Shalom
Sorry for the delay in updating. Bloger keeps crashing on me so that we type up an update and then it disappears.
And no I didn't drive in Jerusalemn after all. Lost my walet so had to walk.
Wednesday was a really nice day. We headed off to En-Gedi and since it had rained in the dessert the night before it was really neat. The steps and pathway had placed where you were walking through the clear, cool water. We saw a few conies (Psa 104) and even a mama and baby together. We also saw a group of about 30 (at least!) ibex crossing high up on the cliff edge. Unfortunately Monkey and I were up ahead so D only got the tail end on video and missed the huge Daddy one with massive horns. The Goons simply loved En-Gedi, hiding in caves, and trying to figure out which ones David would have used.
Since it was hot we treated ourselves to some ice cream before heading across the road to swim in the Dead Sea. This time everyone got in, though Princess got some in her eyes and came out after a few minutes. Even Monkey went in! Magoo LOVED floating and didn't find it scary at all. He was having the time of his life. D & him must have been in the Dead sea for half an hour. Mummy went in as well, and then we found salt crystals on the rocky beach and some neat red, orange and green rocks.
We headed home for dinner and found we were locked out! we've only been using the code and not the key and the landlady had been in to check something and had used the key. So we blasted the heat in the car and dried Monkey's pants (she got soaked at En-Gedi) and got ready to leave for dinner at the YMCA (famous building a block away) when someone arrived to let us in. We treated ourselves to dinner out anyways. A cheese platter very different from in Canada! Pasta for the Monkeys, fresh bread and such creamy butter. D had some grilled chicken wrap thing that was good and I had some Arabic "pizza"s lets just say I was not impressed.
So that was Wednesday.
Thursday we went to Budget and they were going to look in the other rental car for my walet (slightly freaking out, but D got me calmed down and put a hold on our cards and all that) We headed off by 8:30 travelling south to Timna.....of course there was a protest on the road so it took a bit longer then 3 hours. Timna was amazing. Copper mines which Solomon used (laver in the Temple) paddle boat ridding in a artificial lake, exact model of the Tabernacle and collecting sand in bottles (black, red, bright yellow and white are all found there) then plugging the bottels with clay found there as well.
Then we headed as far South as you can go to Eliat. We missed the underwater observatory as we arrived at 4 (because of the protest) and choose to swim as we only had an hour of daylight left. We had purple and orange fish swimming around us, pointed out Jordan, Egypt & Saudi Arabi to the kids and had a lesson on the crossing of the Red Sea.
Had dinner at the food court at the mall there and Lattes in the car for the driver. We drove down by the dead sea and had to drive back through the mountains so as not to go into the Biblical Heartland at night. Switchback after switchback and feeling like you were going to fall off of the mountian! Freaky drive home for the first part. Oh and Monkey SCREAMED for a good hour of it.
Now we are up, slept in a bit as we got woken at 4 am with either gun fire or distant tank fire (they were setting up in the Negev for a night training session as we were driving through) but there is nothing on the news yet as what that was all about!
God Bless
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Blogger keeps "error"ing and I can't upload any pics! Have tried twice and will try again later.
Right now I am off to drive to the grocery store............ah! We are off early in the morning and need some stuff for our usual packed lunch.
God Bless and we will try to update about our wonderful day today latter (Dead Sea & En-Gedi)
Right now I am off to drive to the grocery store............ah! We are off early in the morning and need some stuff for our usual packed lunch.
God Bless and we will try to update about our wonderful day today latter (Dead Sea & En-Gedi)
Highlight Day!
Wow, what a spectacular, incredible, unbelievably amazing, stupendous, simply wow!
Today we had to get up earlier, about 7am. D went off to the King David hotel to pick up another, and bigger rental car, as we needed room for Avi (our guide for the day). After he left the kids got up and dressed and fed just in time as he and Avi pulled up and we were able to go straight from the breakfast table and out the door (Mummy frantically washing up the dishes from cereal as they put on their shoes and then took them off and put them on again, this time on the correct feet).
We pulled out of here around 8:30 to start our jam packed day. To start with the drove North, through past the security wall. Which in fact is only 10% built and doesn't stop anyone really as they can go through the drainage system. All this fuss about a "security wall" that barely covers any area at all. Where we drove through it ended nearby where we could see with our own eyes the truth of this fact.
So yes, we drove into Area "B" and up through we think Hawara (in any case it was an Arab town) all the way to Elon Moreh. Here we parked, got out and had a perfect lookout over to Mt Gerizim and Mt Ebal even able to pick out the ancient altar which has been dated back to the time of Joshua with binoculars. It is not safe to go up there as it is near Nabulus. Everywhere we got there are fragments of pottery, and the children were given bits that Avi picked up. He was simply great with the Goons, relating it to them, asking them questions, even squeezing an ripe olive to show the oil coming out from it.
All the way along the road Avi was pointing out so much info and then kept having us get out the Bible, open it up and read it! Amazing, simply amazing!
