JUNE 8, 2009
Thank You Lord for a safe and pleasant trip home! I arrived safely in Houston and was met my Melissa, Maegan, my sister Sue and friends Kenneth and Linda Broussard. I was very very very happy to see their sweet faces. We went by Brenda/John’s home (my niece/nephew) where my little dog Honey was very excited to see me! Then Brenda, Sue, Melissa, Maegan and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at La Mexicana! YUMMY!
I arrived at my home and had wonderful visitors—Trent, Kenneth, Linda, Madeline, Ron, John, Sheliah—and phone calls and plans for more visitors today. My FOUR monster suitcases are all open with “stuff” all over the living room…I may just leave it there for however long…I CAN! I am so glad to be in my little home in Port Arthur, TX!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To all of you who have prayed for me and my family and Jerusalem School. God truly answered your prayers in so many ways. I am anxious to share my stories of the people and places and experiences that God has blessed me with knowing and seeing and having…(Not sure that sentence is correct—this English teacher is retired—finally, so my skills may deteriorate quickly!)
I love you
Beth
Monday, June 8, 2009
JUNE 6
JUNE 6, 2009
D-Day—even for me…departure date! I am sitting in the Ben Gurion Airport at Tel Aviv…I am checked in and enjoying a cup of coffee before I go to my gate. I am rejoicing that I am leaving—even as I know I will miss the wonderful people God has blessed me with knowing. What an incredible experience I have had. I pray with all my heart that God will enable me to share these stories and joys with each of you in a way that gives Him all the glory and power for granting me this privilege of serving Him in this country.
Today was the last day at school—and I helped Mr. John get the tassels, honor cords, report cards, etc ready to hand out to the seniors. Erin and I listened and edited the speech the young lady who is the valedictorian will give tomorrow at graduation. Then later Adam, Bethany, Trish, Austin, Katie, Kristen, Elaine and I enjoyed one last meal at Golden Chicken…yummy! Kristen and Elaine helped me load FOUR monster suitcases into the back of the truck…we took pictures with Christy and Erin and I loaded in the back with my carry-on luggage, backpack and purse. Kristen drove and Elaine was the navigator as we winged our way out of Jerusalem and on to Highway 1 to Tel Aviv. We arrived at the airport in ample time…Elaine helped me load the FOUR monster suitcases & carry-on luggage on to the cart and even went all the way in to the airport to the place to get in line! I was so early there was no one there, so I had to sit about 15 minutes…THEN the questioning began…But I was early and there were few people…so it was okay. They xrayed, etc…and then sent me over to the security square…and I had to lift each of those MONSTER FOUR pieces of luggage up on a counter…for them to open, rearrange, sniff and run some sort of device through…and my back pack and my carry-on…BUT they did it and released me…and I went to the Delta line. I had to pay $200 extra for each of the TWO extra pieces of luggage…but I was so happy to do that because I am coming to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Hooray!
I will miss so many of the people…they have touched my life in incredible ways. I have email addresses and plans to see some of them…Two of the boys will be in Austin in June; one girl is going to school in New Hampshire and I hope she will be in my home during spring break next year…and of course, my friends Wilma, Christy, Erin and Crissie plan to be in Houston in September…so all that is great.
I am so grateful for all of you who have read my blog and supported me with prayers and encouraging comments and emails. I really really needed all those good words and prayer from my family and friends in my life in the USA. REALLY—more than words can adequately express. I love each of you and pray that God blesses your life as you have blessed mine. To Him be the glory…
Beth
D-Day—even for me…departure date! I am sitting in the Ben Gurion Airport at Tel Aviv…I am checked in and enjoying a cup of coffee before I go to my gate. I am rejoicing that I am leaving—even as I know I will miss the wonderful people God has blessed me with knowing. What an incredible experience I have had. I pray with all my heart that God will enable me to share these stories and joys with each of you in a way that gives Him all the glory and power for granting me this privilege of serving Him in this country.
