It started as a normal day

Thursday, June 30th - It started as a somewhat - normal day for Jim. He had three places to visit that day: a community in the south, an army base in the north near the Mediterranean Sea and an army commander in the Golan.  Well, okay, it may not be normal to have that many visits in one day and so far apart, but......

Leaving about 7:00 am, he set out to begin the day.  The visit to the south consisted of meeting a community leader and doing an interview with Yehuda Glick, who also lives in the same community. Yehuda spoke at our CFI conference last year, and is now the newest member of the Israeli Knesset (the legislative governing body of Israel).  On October 29, 2014, he survived an assassination attempt outside of the Begin Center in Jerusalem by a Palestinian terrorist.  Yehuda is an activist for religious freedom on the Temple Mount, as Jews are not allowed to pray when visiting their most holy site due to it also being the site of the Al Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock - and ONLY Muslims are allowed to pray (Christians aren't allowed either) when visiting during the short entry hours twice a day.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yehuda_Glick

Yehuda Glick

Upon arrival, Yehuda introduced them to a Rabbi, the president of the Yeshiva (Biblical learning center). They shook hands with the Rabbi, a joyful man, and talked with him for a bit before setting up for the interview with Yehuda.  Before even beginning, Jim heard Yehuda say, "Oh no..." and everyone began to receive notifications on their phones of a terror attack.  

As the day went on, the details of the attack were grim.  A 17 year old Palestinian terrorist climbed over a security fence, sneaked into the home of a Jewish resident in Kiryat Arba (adjacent to Hevron), and stabbed a 13 year old girl to death in her bed.  The terrorist was shot and killed.  By 6:00 pm that evening, this beautiful young girl was buried by her grieving parents.  

What kind of evil could cause someone to commit such an act??? The kind that is bred into a person each day as they grow up learning to hate - taught hate by parents, community, and schools; where being a martyr is being a hero, and glorified by your family and community.  Where families of martyrs receive financial compensation from the government and roads named after the terrorist. Where they rejoice and pass out candies to celebrate the death of another Jew.

Hallel Yaffa - her name in English means "beautiful praise".

Hillel Yaffa's mother at the funeral.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/a-terrorist-murdered-my-daughter-in-her-bed-tearful-mother-says/

The horror began that morning, but would continue that day and into the next.

After Jim was through with the interview, he travelled to the north to a graduation ceremony at an army base.  Project David's Shield was providing shlukers (water back packs) to the soldiers who had completed their first 8 months of training.

After his visit with the soldiers, Jim headed still north to meet another commander who he needed to deliver hats to.  It was too late in the day to go to the army base, so the commander invited Jim to his home, and to stay for dinner. They enjoyed the relaxed time together that they wouldn't normally get to have, and got to know each other better.

That same evening, a little after 7:00 pm, another Palestinian terrorist stabbed two people in the central market of coastal city of Netanya, injuring both.  The terrorist was shot and killed.  

News video in English:

http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy-defense/118468-160630-israel-initial-reports-of-stabbing-attack-in-coastal-city-of-netanya

After a very long day, Jim arrived home around 11:00 pm.  It was an emotional, rollercoaster of a day.

The next day, Friday, during the morning, we had update notifications that another Palestinian terrorist attempted a stabbing attack against border police at the Tomb of the Patriarchs (where Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Rebecca and Jacob & Leah are buried).  The female terrorist, who was shot and killed, was found to be from the same town - and is a relative - of the terrorist who murdered Hallel Yaffa the day before.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/relative-of-kiryat-arba-killer-tries-to-stab-cop-in-hebron-is-shot-dead/

We worked until 1:30 pm (we get off early on Friday, to prepare for Shabbat, as stores and transportation stop in the afternoon).  We had dinner plans that evening, so we went home to take a short nap before going out.

