Why I Choose to Raise My Son in Israel

This morning, I found myself crying while staring at my son.

So small.

So pure.

So unaware of the weight of the world he was born into.

You will grow up in a country where war is often the headline, where peace is prayed for more than it is promised. A land where uncertainty can sometimes feel normal.

And yet—how blessed you are.

Blessed to be born in Israel, the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people — the land where so much of the Bible took place. A land that carries our history, our pain, our hope, and God’s promises.

You were conceived during a time of war, my precious son.

I carried you through months of sirens, fear, and uncertainty. There were days when I wondered what tomorrow would bring, but through it all, God protected us. He covered us. He carried us.

And then, He brought you safely into this world, like light breaking through the darkness.

I was not born in Israel.

I grew up thousands of kilometers away in the Philippines. If someone had told me years ago that one day I would marry an Israeli, raise my son in Israel, and call this country home, I probably wouldn’t have believed them.

But God had a different plan for my life.

He led me here, gave me a wonderful husband, and blessed us with you. Today, Israel is more than the country where I live. It is my home. It is where our family is building its future, where you were born, and where I pray you will grow to love God, love people, and cherish this beautiful land.

Many people ask me why I would choose to raise my son in Israel despite the challenges.

My answer is simple.

Because this is home.

No country is perfect, and every nation has its own challenges. But this is where God has planted our family. This is where your father and I have chosen to build our life together, and if I had to make that choice again, I would choose Israel all over again.

Not everyone will love you.

Some people may judge you because of the country you come from.

Because of the name you carry.

And that’s okay.

Because you are deeply loved—by your family, by your people, and most of all, by God Himself.

In a world that can sometimes be so cruel, I pray that you will grow into…

A man of kindness.

A man of courage.

A man of faith.

A man who stands for what is right, loves others, and never loses hope.

You are part of a people whose story stretches back thousands of years.

The story of Abraham, who trusted God even when the road ahead was unknown.

Of Moses, who led his people through the impossible.

Of Joshua, who walked forward with courage and faith.

Of David, a man after God’s own heart.

Of Esther, who stood bravely for her people.

Of Ruth, whose loyalty and love became part of Israel’s story.

And of countless generations who prayed, endured, hoped, and remained faithful so that you could grow up in the Land of Israel today.

Never forget who you are.

Never forget where you come from.

Never forget the privilege of calling Israel your home.

Love this land.

Pray for its peace.

Love people, even when they disagree with you.

Stand for what is right with both courage and humility.

And above all, never forget that God goes before you, always.

My precious son,

One day you will understand why your father and I chose to raise you in Israel.

Not because life here is always easy.

Not because there is no fear.

But because we believe this is home.

It is the land where God has been faithful to His people through every generation, and it is the place where we pray you will grow to love God, love people, and be a blessing wherever life takes you.

No matter what the future holds, always remember this:

You were born for such a time as this.

And wherever God leads you, may you always walk with courage, kindness, humility, and faith.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

— Joshua 1:9