Today was the last day at school—and I helped Mr. John get the tassels, honor cords, report cards, etc ready to hand out to the seniors. Erin and I listened and edited the speech the young lady who is the valedictorian will give tomorrow at graduation. Then later Adam, Bethany, Trish, Austin, Katie, Kristen, Elaine and I enjoyed one last meal at Golden Chicken…yummy! Kristen and Elaine helped me load FOUR monster suitcases into the back of the truck…we took pictures with Christy and Erin and I loaded in the back with my carry-on luggage, backpack and purse. Kristen drove and Elaine was the navigator as we winged our way out of Jerusalem and on to Highway 1 to Tel Aviv. We arrived at the airport in ample time…Elaine helped me load the FOUR monster suitcases & carry-on luggage on to the cart and even went all the way in to the airport to the place to get in line! I was so early there was no one there, so I had to sit about 15 minutes…THEN the questioning began…But I was early and there were few people…so it was okay. They xrayed, etc…and then sent me over to the security square…and I had to lift each of those MONSTER FOUR pieces of luggage up on a counter…for them to open, rearrange, sniff and run some sort of device through…and my back pack and my carry-on…BUT they did it and released me…and I went to the Delta line. I had to pay $200 extra for each of the TWO extra pieces of luggage…but I was so happy to do that because I am coming to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Hooray!
I will miss so many of the people…they have touched my life in incredible ways. I have email addresses and plans to see some of them…Two of the boys will be in Austin in June; one girl is going to school in New Hampshire and I hope she will be in my home during spring break next year…and of course, my friends Wilma, Christy, Erin and Crissie plan to be in Houston in September…so all that is great.
I am so grateful for all of you who have read my blog and supported me with prayers and encouraging comments and emails. I really really needed all those good words and prayer from my family and friends in my life in the USA. REALLY—more than words can adequately express. I love each of you and pray that God blesses your life as you have blessed mine. To Him be the glory…
Beth
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
MAY 26, 2009
Happy Birthday to my niece Brenda! And to my good friend Madeline! And on Friday, May 29, Maegan will be 15 years old! And Nan is sending wishes from across the sea for a wonderful day for that sweet girl.
We’ve had some really busy days and some very interesting experiences. After visiting Hezekiah’s tunnel, we enjoyed a fun meal at Spagghetime’s with Kristen, Eric, Kayla, Erin and Christy. Kristen and Eric had been on a fun trip with the 7th and 8th graders to Tiberias—so they needed a good meal with adult conversation!
I helped Erin and Christy with the wedding shower for Eric and Kayla…Eric is Erin’s brother—and they are all from Dalton, Georgia—same place as Wilma. We had a wonderful time—Mustafa helped us order some delicious food for the party—sfeha…and yes, I can say it! I’m learning a few words in Arabic! So proud!
Everyone came—Ross, Margaret, Shane, Sarah, Simi, Sara, Bryan, Kristen, Jamal and his wife, Mustafa, Ghassan and Norma—and we ate and laughed and enjoyed watching this precious young couple open beautiful presents. They will be living here next year and working in the school and also teaching English in Ramallah.
On Monday, Eula and Darrell invited Mary, Elaine, Bethany, Adam and me to eat at THE TENT—a restaurant in Bethlehem. We left early because Adam had a package to drop off at Bethlehem School (a part of our school) and because Eula was wanting to go to this little shop to get gifts to bring home. The shop owners were telling us that their business is really bad because they’ve closed Bethlehem to tour buses. And we saw none…and not that many people were out. So that’s not good.
I’ve heard about this restaurant since I’ve been here, but haven’t had the opportunity to go eat. It is so unique—literally is under a huge tent—with sides that roll up. The hills of Bethlehem are right outside the tent—so we sat and watched the hills where there are sheep and shepherds while we ate. We sat on sofa-like seats around a large table…and they bring all this wonderful food—pita with all sorts (at least 8 or 9) of salads and hummus and cabbage…then they bring the mixed grill kebabs—lamb, beef and chicken… with French fries…it is all so delicious.
Then today after school I treated Mary to a manicure—she leaves Thursday night. We rode the bus in to the city, got the manicure and then ate at a wonderful Thai place…then we went to the Old City and met Eula and Katie. Eula was buying the rest of her gifts…we enjoyed it so much. We’ve done some shopping at this place that has all sorts of gifts, and we went tonight so Mary could get something. The owner is so friendly—and he got us chairs and served us tea and we sat and talked a while…this is very common in the Arabic culture. They are very, very hospitable—I’ve been served tea in many places… just seem to want to entertain you and talk with you. I’ve bought some gifts at this other place that is right down the way from Jaffe Gate—and the man is so nice. He makes his own jewelry, and tonight, he was making jewelry and Mary and I were sitting in there waiting on Eula and Katie…so we visited with him a good while. He is my favorite shop owner…so nice…and across the lane is our favorite tee-shirt shop. The shirts are so neat—and are 20 shekels—which is about $5…so please…if you want a tee-shirt, let me know!
