The Colors of the Old City

Welcome to Jaffa Gate. My favorite gate going into the Old City of Jerusalem. We came a day early to do some shopping, rest up and be ready for the academy tonight.

When you enter the Old City you are bombarded
by color. I love the colors of Jerusalem. Scarves and skirts hang from nearly every shop.

I shopped here 3 years ago and went back for their bargains. I think I went 3 times. Oh yes, they want my American dollars.

No, I didn't get one. I didn't even ask prices.
We got highjacked before we even got into the Old City so I learned my lesson:
Don't look interested; be nearly rude and "Just Say NO". There, that does it....but I really was interested and wanted to know how much.

Most spices are in feed sacks but these are chunks of incense. You will see Myrrha, Rose, Musk Amber and Jerusalem Insense. Is there nothing I don't want to take home?

 This is in the Arab Quarter. The look changes a bit from quarter to quarter. And the dress of the people is noticeably different.

Mosaics are part of the history of this land. I captivated by the colors and scenes dipicted. Look closely at the stories they tell.

We stopped by Cardo Charm. Galit's dad custom made our wedding rings. Randy chose the design and stones and surprised me for our 20th anniversary. Here, I model the $300 pomegrante earrings. No, I didn't get them. LOL

Randy took a photo of her dad working on a custom order. We blew it up and when I told her about it she asked me to send it. I was thinking maybe it was better to bring it in person. I surprised her.

On With The Tour....

Maureen and Cheryl got hungry and wanted falafels. I wasn't ready for lunch so I snapped this photo of Maureen's first ordering experience. The red head lady sat behind me a couple of rows on the flight over. How funny to find her in Jerusalem too.

The children walk unattended. They are safe. They know the path to go and so far I haven't seen them deviate from their routes. I love that they do not seem fearful, no one bothers them, who would want to hurt a child?

More beautiful color. I love this place. Looking between the bushes you would see the Mount of Olives. It's so bright with the sun shining on the tombs that it doesn't show up. We walked down into the courtyard and looked around. That was new for me. Maureen had seen a funny video taped down here with jewish guys break dancing.
And here she was....

Dome of the Rock sits above the Wailing Wall. We aren't allowed on the Temple Mount this trip as it is closed for three days.

 At the Wailing Wall prayers are written on any scrap of paper that can be found and stuffed into the crevices of the stones. At some point they begin to fall. Although blurry, this shot catches my attention. Thank you Lord that we can just talk straight to you.

Leaving on a Jet Plane....

I went to bed at 2:30 am and rested until 4:45 when my alarm startled me into movement. We got on the road as quickly as we could and off we went to DFW. I ended up driving most of the way. For some reason I had no tears of separation as I said my good-byes. I was off to do what God told me and it brought no sadness.

All was well from DFW to NYC. Now, that's a place I've never cared to visit but I wouldn't have minded seeing the Statue of Liberty. The photo is of my great, enormous, huge airplane that I would board. Really, how does that get off the ground?

I met Maureen and Cheryl and we flew over together. I did not know these ladies but was glad for company.

By the time we got in the air it was around 12:30 am when we got our dinner. They served this lovely meal with a plastic glass of wine. Didn't care for it much but it helped me sleep.

The cabin was huge. There were others like this before us and behind...and upstairs too. Mr. R. insured me it would be the smoothest ride of my life. Really?? That's not what I was thinking when we hit turbulence and nearly went down. My tummy hit the ceiling as we lost alititude and suddenly dropped. Thankfully no food was on my tray. I sat next to James, who I was a physicist (scientist). I would later visit his place of employment on our tour, unbeknownst to me.

Everyone breaks out cameras as we make our first pass over the shores of the Mediterranean and Tel Aviv. I can't believe I am here.

In moments the landscape changes and we are over the desert. It is stunningly beautiful and a dramatic change from the city we just flew over.

Coming off the plane and down the ramp we are greated by this sign. We laugh. I remember this little face. Now...if only I could remember what it says!  LOL

Inside David Ben Gurion Int'l Airport.

That's a fountain in the middle, the water falls from the ceiling.

Ahh, the line. We wait in our line for non-Israelis. We commented on how orderly it was although there are no lines.

It is a mass of languages that we hear.

Cheryl kindly begins the job of photographer for Maureen and I. This is just some of our luggage. Joel and Chris flew in hours ahead. This is our first meeting.

As we drove to Jerusalem along the route familiar to me I was stunned with this sunset.

My first night back here! My first sunset! 

Thank you God for its beauty.

Our first dinner together was typical Israeli. Lots of little dishes full of salads, hummus, pita and kbobs.

I met Joel, Pamela,David,Chris and my traveling companions.

It's the beginning of my time with this group.

After dinner we walked down Ben Yehuda Street. It's teeming with life and atmosphere. Music surrounds you. And there's a chill in the air.

This harpist had a lovely voice and had time permitted I would have loved sitting and listening. She sang songs from the 70's.

And there's Max Brenner. Mr. R. is missing so it had a melancholy feel to see places I had known with my friends. Aroma, Sambooki's, and the college, lots of memories.

On the way back to our tiny hostel we heard a story of Cheryl walking through this Arab cemetary by herself one night.

We had to do it. Once again...we hurried instead of strolling.

I wonder why I have no picture of our tiny room and then I realize it's because, when this view of the Old City is out your window it doesn't matter where you are. Who can sleep with a view like this? And as tired as we were from flying a closet would have been fine. 

