever. Hearts will be touched, friendships will be made and lives will be forever changed. Thank you for your prayers! Kim LeSEA Tours

From beginning to end...

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:20:00 -0400

Today is our last day and many of us talked at breakfast about how quickly the time has gone by and yet how much of Israel we have experienced. It's hard to believe that we will be saying good-bye soon. Pushing those thoughts aside the conversation hummed about today, our "free day". Most of the group chose to participate in the optional tour to Masada, the Dead Sea and Qumran; while others will explore Jerusalem on their own, lounge by the indoor pool or shop in the mall. Travis and I chose Masada and as always I was anxious to get to the top and gaze out into the amazing views of the desert and Dead Sea. I love to hear the Ooh's and Ahh's of those who have never seen this amazing place...and of course floating in the Dead Sea is an experience of laughter and fun! Suddenly, in the middle of my morning scrambled eggs and coffee I was told that the day was in jeopardy of getting cancelled! All the rain from the last two days had caused flash flooding in the desert and resulted in many road closings. At the time we were eating breakfast, just 30 minutes before we were all to board the buses toward Masada, the roads remained closed. My heart sank. The chance that we might miss Masada really disappointed me. Masada is Israel's all time most popular tourist site and for good reason. I wanted each person who woke up this morning anticipating the cable car ride to the heights of this historical "tel" to not be disappointed. We made the decision to start toward Masada in hopes that the road would open by the time we got there. I was really holding my breath since I was told that the day before the road had been closed the entire day! As the bus departed the hotel our guides informed the group of the potential of an itinerary change due to the flash flooding. We were all pretty quiet during the drive. I wondered what everyone was thinking about...whether they were trying to prepare themselves for possible disappointment. About 20 minutes into the drive I heard Gila's (our guide) cell phone ring and a brief conversation followed. When I heard Gila's phone snap shut I looked up to meet her gaze and she gave me a thumbs up sign! Yes! We were headed to Masada – the roads were temporarily open, she explained, and we were on our way! My eyes were pealed for signs of the flooding, something I've never seen before. It happens, but not often. Three places during the next few miles were clearly areas where the roads were closed earlier. One lane of road, water still flowing over it...and mud clogging our path. Big trucks were still scraping the dirt from the road, clearing our path. Here we go! Cable car ride to the top! Well, we made it to Masada! We rode the cable car to the top...learned about the history and Oooh'd and Ahhh'd at the views! I was so happy that it all worked out. Even hours later the roads were miraculously still open when we crossed them once again. I was very thankful that our day was working out just as we had hoped it would. Next stop... Qumran! Qumran was where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We ate lunch here; shopped a little, and then we watched a brief but cool video explaining the area and the caves that held the ancient documents. After exploring a bit we were off for the Dead Sea. It didn't take long for Travis and the rest of the groups adventurous to have their bathing suits on and brave the cold waters. Travis for what ever reason has never been able to float at home in our pool so the prospect of actually floating was intriguing to him. I don't think he really believed it to be true but he could not resist experiencing the "lowest spot on earth". It took some time for Travis and the others to inch their way in to the cold salty water. Rosetta and I witnessed the laughter from the sandy shore line as one by one they relaxed and floated! Travis was hysterical. He floated! Maybe the one and only time he will float! He had so much fun playing in the Dead Sea mud and floating that I had to practically drag him out of there to get ready to head back to the hotel. It was a fun day- a memorable day, as they all are. Tonight we celebrated our "farewell dinner" and the Crowne Plaza hotel really set up a beautiful table for us all. They served each delicious course in style and class. We enjoyed the opportunity to relax and to be served dinner. We swapped email address and snail mail addresses, hugs and tears (Naidean) and talked about our favorite places. We also talked about returning! Many of the group has already made plans to come back. Some are planning to bring their Pastors and church. Not one of us will leave this place the same... not one. We have experienced this special place together; all of us brought here together by Gods' planning and not our own. Saying "...see you later!"

A little "more" rain can't stop us!

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:02:00 -0400

Today was another amazing day despite the wetness. We started the day out crossing into Bethlehem first thing this morning. It takes some time to get in and out of Bethlehem but seeing the Church of the Nativity is a special treat. There are times when due to political situations that we cannot get into Bethlehem. This is not the case today. The church is old...and interesting and being in Bethlehem enlightens us a little bit on life in a Palestinian territory. It's a new experience. Here is a sign I found in the church and a little fun I had with Travis... Did I mention the hail that blessed us today off and on? Just before the storm came, a quick stop at the Western Wall. Last stop of the day was the Garden Tomb. We were pretty cold and tired and this was the perfect ending to warm our hearts. Pastor David Sumrall from Manila provided a beautiful and memorable communion service in the chapel away from the thunder and rain. It was cozy having our group together like this.