The latest news from Israel

Today finds our four travelers taking in several sites around Jerusalem.  They hiked up to Masada, a hilltop fortress built by Herod around 37 BC! They also swam in the Dead Sea, and got lost driving through Jericho. (As I'm typing this I'm also reading it out loud to Bethany and when I said Jericho she started singing "Joshua fit the battle of Jericho" and is continuing to sing..) Mom said that Jericho is the oldest city in the world!

 Mom and Shannon took a ride together on a camel, although this isn't necessarily the camel that they rode on today,  I thought a visual might be fun.  More significantly, they also walked on streets where Jesus walked and saw olive trees that were there at the time of Jesus, with trunks over 8 feet in diameter. They again sound very happy and also very moved by many of these experiences.


In other news, the refrigerator repairman came today and said that it is finally all good to go. Yay! 

At the JM softball game

We ran into lots of fun people at the softball game Tuesday afternoon.  Here you see Beth talking with Larry Kuharcik and Kelly Bates, while Dave teaches Emma how to swing a bat. 

Son in Laws

So I know we are posting these pics a little out of order since they were taken on Sunday, but Carrie just sent them and they are a bit too cute to pass up...

Tuesday Update - News from Israel

The faithful ladies praying for our church, as well as many other things .  As I told them this morning, we heard from travelers yesterday and today!  At Bethany's request we talked to each one of them and although they all sound tired, they all sound really happy.

They are doing very well and loving their time in Israel.  Yesterday, Mom and Shannon went swimming in the Sea of Galilee and all four of them traveled to Mt. Carmel and also to Nazareth.  Today they drove from Capernaum (where they have been staying since they arrived) to Jerusalem. They enjoyed seeing camels wondering through the hills on drive and kept talking about how beautiful it is there. The monastery where they are staying is about 200 yards from the Garden of Gethsemane.  Mom mentioned how much she loves that there is a Bible story coming to life everywhere!

A visit from Craig's family

The Otteni's stopped by to visit us last night. Dylan (Craig's nephew) loved walking Lucy all around the parking lot.  

Scenes from a Sunny Afternoon..

Spring training? Checking out the church softball field and running the bases - that's John Murphy's grandson on the left of the picture. 

Chad, Jenn and several of the youth group loading up the extra goodies from Donut Sunday as they head over to the Crossroads for games and a lesson.

Of course before Chad is allowed to leave Beth needs a hug!

Carson and Talia take turns pushing Elsa and Adelaide on the swings. 

Gracemen at JBC

 

While Dad (Pastor John) is away in Israel with Mom, Charlie and Shannon, the Gracemen came and sang to a packed house for this morning's service. 

After the service we had a great time of fellowship and refreshments. Here Bethany is taking a picture with Graceman Randy who gave her a free CD and signed picture! 

The grandkids somehow managed to get their hands on a little more sugar than their mom might have hoped! :)                         

Several of the ladies enjoying time to catch up with each other and hear the latest news from Israel.   We did get a call yesterday saying that the four travelers are doing well and enjoying their time so far! They are currently staying in Capernaum - today they are visiting Lake Tiberias among other stops. 

This year in Jerusalem!

John and I are leaving in the morning for Israel!  Carrie and Ryan are in charge of Beth, Adelaide and Elsa until relieved by Hannah and Craig on Saturday night.
I hope to be able to put something up on this blog a few times from an internet cafe, but I just don't know how it will all go.
I've encouraged the girls to blog something to entertain any who are following this.
We know there has been some violence in Jerusalem today, but we are heading out in faith that all our plans have been under His guidance.


He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. Joshua 24:17

Sunday Night Youth Group

Rain on a sunny Monday

Dave and Lucy - buddies

Emma wanted to know everyone's middle name tonight

The Ladies' Circle Tea Party - hats optional

Esther has unending supplies of tea cups, hats, scarves and other lovelies

Connie's flowers

Beth gets to go into Bates' new house

Sunday, Sunday

The Ice Man Cometh

John could barely make it in there to do some pipe work

Rick is hooking up water for the ice machine on the new fridge

Chad and some youth are going to Waynesburg University's Youth Day today.

Last Night's Irresistible Moon

A Sunny Thursday

Lenora and John talk with Shilpa and Colleen.

Jason and Andrew are here for lunch - lovely leftovers from the potluck supper!
Behind them is Bud, the refrigerator repairman.  He ordered a part, so the fridge should be fixed after that comes in.

Hooray for crocuses!

Do you think we can get a hummingbird to accept this house painted by Beth?

Neighborhood gardeners

Bees are back

Bible Study

For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.  Ez 7:10 

Potluck with the Fordham folks

Helpful students

We had a great turnout

and delicious food

and good fellowship

Jerry and Abby

the Fordham students are a great bunch

We all had a good time.