Right before falling asleep, we received yet more update notifications of a shooting at a vehicle near Hevron.  First information to come out was one dead and two wounded from gunshot wounds and the accident (the car lost control and flipped).  The husband was killed, and the wife is seriously injured from gunshot wounds. The terrorists have yet to be caught.

The Rabbi lived in Otniel, just south of Hevron - where the red marker is.

The son of the father that was killed.

After a short nap, we awoke to find out the details of the car shooting.  To Jim's shock and horror, he learned that the man that was killed was the Rabbi he had met at the yeshiva.  The joyful man he shook hands with.  Jim was just with this man the day before, and now he was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist.  The sorrow and pain is so real it hurts.  This man was the father of 10 children.  

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4822991,00.html

It had been two terribly long days, and yet we were invited to a commander's home for the Friday evening Shabbat meal.  To be invited to a Jewish home to share in this meal is always an honor.  Tal (whose name means "dew") and Jim have met a few times, and he recently asked us to come to his home.  We arrived at 7:30 pm to find that we were honored to not only share this evening with the commander, but his grandmother, parents, siblings and their children.  

After meeting and greeting the family, the father led us through a song and the prayers to welcome and bless the Shabbat (Sabbath).  Tal's mother's background is Moroccan, and boy did she lay out the most amazing feast for us that night.  There must have been about 20 different homemade dishes - and she had been cooking for two days!   

We spent the evening getting to know everyone - and them us - and discussing all sorts of topics in Israel, especially what had taken place that day and the day before.  Being Israeli, they had all served in the army (Tal still in the army) and shared many different views on what should/could be done to change the current situations.  While we ate and talked through the night, we believe it was the best place for us to be on this night - with the people, sharing their pain, understanding their challenges. It was an evening of love & joy, tears & frustration, laughter & questioning.   

And if all the attacks of the day and day before weren't enough, while we at dinner, at 11:00 pm, a rocket was fired out of Gaza into Israel.  Sirens went off in the affected area and families enjoying their Shabbat evening ran to their bomb shelters.  The rocket made direct contact with a kindergarten in in Sderot.  Praise God it was in the evening and no one was injured, although the building sustained damage.

Almost six hours after arriving, we said our goodbyes to our new family who we immediately fell in love with. With hugs and kisses we left to drive 45 minutes home - arriving a little after 2:00 am.  

While there have not been any more attacks since Friday, in checking our updates, there has been a threat of another.  A personal threat.  Against Yehuda Glick.  It was released right after Rabbi Miki Marc was gunned down.  You'll remember that the interview with Yehuda was at the Rabbi's yeshiva - they are good friends.  Well, the animated video created by the terrorist organization portrays Yehuda being gunned down as well, saying he is next.  He had already been determined a high profile target, and now has around the clock Knesset guard security.

Please, please be praying for the families who lost loved ones, for those recovering in the hospitals, for the Israeli government to make wise choices on dealing with these situations, and for our protectors - the army, police & security.  And last but not least, for the people of this nation, to have faith in God and not fear of the enemy, to heal in body, emotions and spirit, and to stay strong.

How??? How can we make this flood of terrorism around the world stop? If you follow the world news you know there are DAILY attacks going on.  Mass casualties.  And for those of you in the United States, it has come to your country in ways that you have not known before.  

There are practical ways that governments can take to deal with this threat.  As individuals we can pray - and NOT stick our head in the sand pretending it is not happening.  The world does not like absolute truths and is doing everything it can to protect tolerance.  Tolerance, however, will destroy the good in this world, as evil takes over.  

There's a scripture that we've been studying lately that has some much needed concepts in it.  

"Regard it all as joy, my brothers, when you face various kinds of temptations; for you know that the testing of your trust produces perseverance.  But let perseverance do its complete work; so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing." 

James 1:2-4 (CJB)

First, we like how this version uses the word "trust" instead of faith - it brings an even deeper understanding.  Next consider the word perseverance.  

Perseverance: "Implies resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application: Endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end."

