A SABBATH'S DAY JOURNEY

Our neighborhood

We have now experienced 2 Sabbaths (Saturdays) in the Land on this Adventure.  We have chosen each time to take a long walk from where we live to the Old City of Jerusalem. This way get to know the neighborhoods and the people.  Each was a beautiful day (yom yafe), in the mid 60's with "Israeli" blue skies.  Many of you in the States are experiencing very cold weather right now, and we do feel for you :)  Now we must say, you may covet our weather here, but WE ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF RAIN.  So even though we are enjoying the beautiful weather, we would rather it be raining.  There are many more important things than our physical creature comforts, and if it must be cold & rainy for Israel to get it's much needed water supply increased to the necessary level, then so be it - LET IT RAIN!

Pathway through a local park

Families at park on Sabbath

View from walking bridge

Children playing on Sabbath

While both days seemed similar (Dec 18 & 25), there were a few differences.  The first walk we were a little apprehensive, since we've "never been this way before".  Second time around, we recognized land marks and such, and didn't need the map or directions.

The first time we weren't able to eat our much anticipated falafel at our friend's shop, the second time we did - and it was AMAZING!!  We also spent some personal time talking with him. We had met him during last year's visit.  He encouraged us to wait until the other customers had left so he could sit and talk with us :)  This is one of the relationships forged on our adventure last year, and it blessed our heart that he remembered us, and he told us that it was good to see that we had come home :)

Later, while we walked through the Old City streets, what did we find?!?!? A jumbo jelly sufganiyah (doughnut)!  It weighed about 2 pounds (seriously), and had about 1/2 jar of jelly in it.  Not like that in the States... And oh so fresh...our mouths are watering just thinking about it.  Guess we'll have to go back again this weekend :)  For those coming to visit, we found it on the Via Delarosa.

Both evenings we went to the HaKotel (the Western Wall).  This is Israel's most Holy site.  For Jews, and Christians as well.  This is on the top of most priority lists for people coming to visit the Land.  There is a Holy presence that still resides after all these years, and it draws you to pray and seek the Face of the One who created heaven and earth, and every one and every thing.  (See picture on top right of blog).

To end our journey each day, we went to Ben Yehuda Street.  Everyone who's ever been to Israel (any many who have not) know of Ben Yehuda.  When we visited last year, we went there on a Monday afternoon.  Not so much going on, plus we were tired.  We decided to give it another chance since so many love this place.  

The first Saturday night we arrived early, Sabbath was barely over and shops and restaurants were just beginning to open up.  We got a delicious schwarma pita sandwich (lamb) filled with all kinds of salads & good stuff.  "Street food" is the cheapest (and yummiest) way to eat in the city. The 2nd time we weren't hungry since we ate falafels earlier (also street food).  Also it was around 8-8:30 pm, and boy was this section of town alive & kickin'!!  All good of course, nothing anyone wouldn't take their family walking through - and they were :)

As we continued to stroll amongst the tourists and locals, we came upon a choral group set up right in the middle of the "street" with guitars and voices singing loud and strong with passion (in a foreign language - not Hebrew).  We asked around and found out they were from Korea.  Oh what a blessing to witness these young adults singing and sharing about Who has filled them deep within!! And they had many people stopping to listen.  

Just a little further up the street (this is a walking street), we found a small group of young men - seemed to be locals, singing as well!  Their song was just as beautiful and from the heart - and one we were well familiar with ourselves.  There was even an off duty IDF soldier that is part of this group...

We hope you enjoyed traveling on a Sabbath's day journey with us.  To live in this Land is an honor and a privilege that we do not take for granted.  To walk where those long ago walked in Biblical times is beyond comprehension.  To be given the opportunity to share the Love, Joy, Peace and Light that is within us to the people of this nation is a responsibility we do not take lightly.  

We put our trust in that still, small voice that wants to lead us all each day, each moment, saying, "This is the way, walk in it."