So anyways, we jumped back into the car with our open Bibles and headed back through Hawara as we had to get through there before the kids (esp the teenagers) got out of school and started throwing rocks.
So we got through no problem and headed towards Shilo (Shiloh) which was incredible. The remains of the town ARE STILL THERE!
Think about that for just a sec.
Stop and think.
We know that the accounts in the Scriptures are true.
Do we really realize that the evidence is there.
In Shilo you walk through the gate, and down the ACTUAL path, past the foundations of store houses where the wheat, oil and wine was kept for the offerings. Then you round the corner and there is a flat place. Get this....the ONLY FLAT place large enough for the Tabernacle. and it is surrounded by a low wall. Here it is. The actual place where Samuel lay down and slept near the door where God called to him, where Hannah poured out her heart to God. Where Eli fell and died (okay that was at the gate and the gate is there! and Avi had Micah act it out for us).
Yeah that really took my breath away. One thing to hear about it, another thing to climb over the rocks and pick up pottery and get "Israeli scrapes" as Princess calls them (yes, she got another one today and was so pleased!)
As we left they were having a "big wigs" meeting about this town, which is in fact a town. Actual built houses, not exactically what you picture when you here the word "settlement". We are talking about families homes with flowers out front, toys and bikes in the small parking place or side walk. Strollers. I read an article recently that discribed them as subarbs of Jerusalem...but I digress,
We also saw a model of the Tabernacle and watched a short video of the Scriptural accounts that took place there, including the destruction of it by the Philistines. Which is why it is preserved so well as they burnt it and it was barely used afterwards in History.
Avi found and gave to Princess and hunk of white pottery that is curved and clearing part of something. He said probiblly part of the edge of the top of a large pot. She was thrilled!
See pottery, laying everywhere.
Then we headed to Bet-El (Bethel) and what a wonderful time we had there. Magoo thought the bits of the solider lookout towers and 2 army bases and seeing them practice shooting was all "so cool", I think we need to have the whole concienous objection chat again with a certain little man.
First we drove around a bit, about 6,000 people. Regular houses (small by North American standards) and caravans and apartments full of people there becuase of their faith in the promises to Abraham.
We drove through and right up to the top, the oldest section of the hill where there is a Biblical timeperiod cave burial (look it up in Genesis!) and the probible place of Jereboam's fake temple. This is the thing, I always pictured a town as in the size of a small city in Canada. The hilltops are not that big. AND it is definate from discriptions and wqhen you go there it isn't "oh well maybe it can be the next hill" no it is obvious!
Then we got to see a school there which has been in the Bible Magazine. So amazing listening to these 6 year olds recieting Genesis from the begining...and we have kids that complain about a single memory verse a week, pathetic!
We spent quite a bit of time there, chatting with the kids and looking at the walls that have posters of Noah's ark, the Tabernacle, the vessels of the Temple, all Bible stuff!
Then we visited across the road where the Jr highschool has been set up (7-8) and through a girls Yeshiva (part regular building part caravans) and then down past the ritual Mikveh (closed so the guys couldn't go in) and then into Arutz-7. One of the guys there was from Canada before he made Alyiah and he even hooked Magoo up to a mike and recorded him for a commercial for Eyesh Chyl (Woman of Valour) that I listen too. Wasn't expecting that so it was so cool. Except he wasnted to "interview" Magoo and he froze and was all "I don't rememeber, I don't know" ARGH mother's frustration.
They sort of remembered Dad and asked if we were Christians from Philidelphia and I just had to laugh as we get that all the time instead of Christadelphians. Asked to buy shirts and they couldn't find any....oh well we can always order them off the internet.
Well to get back to Jerusalem Avi had us pick up a hitch hiker that was heading here which at first I wasn't so sure of but he made sure they knew where they were going and everything. It was great a real genuine Israeli experience. Afterall Bet-el is only 15 min from the outskirts of Jerusalem! Settlement my foot.
Dinner was in again, as the kids had been SO good and needed some time to goof off and run around and simply play. So as D returned the rental we made salad (you don't need dressing as everything is so fresh and gorgeous) and lipton's feticinni alfredo that was brought over in the suitcase. We have now just about gotten through all the food we brought (well we only brought some basics) and so we will be able to eat out more now as we get more tired.
D is looking through video clips from today, and we weren't taping when we thought always. Oh dear, but still some gems. Of course the clip of the Area "A" sign (another rant but I'll leave it for now) was all a blur.
Going into the Biblical heartland was simply amazing. Seeing it for our very own eyes. Touching it with our fingers. Is it safe to to there? Definately (though I would say with a guide as the GPS shuts down and you wouldn't want to get lost!)
We look forward to that day soon to come when the tribes will be again settled in their new cantons. Benjamin and Judah as bookends to the holy area for the Prince and the Sanctuary.
May we be granted grace and blessing in that day to serve our Heavenly Father there.
Amen.
Wow, what a spectacular, incredible, unbelievably amazing, stupendous, simply wow!