In reading its definition, it brings to mind other words needed for perseverance: obstinate and tenacious.

Obstinate: "Not easily controlled or overcome."

Tenacious:  "Holding fast, persistent, not easily pulled asunder."

If we are to make it through these times where evil is fighting to prevail, these are qualities each of us needs to "win in the end" and not be defeated. How do we accomplish this?

"But let perseverance do its complete work; so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing." 

James 1:4 (CJB)

Fulfillment

May 14, 1948 - Israel becomes a nation again.

"Before going into labor, she gave birth;
before her pains came, she delivered a male child.
 Who ever heard of such a thing?
Who has ever seen such things?
Is a country born in one day?
Is a nation brought forth all at once?
For as soon as Tziyon went into labor,
she brought forth her children.
 “Would I let the baby break through
and not be born?” asks Adonai.
“Would I, who cause the birth,
shut the womb?” asks your God."

Isaiah 66:7-9

On Israel Independence Day we, along with other Christians, were invited to attend a "Day to Praise" event hosted by the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding & Cooperation.  The purpose of the event was to come together as believers in the One True God - the God Of Israel - to praise and worship Him together in thanksgiving for fulfilling the above prophesy on May 14, 1948.  Together, Israel and the Nations were celebrating God's faithfulness to not only the Jewish people, but mankind in reestablishing the modern state of Israel.

We spent the afternoon singing, dancing and reading Psalms 114-118.  

The day was organized and mc'd by our friend, David Nekrutman.  We have known David for several years now, and have been working in cooperation with the center to see Jews and Christians tear down the wall of enmity - to build a spiritual dwelling place for God together. (Ephesians 2)

David Nekrutman

Sharon Sanders, co-founder of Christian Friends of Israel read one of the Psalms.

Sharon Sanders

Here is a short 30 second video of our praise time.

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to be outside praising God in song and dance - Jews and Christians as one.

The highlight for us was Psalm 117:  

"Praise Adonai, all you nations!

Worship him, all you peoples!

 

For his grace has overcome us,

and Adonai’s truth continues forever."

Halleluyah!

David explained to us that through reciting this Psalm, together we would fulfill Zephaniah 3:9:

"For then will I turn to the peoples a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent."

First we read Psalm 117 - all at the same time - in our "mother tongue."  There were several nations present, each speaking in their own language, and it sounded a bit confusing.  But then we read it together in Hebrew.  You could hear the beautiful unity of a people praising God together in one accord.  Our friend Nathalie was asked to read the Psalm in French during the first part, then Hebrew the second time.  She has written a book entitled The Beauty of the Hebrew Language. 

We were so grateful to have recorded this video on our phone.  It was a moment that brought a sensing of God's presence.  David said, "This was a joint sanctification moment."  

We also were blessed to hear from Rabbi Shlomo Riskin - chief rabbi of Efrat.  He is the leader of the center, and helped to re-found the city of Efrat.  God had told him at the beginning of his endeavors, to "be a chapter header - not a footnote."  That was the desire of each of us on this historic day as we all know it is the beginning of something BIG God is doing in Israel bringing our two communities together for the first time in almost 2,000 years.  David said that as we all know, on the Temple Mount will one day be a place of prayer for all nations, but we can start together now.  

"For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

Isaiah 56:7 and Mark 11:17

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin

Here is another video from the event put out by the center.  It's a highlight of the day, featuring the music of the Portnoy Brothers from Jerusalem.

With a grateful heart we then enjoyed a scrumptious BBQ together - as ALL Israelis do on Independence Day!!

Bus bombing in Jerusalem

After having a few friends inquire if we are ok, we decided to put out a short post.  Today, a little before 6 pm Israel time, a bus caught on fire due to a bomb in the back of the bus in southern Jerusalem not far from where we live.  A second (empty) bus and a private car also caught on fire.  There were no deaths (Praise God), but 16 injuries - 2 of them severe.  

