The JOY of LIVING

A Love Beyond Borders: Joshua Washington’s Tribute to Olga and Their Zionist Legacy


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[11.07] Meeting Olga: Destiny Across Continents

  • Joshua shares how he met his late wife Olga through a deep-rooted family connection centered around faith and advocacy.
  • Both their fathers were pastors involved in Israel advocacy and Jewish-Christian relations, laying a unique foundation for their meeting.
  • Joshua saw Olga's picture on his father’s phone and instantly felt drawn to her—"Who's that girl? She's cute."
  • Despite her powerful presence, she was initially hesitant due to their age difference—she was nine years older.
  • Olga's strong values and previous marriage made her cautious, saying, "I don’t date. The man I’m with is going to be my husband."
  • Joshua's persistence and clear intentions—"I'm here to marry you or we stay friends"—finally opened the door.
  • They bonded deeply over shared roots, Zionist beliefs, and a mutual passion for service and advocacy.
  • The story of courtship reflects grace, persistence, and the power of divine timing.

[20.04] A Sacred Union and the Miracle of Family

  • Joshua and Olga marry in both California and South Africa, including a traditional tribal Tswana ceremony.
  • They faced the reality of potential infertility, as Olga had been told she might never conceive.
  • Miraculously, they welcomed two sons, Ezra and Judah, just months apart.
  • Their family life was built on shared values, deep love, and mutual respect.
  • Olga brought healing from past wounds through the grace and patience of her new relationship.
  • Their story shows the powerful alignment of faith, vision, and commitment in marriage.
  • The joy of parenthood was a divine gift neither of them took for granted.
  • Their union was more than romantic love—it was a spiritual calling lived through action.

[27.16] Illness, Faith, and the Final Goodbye

  • Olga began experiencing unexplained fatigue and dark patches on her skin, later diagnosed as lupus.
  • Despite her condition, she insisted on fulfilling a family duty in South Africa after her mother's death.
  • Her health declined during the trip; her brother helped her return, ultimately leading to hospitalization.
  • Joshua recounted the heart-wrenching night when she passed away, holding her hand and singing to her.
  • Her final words, "Thank you for everything," became a lasting, unspoken goodbye.
  • The loss was sudden and profound, yet Joshua remained composed to tell their sons she had joined "Cuckoo in heaven."
  • Even in grief, Joshua's focus was on love, gratitude, and the sacredness of every moment.
  • The story is a tender, raw portrayal of love's endurance in the face of mortality.

[36.03] Olga’s Eternal Resting Place in Israel

  • Though Olga could have been buried in South Africa or North Carolina, Joshua followed a divine nudge to bury her in Israel.
  • Israel was her spiritual home, aligning with her lifelong Zionist mission.
  • The decision was affirmed by her family, Israeli friends, and the nation itself.
  • She now rests near Givat Olga—a place named after another historic Zionist woman, married to a man named Joshua.
  • President Isaac Herzog personally sat Shiva with the family, honoring her advocacy and legacy.
  • The funeral and mourning period became a global gathering of gratitude and storytelling.
  • Olga's impact transcended geography; she became a bridge between continents, cultures, and causes.
  • Her burial in Israel represents a return to purpose, a final statement of who she was and what she stood for.

[46.49] Legacy Through Music, Faith, and Identity

  • Joshua channels his grief into music, embarking on a "symphonic soul" tour starting in Jerusalem.
  • His music blends gospel roots, orchestral influences, and raw emotion to uplift and heal.
  • As a Black Christian Zionist, Joshua faces criticism but remains steadfast in his mission.
  • He reminds critics of ongoing slavery in some Islamic regions, turning confrontation into education.
  • His sons are his central focus now—he hopes they will walk in integrity, godliness, and joy.
  • Joshua reflects Olga's legacy in every note, every speech, every step forward.
  • The interview ends with a powerful hug and a blessing to live life exuberantly.
  • Olga’s story, through Joshua, continues to inspire action, resilience, and unwavering love.

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The JOY of LIVINGBy Barry Shore

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