The seniors arrived home safely Monday morning at 6 a.m….so they were at school today…and my favorite one, Fayez, brought me a box of chocolates from Italy. He is just the neatest young man… I wish all of you could meet him. He was in Austin/San Antonio last summer…but I don’t know when he will be back in the states. All the seniors had a really good time—they toured Rome and I don’t know where else—what a senior trip!
We have school on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday—and then three days of finals—Mon, Tues, Wed. next week—then work Thursday getting grades, cleaning offices, rooms, etc…and it is OVER! We have to help this Friday (May 29) with kindergarten graduation—and we have a School Banquet Saturday night…we give awards, eat and then they have a dance…I think…I’m a little vague, because I don’t really know what is going to happen. Communication is a little slow…usually a few hours before it is needed!!!
I appreciate your emails and comments and prayers…please pray for Sandra & Leo’s friend Walt Irwin—he’s in MD with leukemia…and please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love,
Beth
Happy Birthday to my niece Brenda! And to my good friend Madeline! And on Friday, May 29, Maegan will be 15 years old! And Nan is sending wishes from across the sea for a wonderful day for that sweet girl.
We’ve had some really busy days and some very interesting experiences. After visiting Hezekiah’s tunnel, we enjoyed a fun meal at Spagghetime’s with Kristen, Eric, Kayla, Erin and Christy. Kristen and Eric had been on a fun trip with the 7th and 8th graders to Tiberias—so they needed a good meal with adult conversation!
I helped Erin and Christy with the wedding shower for Eric and Kayla…Eric is Erin’s brother—and they are all from Dalton, Georgia—same place as Wilma. We had a wonderful time—Mustafa helped us order some delicious food for the party—sfeha…and yes, I can say it! I’m learning a few words in Arabic! So proud!
Everyone came—Ross, Margaret, Shane, Sarah, Simi, Sara, Bryan, Kristen, Jamal and his wife, Mustafa, Ghassan and Norma—and we ate and laughed and enjoyed watching this precious young couple open beautiful presents. They will be living here next year and working in the school and also teaching English in Ramallah.
On Monday, Eula and Darrell invited Mary, Elaine, Bethany, Adam and me to eat at THE TENT—a restaurant in Bethlehem. We left early because Adam had a package to drop off at Bethlehem School (a part of our school) and because Eula was wanting to go to this little shop to get gifts to bring home. The shop owners were telling us that their business is really bad because they’ve closed Bethlehem to tour buses. And we saw none…and not that many people were out. So that’s not good.
I’ve heard about this restaurant since I’ve been here, but haven’t had the opportunity to go eat. It is so unique—literally is under a huge tent—with sides that roll up. The hills of Bethlehem are right outside the tent—so we sat and watched the hills where there are sheep and shepherds while we ate. We sat on sofa-like seats around a large table…and they bring all this wonderful food—pita with all sorts (at least 8 or 9) of salads and hummus and cabbage…then they bring the mixed grill kebabs—lamb, beef and chicken… with French fries…it is all so delicious.
Then today after school I treated Mary to a manicure—she leaves Thursday night. We rode the bus in to the city, got the manicure and then ate at a wonderful Thai place…then we went to the Old City and met Eula and Katie. Eula was buying the rest of her gifts…we enjoyed it so much. We’ve done some shopping at this place that has all sorts of gifts, and we went tonight so Mary could get something. The owner is so friendly—and he got us chairs and served us tea and we sat and talked a while…this is very common in the Arabic culture. They are very, very hospitable—I’ve been served tea in many places… just seem to want to entertain you and talk with you. I’ve bought some gifts at this other place that is right down the way from Jaffe Gate—and the man is so nice. He makes his own jewelry, and tonight, he was making jewelry and Mary and I were sitting in there waiting on Eula and Katie…so we visited with him a good while. He is my favorite shop owner…so nice…and across the lane is our favorite tee-shirt shop. The shirts are so neat—and are 20 shekels—which is about $5…so please…if you want a tee-shirt, let me know!
The seniors arrived home safely Monday morning at 6 a.m….so they were at school today…and my favorite one, Fayez, brought me a box of chocolates from Italy. He is just the neatest young man… I wish all of you could meet him. He was in Austin/San Antonio last summer…but I don’t know when he will be back in the states. All the seniors had a really good time—they toured Rome and I don’t know where else—what a senior trip!