At first it was deemed a terror attack, then possibly a technical malfunction, then it was confirmed to be a bomb.  

"The police hesitation was cleared up by the director of the emergency care unit at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem where the wounded were treated, who estimated that it was indeed an attack.  'Some of the wounds of the victims who arrived to us are from nails and bolts that penetrated their bodies. It gives the impression of wounds from a terror attack,' determined the doctor." (Arutz Sheva News)

The Jerusalem mayor also confirmed that it was a bomb, and for everyone to be vigilant.  They are searching for suspects, while also wondering if one of the seriously wounded individuals could have been the attacker, as no one has come to inquire about him, and he has no identification on him.

We were on a bus on the way home from work when Jim saw the smoke plume, and then we started getting alerts on our phones of a bus explosion.

Please be in prayer for the injured and their loved ones.  Please also pray for the Israeli security forces, especially as we enter into the Pesach (Passover) season beginning Friday evening at sundown for a week.  There were hints of concern of attacks during Pesach, and now security will be even tighter than they already had planned. Please also pray for people to be vigilant, but not afraid. That is a main component of "terror" attacks.  Most Israelis are resilient, but that doesn't mean that some people won't be afraid.

Oh, and by the way, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) discovered a tunnel today coming from Gaza into Israel......

"For thus says the Lord of hosts: 

'He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; 

for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.'" 

Zechariah 2:8

Queen Esther

We saw the picture above this week - an Israeli soldier dressed for Purim - love it!!

In Israel and around the world, Jews - and those who join them - are celebrating God's faithful deliverance! Purim comes directly from the book of Esther.  

Esther 9:26-28

"This is why these days have been called Purim, after the word pur. Thus, because of everything written in this letter, and what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had come upon them,

the Jews resolved and took upon themselves, their descendants and all who might join them that without fail they would observe these two days in accordance with what was written in this letter and at the appointed time, every year;and that these days would be remembered and observed throughout every generation, every family, every province and every city; and that these days of Purim would never cease among the Jews or their memory be lost by their descendants."

We recommend joining the Jewish people in reading the entire book of Esther to get the full understanding of how amazing this real-life story really is!!  And this story has continued throughout the existence of the Jewish people, right up to present day.  Many people groups try to annihilate them as a people, and God continues to deliver them. Same story, different generation.  This is why they are to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness "throughout every generation, every family, every province and every city."  

For those who don't already know, Iran is modern day Persia from the book of Esther.  It wasn't until 1934 that the world began calling Persia, Iran.  And "Iran" comes from the word "Ayran" (which should also sound familiar from that same time period of Nazi Germany).  

"On the 25th December [1934] the Persian Ministry for Foreign Affairs addressed a circular memorandum to the Foreign Diplomatic Missions in Tehran requesting that the terms "Iran" and "Iranian" might be used in official correspondence and conversation as from the 21st March next instead, of the words "Persia" and "Persian" hitherto in current use. His Majesty's Minister in Tehran has been instructed to accede to this request." - Wikipedia 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Name_of_Iran

If you would like to watch a movie about Esther, here is a link to a pretty good rendition called "One Night With the King."  We watch it each year at Purim.

Here's a few pictures of the stores selling all kinds of Purim costumes in preparations.

All kinds of Queen Esther crowns.

Oh!  Did we forget to mention the famous hamantaschen cookies??  They come with several different types of filling.  Our favorite is chocolate, tastes like chocolate chip cookies. YUM!!!

As we are all watching our world change, let us remember not only God's faithfulness to deliver, but also ask Him what our part is to play in standing up for what is right and true.