Because, We're In Jerusalem!!!!!

Behold, He who keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. 

Gifts & Glue

Yesterday I was asked to provide a brief bio of myself and to tell absolutely how wonderful and over-achieved I am. Now that will humble you in a heartbeat.  LOL
I understand how important it is to be honest about your gifts. They come from the Father. He carefully chose which ones would go to me and which ones you would have that I do not. It comes together to make things work.
I think of the areas my husband is gifted in...and I am not. My daughter has gifts that I see and wonder how I missed those....I love being hospitable but don't do a wonderful array of foods. I merely open my home and provide a comfortable cozy atmosphere. Many times I wish I had the talents my friend D. does with pulling together parties in an instant with "to die for" food. Gifts and callings are so different.
This week end I'll host my family for a quick get together since we won't be together for the holidays.
My sister says, "You are the glue. You hold things together. Whatever needs gluing you are the one for the job; you do it so well."
I guess thinking about it...being flexible and pulling things together isn't bad. Question is...can you say that on your bio?

Cold Calls

Weeks ago I was blog hopping...yes, it's a favorite sport of mine...and I happened up something called Bead Soup. I must admit I had to look at over half the participants' creations. I liked the idea. A kit arrives in the mail from a "new friend" you don't know you have yet...and you create a new piece of jewelry from the goods received.
So I fell upon  www.wrappedinsilver.com  and read of Ingrid. By chance she answered an email to let me contact her. I would be more hesitant but she was fine with her info and today I finally called her. I wanted to give hope and let her know about Reliv and how it's helping others with needs like theirs. It was a long conversation of talking about everything from kids & marriage to overseas travel and beads. We talked about God and how wonderful it is to hear His voice...how it makes a mark on you and you remember that time...how humans let us down...how we need to stay close to the Father when other's fall away. It was a time of sharpening and Scripture flowing from the heart of memory across miles to reach the East Coast.
God is good to let us share the Hope that is within even when we are within our own walls.
I Peter 3:15 "...always be ready..."

Unfulfilled

This is a post I wrote before my trip...Just thoughts....
Eventually, my goal was to go empty, be flexible and delightful.
I just knew I was supposed to go.

I'm not usually a control freak. Things don't ALWAYS have to be my way.

I'm thinking of all the things I want to experience in Israel. 

Oh, how I want to see the people of Tel Aviv. My heart will always partly be there.

There is no re-creating of a moment and memory but I do want to walk along the shores

of the Mediterranean Sea and keep my feet in her waters. I love the view from Tel Aviv to ancient Jaffa

(the oldest port in the world)

and from the heights of Jaffa back to the modern city of Tel Aviv. 

I want to shop for spices in the shuk, go to the warehouse section in Jaffa.

I'm already trying to lay down my expectations and be flexible of heart. I've had a few friends say

this isn't just a chance to go back and help one more time but they think it's the beginning of a new.

My hope is that I wouldn't be anxious for what doesn't happen and grateful for the time I have to serve in 

the land with God's chosen people.

Official!

It's official I leave out in three weeks to attend the Israel Goodwill Ambassador Academy. I spent an encouraging two hours on the phone with the founders. We all agree, things are changing the Middle East and the approach that was used years ago doesn't get you in now. I have to share a few things the Lord has told me along the way.

The day I heard about the academy my heart nearly leapt out. I thought...could it be another opportunity? It's someone I trust though have never met. I fit the qualifications. In my Bible reading that day I read, (and this is paraphrased because I'm not looking at it but going from heart memory)
"From the house of Judah God saw fit to chose my family and from my family he chose my Father's house and from my Father's house HE saw fit to CHOSE ME....now go and do all the Lord commands you to do...Be strong and do it."
As time days past I began to hear other words from the Lord...like when I felt I should be going but couldn't begin to touch the price of the tickets. "This battle is not yours to fight but the Lords...Take your position, stand firm, go out tomorrow and see all that the Lord will do for you....Do not be discouraged, do not fear. This battle is not yours but the Lord will fight it for you." 
And another day, My gifts and callings are irrevocable..."   "God uses the foolish to confound the wise"
Now I wonder what He has in store. Some of the names of others attending nearly shock me. They are name I've heard all my home schooling years. People I would have wanted to meet but the opportunities never presented themselves. People who were my mentors, whose works encouraged me through tough times. How is it that now I will be "hanging out" with them in a small group for two weeks?

We have seen God work among His people to get a select group to come assist with the initial academy.
He is truly calling only those  that He wants there. It's humbling to know that since day one, my name is on that list.

Going?

I'm nervous and not sleeping. 

I think of all the emotional upheaval of the last year....The surrender in July '09,

the grief in July '10 from not going and the resolutions of July '11 to begin anew.

The call to go came days after the resolution. I read with disbelief and prayers began.

My devotions: Out of the House of Judah, the Lord God saw fit to chose my house and

from my house He chose my father's home and from my father's home He chose ME....

Now go and do all the Lord commands you to do.

Scary. Was I reading it through my Israel filter? Was I making it sound like He wanted me to go?

Days of reading the Word led to other instructions and all are run through my filter.

Time draws near, money comes in. There's nervousness, a pit in my stomach, fear and yet

I am drawn to go.

I once heard that no one goes to Israel that was not brought there by God.