We have school on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday—and then three days of finals—Mon, Tues, Wed. next week—then work Thursday getting grades, cleaning offices, rooms, etc…and it is OVER! We have to help this Friday (May 29) with kindergarten graduation—and we have a School Banquet Saturday night…we give awards, eat and then they have a dance…I think…I’m a little vague, because I don’t really know what is going to happen. Communication is a little slow…usually a few hours before it is needed!!!
I appreciate your emails and comments and prayers…please pray for Sandra & Leo’s friend Walt Irwin—he’s in MD with leukemia…and please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love,
Beth
Friday, May 22, 2009
MAY 22, 2009
Christy and I just had the most incredible experience…I wish so much so many of you could be here to experience some of the things I have. We went through Hezekiah’s tunnel—it’s the real deal. I think it was dug around 800 BC. We walked through this very very narrow tunnel with water flowing. Initially the water was up about thigh-level on us, but as we kept walking it went down to knee or ankle high the rest of the time. A completely enclosed tunnel—sometimes we had to lower our heads and sometimes it was very high. It was so narrow at places I had to turn a bit sideways to get through. NO LIGHT at all. She used a flashlight and I used the light on my phone. The water is from the Siloam Pool. It took almost 45 minutes to walk through…I think. I was amazed at myself for being there (I know Maegan is too—she knows Nan is not too much for risky things!) and doing it. I have to say it was a bit claustrophobic. But I just kept thinking about those people digging through to the springs—while they were surrounded by Sennacherib (sp?)’s army with no chance for survival without water from the springs. And I was in the tunnel where they dug all those hundreds of years ago. Amazing experience!
We drove to the Garden of Gethsemane but could not find a place to park…there were so many people and cars—parked in places that made it impossible to pass. We will go another day…we left and enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Aroma’s sitting outside in the beautiful weather.
I am invited to a pizza/movie party tonight…isn’t that fun! School tomorrow… and then on Sunday I am helping Erin give a shower/party for her brother Eric and his fiancée Kayla—so that will be fun too.
Maegan is dancing in her last dance recital this week end—Taylor’s Studio is having their big show and she is dancing in a hip-hop, ballet and jazz number. She will be easy to spot—the prettiest girl there! (Is this grandmother prejudiced???) She has been in dance recitals every year since she was three—and her mom has sewed, glued and stitched many beautiful costumes. Maegan has decided to not take dancing anymore, so she is happy that this is the last one. We have some wonderful memories to treasure and excitement about the future for this
precious young girl. Thank you for your prayers for her.
Thank you for your support and kind words and prayers—please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth
Christy and I just had the most incredible experience…I wish so much so many of you could be here to experience some of the things I have. We went through Hezekiah’s tunnel—it’s the real deal. I think it was dug around 800 BC. We walked through this very very narrow tunnel with water flowing. Initially the water was up about thigh-level on us, but as we kept walking it went down to knee or ankle high the rest of the time. A completely enclosed tunnel—sometimes we had to lower our heads and sometimes it was very high. It was so narrow at places I had to turn a bit sideways to get through. NO LIGHT at all. She used a flashlight and I used the light on my phone. The water is from the Siloam Pool. It took almost 45 minutes to walk through…I think. I was amazed at myself for being there (I know Maegan is too—she knows Nan is not too much for risky things!) and doing it. I have to say it was a bit claustrophobic. But I just kept thinking about those people digging through to the springs—while they were surrounded by Sennacherib (sp?)’s army with no chance for survival without water from the springs. And I was in the tunnel where they dug all those hundreds of years ago. Amazing experience!
We drove to the Garden of Gethsemane but could not find a place to park…there were so many people and cars—parked in places that made it impossible to pass. We will go another day…we left and enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Aroma’s sitting outside in the beautiful weather.
I am invited to a pizza/movie party tonight…isn’t that fun! School tomorrow… and then on Sunday I am helping Erin give a shower/party for her brother Eric and his fiancée Kayla—so that will be fun too.
Maegan is dancing in her last dance recital this week end—Taylor’s Studio is having their big show and she is dancing in a hip-hop, ballet and jazz number. She will be easy to spot—the prettiest girl there! (Is this grandmother prejudiced???) She has been in dance recitals every year since she was three—and her mom has sewed, glued and stitched many beautiful costumes. Maegan has decided to not take dancing anymore, so she is happy that this is the last one. We have some wonderful memories to treasure and excitement about the future for this
precious young girl. Thank you for your prayers for her.