"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 14:4

David's Shield

One of the greatest honors we have at Christian Friends of Israel is to bless the defenders of Israel. While Jim is the coordinator of the CFI project outreach to the Israel Defense Force, I (Linda) go with him whenever I can.  Jim has done an excellent job in creating and maintaining relationships with commanders in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

As we've said many times before, these are young men & women, younger than our own daughter...and we try to give support and encouragement to them as if they were our own children. They are tough warriors who do their job with excellence, and at the same time, they are sweet children mostly ages 18-21.  They are confident that what they are doing is right, and yet they hunger to hear us tell them of the people in the Nations who agree with them, and are praying for them - as a modern day King David's army.  When we talk to them about our solidarity, they are very interested to hear what we have to say.  And when Jim tells them that what they are doing while defending the Land of Israel is not only right, but righteous, their ears really perk up.

While you may have seen some of these pictures, we'd like to share with you a 13 minute video to give a bigger picture of what we do in Israel through CFI's Project David's Shield.  When our daughter was here in January, she went through hundreds of pictures, and with her father's input, created this video to promote the project - thank you Stephanie!  With the exception of about 5 or so pictures, all were taken by us on visits, in the field during the 2014 war in Gaza, and during demonstrations.

We pray that by the end of the video you will feel our heart for these soldiers who are the physical guardians of God's Land, and put them on your prayer list.  Thank you for supporting us in all we do at CFI, and allowing us to be the hands & feet, speaking words of affirmation, and giving hugs whenever we can.

We recommend that you watch the video full screen, 

and see if you can get to the end without a tear in your eye....I can't.

Then David said to the Philistine, 

“You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."

1 Samuel 17:45

Blessing Upon Blessing

Well, it has been over 1 1/2 months since our last post.  Why so long this time do you ask?? We had an unexpected blessing - our daughter came to Israel to visit us for 4 weeks!!  Well….not totally unexpected, she told us of her desire to come about a month before her arrival.

We were a little torn before she came, with it being a “surprise visit”, we had “no money and no time.”  How were we to make this a quality visit?  One for us all to remember and cherish?  We were extremely busy at work, and couldn’t take much time off.  We also were tight on funds, God always provides for our daily needs, but there wasn’t extra for “touring” around Israel and showing her the Land we love, where her parents call home.  

But there’s an answer to all this - GOD.  He knows our hearts, and Stephanie’s.  He knows ours needs and He knows the desires of our hearts.  And sometimes, He gives us what we don’t need, but what He wants to give us, as His children, to watch us delight in the gifts He provides, thanking Him as our Heavenly Father, Who watches over us, not only to protect us, but to delight in us as well.  He uses people as vessels to share His love and gifts, and we send our heartfelt and humble thanks to those who truly made our time very, very special with our daughter.

As a planner, this soon and upcoming visit was a bit overwhelming for Linda, who likes to have everything in order - and there were NO plans put together, especially with not knowing how this was all going to work out.  BUT GOD.  He placed it on people’s hearts to provide for this trip special trip. Even as much as to say, “This is to do something special when Stephanie comes.” God blessed us over and above what we could have even imagined.  With no worries of provision - not in provision of finances and not in provision of time.  And in this post we are including many, many pictures of our visit.  But first a bit about the time she was here.

While we were still very busy at work, and only took a total of 3 days off during her 4 week visit, we managed to keep very busy.  Some days while we worked, Stephanie was very independent and travelled around Jerusalem by herself, touring several museums or shopping. We were very proud of her confidence and courage to travel the city - both walking and by public buses & the train. 

Knowing that Israel, and Jerusalem indeed, had been experiencing almost daily acts of terror (stabbings, car rammings, etc) since the beginning of October, Stephanie felt confident enough in knowing God wanted her to come that she chose to not be afraid.  The day she arrived, there was a horrific car ramming attack in Jerusalem, not far from where we work.  Due to this attack, and several others like it, the most vulnerable bus stops had bollards installed, including the bus stop by our house.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-balances-security-with-accessibility-in-protecting-bus-stops/

By our apartment.

Bus stop by our apartment.

