If you ask me has life slowed down since returning from Israel, I would kindly decline that assumption. I suppose the jump from the Middle East to North America can be related to jumping into a tornado...that you can sleep in...sometimes...

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You may think that I the absence of rest can be exhausting, and that I would agree with; however, I thoroughly enjoy the busyness. As I'm writing this email, I sit in the Salt Lake City, Utah, airport waiting for my plane to depart to Eugene, OR. Why in Utah? Good question. I have been helping my father with his business at the Outdoor Retail show. The event is massive! Bigger than a Philly cheese cake in New York! Okay...maybe not, but seriously. I have had more fun running various errands, getting lost in a sea of exhibitors, and finding my way again. God has thoroughly blessed me and my father during our stay here. I also had the chance to gear up for my trip to Africa.


Some may be wondering how things are going for my trip to Africa. I wouldn't blame you for wondering. I've been too busy running errands in this whirlwind of a tornado. Things are going very well. Just last night, the tickets for Nairobi, Kenya have been booked! I am going! Lying down last night, the last thing I remember before dozing off was a feeling of change and movement. For three years now, I've know that I have been called to the mission field. For two years I saved up money to go to Israel for schooling to prepare me for the mission. One year I've studied, and now, it appears the time has come. I am still short by about 5,000 dollars. At this point, my trip will be shortened; however, I am very compelled that God wants me to be in Africa for a full year. I hate to ask for support, so I won't. I'll let the Lord move, but please know that I have a vision from God to stay a full year in Africa.

There are so many things to write, but due to catching a flight, aching wrists, and an empty stomach, I believe my body is telling me it is time to find something to eat. Unfortunately, they do not serve Felafels at the airport; however, please do not be too concerned for me. I will find a way to manage...somehow...

May the Lord bless you!

-David Hikari Sekiguchi

After a two hour delay at Ben Gurion's baggage check in, I regretted bringing my external hard drive with me on the plane. If anyone flies from Israel to the States, please reconsider bringing large electronic devices with you. It's going to cost you time and a lot of security checks.

I can't believe my one year's study in Israel had come to an end. It felt just like last week when I arrived in Jerusalem. Wasn't it just a few days ago when I went shopping in the chaotic Mahene Yehuda Market? Didn't I just introduce myself as a new student in  film school? Now the year has come and gone so fast. I will never forget you Israel, my friends, and what God did for me while studying in the Holy Land.

As I embraced my four dearest friends for the last time at the airport, I knew this would probably be the last time I would see them. These four guys stuck with me through thick and thin over the year, and I will always be grateful for them. It was time for a new adventure now: the return home.

After an 11 hour plane flight from Tel Aviv, Israel to JFK, New York. I was so thankful to stretch my legs again, but not for 12 hours. Yes, that's right...I had a 12 hour overlay in New York. So what did I do? Well, I picked up my guitar and laptop, and I caught a train that ran to Manhattan. The first few hours were spent sight seeing. For the first time I experience ground zero, Ellis Island, and the Empire State Building. The last few hours were spent eating...McDonalds. Oh yes...after a year being out of the country, McDonald seemed almost the patriotic thing to do.

Once  my flight touched down in Portland, OR, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of everything. I forgot how green and plush the Pacific Northwest is. The yellow sand and red sunset desert memories began to mix with green water fountains of trees and grass. I was back home. When culture shock just began to settle in, I saw the most friendly, familiar faces in the whole world. My family!

And so I feel a big like Bilbo Baggins when I write this sentence: It was an amazing trip there and now I'm back again. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. If you ever get the chance to visit Israel, I strongly suggest you do so, just avoid bringing large electronic devices...