Thank you for your support and kind words and prayers—please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth
Monday, May 18, 2009
MAY 19, 2009
Thank you Darlene and my sweet sister Sue for your comments—I appreciate your writing exactly what I would have to say. I am passionate about my love for Jesus Christ—and Him alone. And I’ve been thrilled and blessed to be in the land where He walked and taught and died and ROSE to life in order to give us life. Hallelujah!
Tonight was a little going away fun time together for Mary…and for Wilma. Wilma leaves tomorrow night—and I am really going to miss her. She has been a huge blessing in my life—she plans to come to Texas in September with her friend Crissie—who is speaking Sept. 12/13 at Lakewood Church. Wilma plans to come early and visit me—and hopefully, be able to meet all of you.
Mary leaves on May 29—she is so excited…as she well should be! She’s getting married July 17—so she has a lot to be excited about. Sarah, Katie, Eula, Wilma, Mary and I went to dinner and enjoyed a wonderful salad—called Village Salad—all kinds of good things in it. Then on the way home we made our routine stop at Jafar’s for groceries, etc. The family of Mr. Mustafa, who has an office next to mine and teaches science at the school, owns these stores…and he is the nicest guy. I’ve enjoyed conversations with him about Arab customs and family traditions. He and his wife have 3 little children—and I’ve tried to convince him to bring them to America for vacation!
My Blackberry did a “hard shut-down” for some unknown reason, and I lost everything on it—my phone numbers, my email contacts, my pictures…etc. I have to say I about shut down too! I called Melissa—and tried to get it going again, but finally had to use my Israeli phone to call Verizon—and they were able to get me back on, but all the information, etc. is gone…into cyberspace, I guess! I had an “attitude-adjustment seminar”—took a nap—and of course, put all things in to perspective!
Please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School. I am so grateful for your words of encouragement and prayers.
Love
Beth
Thank you Darlene and my sweet sister Sue for your comments—I appreciate your writing exactly what I would have to say. I am passionate about my love for Jesus Christ—and Him alone. And I’ve been thrilled and blessed to be in the land where He walked and taught and died and ROSE to life in order to give us life. Hallelujah!
Tonight was a little going away fun time together for Mary…and for Wilma. Wilma leaves tomorrow night—and I am really going to miss her. She has been a huge blessing in my life—she plans to come to Texas in September with her friend Crissie—who is speaking Sept. 12/13 at Lakewood Church. Wilma plans to come early and visit me—and hopefully, be able to meet all of you.
Mary leaves on May 29—she is so excited…as she well should be! She’s getting married July 17—so she has a lot to be excited about. Sarah, Katie, Eula, Wilma, Mary and I went to dinner and enjoyed a wonderful salad—called Village Salad—all kinds of good things in it. Then on the way home we made our routine stop at Jafar’s for groceries, etc. The family of Mr. Mustafa, who has an office next to mine and teaches science at the school, owns these stores…and he is the nicest guy. I’ve enjoyed conversations with him about Arab customs and family traditions. He and his wife have 3 little children—and I’ve tried to convince him to bring them to America for vacation!
My Blackberry did a “hard shut-down” for some unknown reason, and I lost everything on it—my phone numbers, my email contacts, my pictures…etc. I have to say I about shut down too! I called Melissa—and tried to get it going again, but finally had to use my Israeli phone to call Verizon—and they were able to get me back on, but all the information, etc. is gone…into cyberspace, I guess! I had an “attitude-adjustment seminar”—took a nap—and of course, put all things in to perspective!
Please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School. I am so grateful for your words of encouragement and prayers.
Love
Beth
Sunday, May 17, 2009
MAY 17, 2009
Please pray for my friend Kenneth Broussard—he’s in the hospital in Houston AGAIN! His heart is having a hard time keeping up with him.
God blessed me so richly with the past few days…Ross gave Wilma and me permission to be off Saturday and gave us the use of a school vehicle…the Peugeot—with no air conditioning, but nonetheless a great little car. So we drove to Tiberias Friday and stayed in a bed/breakfast overlooking the Sea of Galilee. We sat on the deck and looked out at the mountains and across the sea to Engev—and the whole sea where Jesus walked and talked and they fished and lived near here. It is my favorite place in Israel…he preached the Sermon on the Mount near here—and met the disciples here after he arose…and they had fish for breakfast on this shore. It’s such a real place—no extras added by man. I would love for each of you to be able to visit this place.