During the 4 weeks of her time here, there were near daily attacks, many in Jerusalem.   She was vigilant, yet unafraid; and as parents, we would have been able to tell if she was nervous.  There were two incidents that were a “bit close to home”, however.  The first happened while Linda and Stephanie were walking around in the Old City of Jerusalem by themselves one Sunday.  They stopped in a t-shirt shop (to get her husband a very cool Star Wars shirt in Hebrew) on David Street. The shop was near the border of the Christian Quarter and the Muslim Quarter.  While the shirt was being made, all of a sudden there were several Israeli Police running down the steps in front of the shop.  They then proceeded to go back up past the shop, yelling to everyone to get out and head up towards Jaffa Gate.  Knowing something was happening, we got out as quick as we could and headed up.  We tried to warn tourists heading down not to go, that the police had it blocked due to an incident.  Then while trying to help a woman with directions where she needed to go, Stephanie said here they come!  The police walked right past us, only 2 feet away, with the attacker.  This was the closest we have been to an incident.  In the mean time, Jim was trying reach Linda & Stephanie by cellphone because there were terror alerts in the Old City.

They finished their shopping in the Christian Quarter before leaving the Old City.  As they walked out Jaffa Gate, and headed towards Jaffa Road, Linda asked Stephanie a question - one that was very important, not just as her daughter, but as an American visiting Israel during the terror attacks.  She wanted to know how she felt - was she afraid?  Knowing that just the day before, 2 people were killed - stabbed to death - right where they were walking, outside Jaffa Gate.  And now to have been so close to an incident in the Old City.  How did that make her feel??  Linda could tell by the way she was acting that she was okay, but she wanted to hear her tell what she felt.  Stephanie couldn't really put it into words...but to say that she did not feel scared or frightened to be in the same spot as the attack at Jaffa Gate....same with the attempted attack near the t-shirt store.  She said she felt safe...but yet it was hard to explain...  We know exactly how she feels.  It's the same as us.  By human nature we should be afraid, and yet we're not.  You can sense God's Hand of protection, and yet it's more than that - it's His Peace that goes beyond our understanding...

The only time she told us she did feel uncomfortable was some time later.  She was taking the public bus to our office by herself.  The bus stopped at a normal stop, and suddenly Police entered from the middle of the bus.  They walked just a couple of rows past her, grabbed a man and took him off the bus.  As the bus pulled away, she watched them searching the man.  It was then that her mind started rolling.....this man was only a few rows behind her....what if the bus driver hadn't alerted the police of a suspicious man....what could have happened - that didn't...???  She was a bit shaken when she arrived at our office that day.  However, she didn't let this stop her.  She still continued using public transportation by herself, and walked around the city and shopped and went sight seeing.  She is an amazing young woman, and a testament to the God Whom she serves.

When uploading pictures to share, we had no idea that it would be soooo many!!! Not only that, but they are all out of order.....it doesn't really matter to most of you what order it is in, so please enjoy with us this very special visit we had with Stephanie.  

Judean Mountains in the desert.

Beit Guvrin, first stop after airport.

Helicopter...maybe because of car ramming attack that just occurred in Jerusalem.

Stephanie's first day by herself, Yad Vashem, Israel Holocaust Museum.

Another day to herself - Israel Museum.

The three of us were blessed to deliver fleece jackets to two bases of the Israel Air Force.
First stop was the Air Force Museum.

Air Force Museum.

Air Force Museum.

At the second Air force Base - pictures not allowed, except this one.

Shopping at the shuk - open market.

Shopping at the shuk - open market.

Visit to Bethlehem the week before Christmas.
This is the spot where Orthodox religions believe Jesus was born.

Rose in Bethlehem.

Lunch in Bethlehem.
Fresh falafels, hummus and pita - what more could you ask for?

Bethlehem

Star Wars came out while Stephanie was here, so of course we had to see it!
There's a new 3-d Imax theater down the road from us.

Going to visit the Old city of Jerusalem.

