Wow!! It has been an exciting week ~ with more yet to come!! So much has happened in such a short time, one must keep up with the news constantly in Israel. If you don't already follow Israeli news media, we suggest you do if you want to stay on top of what is going on in Israel, as you will never here about most of it in your own country's news. A few sites you can get notifications from are:
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
https://www.jpost.com/
We began by celebrating Jim's birthday last weekend with going camping! At the beach!! On the Mediterranean Sea!!! We have some generous friends who last year brought to us an 8-man tent - that sleeps 2!!! This makes going away for the weekend quite cost effective at only $20 per night. This is 2nd time camping in the past 5 months (it's been cold) - the first time was in Rimon Crater (see the blog we wrote about that trip).
The weekend was wonderful. We celebrated Jim's birthday with dinner cooked on the grill on the beach. What's better than that? Here's a few pictures of our weekend.
It may look gloomy, but it was quite warm, so we were very thankful for the clouds.
We weren't very far from the water...
Jim's birthday dinner. YUM!!
Our neighbors for the evening also preparing for dinner.
Beautiful, peaceful sky that evening entering into Shabbat.
Enjoying a crackling fire and the sound of the ocean all at the same time.
A glorious new experience for us! Two of our favorite things...
Coffee the next morning....aaahhhhh!!!!
Sunset night two. Everyone except one other camper has left.
It was very quiet on the beach that night.
Okay. So it seems we will have an animal story each time we go camping. At least this story is not as dramatic as the hyenas from Rimon Crater! When we woke up on Sunday morning, we saw a hole like the one below just outside our tent. After strolling down the beach that morning, we saw several more of these holes. Linda got quite excited as she was hoping it was baby turtles that had hatched - she has always wanted to see this!
However. These were not turtle holes. Much to our dismay....when waiting and watching the holes for a considerable amount of time....the owner came out. And it wasn't a turtle. But a crab!!! And then each hole had a crab climbing out of them! Scurrying around, then back in its hole. Then --- get the picture!!! There was one of these holes right next to our tent!!! Good thing is...Jim had filled in the hole first thing when he saw it before we knew anything. Linda, however, never took her eyes off that hole until we finally left the campsite to go home.
Adventures in Israel? Yep, and now they are including animal adventures, too!
Here's a short video (from a distance) of our creepy little beach neighbors.
And then continuing on to a very exciting week!
Most everyone has heard the speech President Trump made stating the exit of the United States from the Iranian nuclear agreement. It was an excellent speech, and if you didn't watch it already, here's the link (less than 15 minutes):
We can tell you from the vantage point in Israel....the Israelis are ecstatic! With this speech and the embassy move on Monday, President Trump is a true hero to the people of Israel. They are absolutely giddy! :)
That evening following President Trump's speech, the Israeli Air Force performed pre-emptive strikes on Iranian targets in Syria, and again the next evening - due to intelligence of "unusual movement", in preparing to strike Israel. Then Iran fired about 20 missiles at Israel. However, none of the missiles reached their targets - as they were either shot down by Israel's iron dome anti-missile system, or fell short. The Israeli Air Force responded with 70 strikes on Iranian targets, nearly wiping out their military positions in Syria. One strike for each of the 70 years Israel has been a modern, sovereign nation? Maybe.... It was as if we went to war overnight, and it was over before we even woke up!
On Thursday, we went on our 2nd annual cherry picking tradition ~ traditions have to start sometime, right?
On Saturday, our daughter graduated from college! So sad we weren't there to attend, but she made sure we were able to watch live!! She is beautiful both inside and out....and smart!! She graduated with honors in Accounting with a 4.0!!!
On a much different note....pun intended....Israel won the Eurovision annual song contest last night, out of 46 countries participating - this is Israel's 4th time winning in this competition. In 1979, Israel won the contest with the hit song Hallelujah, which was chosen for the theme song for this year's 70th Israel Independence Day celebrations.
Today is Mother's Day (in the United States, at least). We would like to give thanks to our mothers, and wish all a Happy Mother's Day!!
Today, Sunday, May 13 is ~~~ Jerusalem Day!!! Celebrating 51 years of the unified modern city of Jerusalem. The day is full of festivities ending with the Flag Parade through the streets ending at the Kotel (Western Wall).
Not knowing how close we would be able to get to the new embassy tomorrow due to security (our home is only a short walk away), we took a quick stroll over a couple of days ago as they are preparing for tomorrow's events.
Hebrew, Arabic and English
Really don't like this poster....Trump is not what (Who) makes Israel great.
And we will note that this was produced by a Christian organization.
Heading up the entrance road.
Nice flowerbed, but it's red, white and purple... :)
Guess there aren't a lot of choices of blue flowers to put in.
Now this sign is MUCH better!!
Woohoo!!!
Looking back down the road.
The new embassy seal to be revealed on Monday.
What the seal will look like after the unveiling...
For those who are able to watch, the ceremony will be live streamed at 3:30 pm Israel time (8:30 am EST) from the link below:
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/05/282032.htm
OR on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/USEmbassyJlm/
Now is a time of great pride in Israel for so many reasons, many which have occurred in just the past week!!
As we move forward with the American Embassy opening in Jerusalem tomorrow, please keep Israel and Jerusalem in your prayers. The day after the opening is the annual Arab un-holy day called nakba day (day of catastrophe). This is the day that commemorates the day after Israel became a sovereign nation in 1948. Arabs in the Land sent their people away until they would win the war against the Jewish people - which did not occur. Every year since, they protest and riot violently on this day. With the American Embassy opening on Monday, it is expected that this year's violence will be multiplied in Jerusalem, Israel and the region.
To compound the regional tension, Ramadan (the muslim holy month) begins on Wednesday. This month also is marked by violence and tension throughout the month each year. As the muslim people fast all day, then hear sermons of incitement against Israel and the infidels, they head out filled with rage, and many times act on it.
Please - we implore you - as Israel comes to your heart and mind, especially in the next month, pray for the people and the Land. Jerusalem is the only city in the Bible that we are commanded to pray for its peace. Let's honor God, as He has set His eye on Jerusalem as the place He has chosen for His presence to dwell.
"This is My resting place FOREVER;
Here I will dwell, for I have desired it."
Psalm 132:14
Wow, hat a lot to celebrate! So happy for you guys. So very happy. I love the photos of the US Embassy. And also of your camping experiences! The videos are great. Love you guys.
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