We met Yousef/Christine, etc. at the River Jordan at 10:00—and witnessed a very meaningful baptism—I bought a video (the place videos each large group event) because I know James Moore and Bro. Joe and others will want to watch. Yousef baptized his twin children—Allan and Julie who are 13. And his brother-in-law Osama baptized his little girl Nancy who is 9. There is much more to tell about this baptism, but I’ll wait until I can talk in person.
Then we all went to the Jordan Park up north about 20 miles and spent the rest of the day there. They cooked ke-babs and we had salads and garlic-toasted pita…and homemade desserts. We had a marvelous time with all the church members—a really large group and so so so interesting…and very nice to us.
HOWEVER…for the first time it was hot—very hot…stifling hot…no wind and about 90 degrees…whew! I’m not very good in that hot! AND then we headed home—3 hour drive in a very HOT car…and wind blowing through but it was hot too! We were like people in desert—no water and no water stops! It was Shabbat—so nothing was open. We finally found a little store about 1 hour from Jerusalem and stopped for water…but we were a pitiful sight! Dusty, sun-burned and swollen feet! We laughed at ourselves—and were very grateful to get home, take a shower and get those feet up!
I don’t know words to express the joy of being in Tiberias overnight and then spending the day with that church group. Christine and I stood by the River Jordan and prayed for our friends the Basses—she is praying in Arabic, but my spirit just fills with joy knowing that we are in one accord…even though I don’t know the words she is saying. Truly, the spiritual bond in the family of God is the most amazing thing…crosses all barriers—language, culture, etc.
Thank you for your emails and prayers…only 3 weeks, and I pray I will be able to board the Delta bird and fly home…please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School. We have 13 more days including finals—pray we finish the school year in a God-honoring manner.
Love
Beth
Please pray for my friend Kenneth Broussard—he’s in the hospital in Houston AGAIN! His heart is having a hard time keeping up with him.
God blessed me so richly with the past few days…Ross gave Wilma and me permission to be off Saturday and gave us the use of a school vehicle…the Peugeot—with no air conditioning, but nonetheless a great little car. So we drove to Tiberias Friday and stayed in a bed/breakfast overlooking the Sea of Galilee. We sat on the deck and looked out at the mountains and across the sea to Engev—and the whole sea where Jesus walked and talked and they fished and lived near here. It is my favorite place in Israel…he preached the Sermon on the Mount near here—and met the disciples here after he arose…and they had fish for breakfast on this shore. It’s such a real place—no extras added by man. I would love for each of you to be able to visit this place.
We met Yousef/Christine, etc. at the River Jordan at 10:00—and witnessed a very meaningful baptism—I bought a video (the place videos each large group event) because I know James Moore and Bro. Joe and others will want to watch. Yousef baptized his twin children—Allan and Julie who are 13. And his brother-in-law Osama baptized his little girl Nancy who is 9. There is much more to tell about this baptism, but I’ll wait until I can talk in person.
Then we all went to the Jordan Park up north about 20 miles and spent the rest of the day there. They cooked ke-babs and we had salads and garlic-toasted pita…and homemade desserts. We had a marvelous time with all the church members—a really large group and so so so interesting…and very nice to us.
HOWEVER…for the first time it was hot—very hot…stifling hot…no wind and about 90 degrees…whew! I’m not very good in that hot! AND then we headed home—3 hour drive in a very HOT car…and wind blowing through but it was hot too! We were like people in desert—no water and no water stops! It was Shabbat—so nothing was open. We finally found a little store about 1 hour from Jerusalem and stopped for water…but we were a pitiful sight! Dusty, sun-burned and swollen feet! We laughed at ourselves—and were very grateful to get home, take a shower and get those feet up!
I don’t know words to express the joy of being in Tiberias overnight and then spending the day with that church group. Christine and I stood by the River Jordan and prayed for our friends the Basses—she is praying in Arabic, but my spirit just fills with joy knowing that we are in one accord…even though I don’t know the words she is saying. Truly, the spiritual bond in the family of God is the most amazing thing…crosses all barriers—language, culture, etc.
Thank you for your emails and prayers…only 3 weeks, and I pray I will be able to board the Delta bird and fly home…please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School. We have 13 more days including finals—pray we finish the school year in a God-honoring manner.
Love
Beth
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