Walking on the ramparts walk - on the Old City walls.

Walking on the ramparts walk - on the Old City walls.

Walking on the ramparts walk - on the Old City walls.
Mount of Olives behind.

King David's Palace.

Walked from the City of David through Hezekiah's tunnel (the dry one) to the Pool of Siloam.

On our way towards the Dead Sea - lowest place on earth.

The Dead Sea is quite beautiful with the morning sun shining on it.

Masada - took the cable car up, but hiked down!
You can barely see the snake path in the middle/right.

On top of Masada.

On top of Masada.

On top of Masada.

On top of Masada.
Dead Sea in the background.

Hiking down Masada.

Desert Mountains.

Our destination and oasis in the desert for the night!

Camel & guest ranch.

Relaxing before the next ride.

For some reason, we had dual rooms, one inside, this one (where we kept our belongings and showered)
and one more of a tent structure, which we chose to sleep in.

Outside our room.

Above our "tent".  We had a roof balcony with a view of the desert.

Outside our "tent".
Stephanie enjoyed the hammock.

Our sleeping quarters for the night.

Peaceful view in the middle of nowhere.

View from our roof.

Peacock on the roof.

Group heading out for their ride.

Sun close to setting before our ride.
We thought it may be too late for a ride, but it was the perfect time!

Hanging out before we go.

Here we go!!

Everybody's ready!

Moon - rise!

Heading back to "camp" after our ride.

Outside our room.

After dinner coffee - bedouin style.

After coffee - toasted marshmallows,
and getting to know our fellow guests around the fire.

You don't see this sign in the States....

In the middle of the desert.

Hike at Ein Avdat.

Hike at Ein Avdat.

Hike at Ein Avdat.

Hike at Ein Avdat.

Hike at Ein Avdat.

Hike at Ein Avdat.

Hike at Ein Avdat.
Jim & Stephanie hiked out of the gorge, and Linda drove around to pick them up.

Ummmm......

Path along the cliff edge.  No railing.
They still have a long way up to go!

Yeah, that's the cliff edge.

Hiking up, up, up!
See the little people below?
They're just getting started.

Hike at Ein Avdat.

Top of the gorge after hiking out - Ein Avdat.

They conquered the hike!

Garden at burial place of David Ben Gurion, at the very top of the gorge.
  Ibex freely roam everywhere.

Ibex

End to a beautiful day.

Camel ride from at the ranch.

"Famous" windmill in Jerusalem.
First neighborhood built outside the Old City walls.

YMCA Jerusalem.

King David Hotel Jerusalem.

Hot Chocolate break at Christ Church coffee shop in the Old City Jerusalem.

Inside Christ Church.
Oldest Protestant Church in the Old City Jerusalem.

Walking around the Jewish Quarter of the Old City Jerusalem.

The Cardo in the Jewish Quarter, would have been "Main Street" Jerusalem.

.

Picture of what it may have been like.

Cardo.

Original paving stones.

Wall below.

King Hezekiah's Wall.

Southern end of the Temple Mount, Southern Steps of the Temple Mount, and the Mount of Olives.

Fresh baked pita in the Jewish Quarter.

View towards Jaffa Gate and Jerusalem Old City walls.

Jim & Stephanie delivered more jackets to the army up North on the Lebanon border.
During her 4 week visit she went to all of Israel's borders except Egypt.
 (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and the Mediterranean Sea)

We learned how wine was made 1,000's of years ago.
This winery still makes wine this way.

Lunch after our tour.
Dairy farms and goat's milk cheeses are very popular in Israel.

Touring ammunition Hill with her Dad on a cold day.

You can climb through the bunkers and trenches.

Ammunition Hill.

Jim & Stephanie went to eat lunch at a very yummy restaurant in the shuk (open market).

They had a new friend....

Jerusalem had a garbage strike for a few days!!
This is the shuk at Jaffa Road by the lightrail train tracks.

