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| Zack |
Jim had never in his life been a lover (or even liker) of cats. We had a wonderful dog for 14 years - a collie - that looked just like Lassie. But somehow, when Jim picked out his first cat that he had ever called his own from the animal shelter, that all changed. The word CAT now turned to kitty...a little 6 week old black & white one in which he called Panda.
Linda also chose a kitten that day, little Hadassah Grace - who actually began as a smaller kitten than Jim's, but didn't stay that way for long :)
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| Panda |
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| Hadassah Grace |
Well, needless to say, these 2 little kitties grew up, and were best friends & sisters to each other. And of course, they were tightly wrapped around our hearts. There were a few things that were difficult in leaving everything behind to come to Israel. Family is a given, but high on the list was our precious kitties.
Many of you in our local area had received the chain of emails we had sent out trying to find a home for them. We're quite sure we waited far too long to look for a home, it was difficult even having to face the thought of leaving them. Although we received several encouraging responses from our friends, no one had responded to take them.
It was very important to us that they stay together - they had been "sisters" since they were in the cage together at the animal shelter at only 6 weeks of age. It would be difficult enough being with new owners in a new home - they should at least have each other.
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| Jerusalem Kitty |
Well, it got down to just a few days before we were leaving, so Jim called and made an appointment with the animal shelter to bring them back to where we had rescued them. It was breaking our hearts to think that they would go back in a cage, and probably not both go to the same home, but there was no other option.
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| Jerusalem Kitty |
We know, of course, that in the big scheme of things, that pets are trivial compared to what God was calling us to do. We understand that. But our Heavenly Father knew our hearts, and how much the kitties meant to us.
The day Jim was supposed to take them (the day before we left our home) he came home and said, "I don't think I'm supposed to take them today, we're supposed to give it one more day." Well, Linda was going to have nothing to do with the removal of these precious kitties (she had let Jim carry this burden) and agreed with him completely.
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| Jerusalem Kitty |
The next day (the day we were leaving our home) Jim was ourt running some last minute errands and about 15 minutes from home (where he was headed to pick up the kitties to take to the shelter) when he received a phone call. Someone was going to take the 2 kitties - both of them!!! (Thanks Lisa!) Father God is so good!!! We quickly packed up all their toys, food, bed, bowls, and house (yes, they had a play house) and Jim took them to their new home - in our same town!!
Now only God could work this out in this timing, and that we could actually give away our precious ones with a smile on our faces and in our hearts.
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| Jerusalem Kitty |
Although we know many of you may have already heard this story, we wanted to share it again. To proclaim His goodness. And that He does care about the little things in our lives. What causes us to hurt, or be concerned about. His love as a Father is deeper than most of us have ever experienced on this earth. And for those with amazing Dads, He surpasses even their love.
So....here we are in Jerusalem. And as anyone who's been to Israel before knows, there are cats EVERYWHERE!!! We see so many cats each day. And they're not a nuisance like you would think. And they are generally very clean - and well fed - the people take care of them and leave food out for them to eat. We've even been able to pet a few....
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| Kitty outside our apartment |
So, even if you're not a lover of cats - or any other animals - see this story as a reminder of Someone who loves you so dearly, that not only will He take care of what you care for, but He will bring something else to replace what you may have to give up...in abundance :)
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| Jerusalem Kitty |
PS ~ We just bought some birdfood at the shuk (market) and are looking forward
to attracting all the native birds to our window ~ stay tuned....
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