Visiting another museum with her Dad.

Mt. Herzl Cemetery.

Best burger in Jerusalem!

Damascus Gate - Old City Jerusalem.

Original Damascus Gate, down below and to the left of the current one.
This is from the time of the Second Temple.
Many believe this is the gate Yeshua would have left on the way to the crucifixion.

Next Museum.

Rockefeller Museum.

Stuff in the museum is ancient - up to 3,500 years old!!

Golden Menorah of Gold.
Fashioned according to the Bible, ready for the 3rd Temple.

Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City.
Our next tour.

Inside the Hurva, looking down from the balcony.

View of the Old City Jerusalem from the roof of the Hurva Synagogue.

Museum in Zichron Yaakov.

Another yummy cheese dinner.

Fireplace in the dairy farm restaurant.
You don't see a lot of fireplaces in Israel, trees are a precious resource.

Our temporary home away from home in Chorazim in  the Galilee.

Lake Kinneret - Sea of Galilee.

Next museum...

It's bigger than this picture makes it look.

It's an amazing story how they retrieved this from the water.

Lake Kinneret - Sea of Galilee.

Lake Kinneret - Sea of Galilee.

Mount Arbel.  This is where it all started.
When Stephanie visited in spring 2014, we hiked this mountain together.
We sent a picture of it to her this past October.
 next thing we knew, she was on a plane on her way....

The Banias is the Biblical location of Caesarea Philippi. 

Banias - rock rabbits roam freely.
Looks like a rat, bigger than a rabbit...

Beginning our hike.
Israel has at least 70 national parks with amazing hikes and trails.
Each year, for only $70, we buy a park pass (good for 2 people) for unlimited visited for one year.

Roman era bridge, about 2,000 years old.

Waters coming from Mount Hermon.

Palace of King Agrippa.

One of the great things about Israel's national parks
 is you can walk through all the archeology and touch history.

Ancient city of Caesarea Philippi.

It is very likely Yeshua (Jesus) would have taught in this Synagogue.

Matthew16:13  When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, 

He asked His disciples, saying,“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

2,000 year old Synagogue - Caesarea Philippi.

We drove up to Nimrod's fortress (on the way to Mt. Hermon)
 to watch the sun set over the mountains.

Stephanie's birthday dinner - perfectly Israeli!!
Chicken kabobs, falafels, hummus with lamb, loads of salads, fresh baked pita...
Yum, Yum, YUM!!!

Rosh Hanikra on the Lebanon border.

Ride down to the water caves.

And they DID!!!

Walk down into the caves.

Underground water caves.

Beautiful January day!!

Closer to the capital of Lebanon than Israel's capital!
Kilometers...not miles....about 75 miles from Beirut.

Old City of Akko, north of Haifa.

Akko, Acco, Acre....all the same.

Knights Templar time period.

One of many tunnels.

Cannon. This is a walled city like Jerusalem.
Napoleon tried to conquer it, but couldn't.

Knights Templar tunnel.

Another day, another sunset.

Our last sunset together before Stephanie returns back to the USA.

Lighthouse at the tip of Akko.

Okay - these are really out of order....bear with us....

The board says she arrived!!  Not much longer to wait!!

A happy reunion.

Beit Guvrin bell caves (day of her arrival).

Ancient city at Beit Guvrin.

Stephanie arrived on the last day of Chanukah.

We let her light the candles for the 8th day.

Ummm....don't remember which archeology site this was.....

Somewhere in the dessert....

Yummy Bedouin dinner at camel ranch.

Yummy Bedouin dinner at camel ranch.

Yummy Bedouin dinner at camel ranch.

Yummy Bedouin dinner at camel ranch.

After dinner we went into another tent to learn how to play these drums.
Had great fun and laughter with our fellow guests.

Rosh Hanikra.

Thanks for enjoying our visit with us!!!

We are grateful to you, and give thanks to the LORD!!