Today we had to get up earlier, about 7am. D went off to the King David hotel to pick up another, and bigger rental car, as we needed room for Avi (our guide for the day). After he left the kids got up and dressed and fed just in time as he and Avi pulled up and we were able to go straight from the breakfast table and out the door (Mummy frantically washing up the dishes from cereal as they put on their shoes and then took them off and put them on again, this time on the correct feet).
We pulled out of here around 8:30 to start our jam packed day. To start with the drove North, through past the security wall. Which in fact is only 10% built and doesn't stop anyone really as they can go through the drainage system. All this fuss about a "security wall" that barely covers any area at all. Where we drove through it ended nearby where we could see with our own eyes the truth of this fact.
So yes, we drove into Area "B" and up through we think Hawara (in any case it was an Arab town) all the way to Elon Moreh. Here we parked, got out and had a perfect lookout over to Mt Gerizim and Mt Ebal even able to pick out the ancient altar which has been dated back to the time of Joshua with binoculars. It is not safe to go up there as it is near Nabulus. Everywhere we got there are fragments of pottery, and the children were given bits that Avi picked up. He was simply great with the Goons, relating it to them, asking them questions, even squeezing an ripe olive to show the oil coming out from it.
All the way along the road Avi was pointing out so much info and then kept having us get out the Bible, open it up and read it! Amazing, simply amazing!
So anyways, we jumped back into the car with our open Bibles and headed back through Hawara as we had to get through there before the kids (esp the teenagers) got out of school and started throwing rocks.
So we got through no problem and headed towards Shilo (Shiloh) which was incredible. The remains of the town ARE STILL THERE!
Think about that for just a sec.
Stop and think.
We know that the accounts in the Scriptures are true.
Do we really realize that the evidence is there.
In Shilo you walk through the gate, and down the ACTUAL path, past the foundations of store houses where the wheat, oil and wine was kept for the offerings. Then you round the corner and there is a flat place. Get this....the ONLY FLAT place large enough for the Tabernacle. and it is surrounded by a low wall. Here it is. The actual place where Samuel lay down and slept near the door where God called to him, where Hannah poured out her heart to God. Where Eli fell and died (okay that was at the gate and the gate is there! and Avi had Micah act it out for us).
Yeah that really took my breath away. One thing to hear about it, another thing to climb over the rocks and pick up pottery and get "Israeli scrapes" as Princess calls them (yes, she got another one today and was so pleased!)
As we left they were having a "big wigs" meeting about this town, which is in fact a town. Actual built houses, not exactically what you picture when you here the word "settlement". We are talking about families homes with flowers out front, toys and bikes in the small parking place or side walk. Strollers. I read an article recently that discribed them as subarbs of Jerusalem...but I digress,
We also saw a model of the Tabernacle and watched a short video of the Scriptural accounts that took place there, including the destruction of it by the Philistines. Which is why it is preserved so well as they burnt it and it was barely used afterwards in History.
Avi found and gave to Princess and hunk of white pottery that is curved and clearing part of something. He said probiblly part of the edge of the top of a large pot. She was thrilled!
See pottery, laying everywhere.
Then we headed to Bet-El (Bethel) and what a wonderful time we had there. Magoo thought the bits of the solider lookout towers and 2 army bases and seeing them practice shooting was all "so cool", I think we need to have the whole concienous objection chat again with a certain little man.
First we drove around a bit, about 6,000 people. Regular houses (small by North American standards) and caravans and apartments full of people there becuase of their faith in the promises to Abraham.
We drove through and right up to the top, the oldest section of the hill where there is a Biblical timeperiod cave burial (look it up in Genesis!) and the probible place of Jereboam's fake temple. This is the thing, I always pictured a town as in the size of a small city in Canada. The hilltops are not that big. AND it is definate from discriptions and wqhen you go there it isn't "oh well maybe it can be the next hill" no it is obvious!
Then we got to see a school there which has been in the Bible Magazine. So amazing listening to these 6 year olds recieting Genesis from the begining...and we have kids that complain about a single memory verse a week, pathetic!
We spent quite a bit of time there, chatting with the kids and looking at the walls that have posters of Noah's ark, the Tabernacle, the vessels of the Temple, all Bible stuff!
Then we visited across the road where the Jr highschool has been set up (7-8) and through a girls Yeshiva (part regular building part caravans) and then down past the ritual Mikveh (closed so the guys couldn't go in) and then into Arutz-7. One of the guys there was from Canada before he made Alyiah and he even hooked Magoo up to a mike and recorded him for a commercial for Eyesh Chyl (Woman of Valour) that I listen too. Wasn't expecting that so it was so cool. Except he wasnted to "interview" Magoo and he froze and was all "I don't rememeber, I don't know" ARGH mother's frustration.
They sort of remembered Dad and asked if we were Christians from Philidelphia and I just had to laugh as we get that all the time instead of Christadelphians. Asked to buy shirts and they couldn't find any....oh well we can always order them off the internet.
Well to get back to Jerusalem Avi had us pick up a hitch hiker that was heading here which at first I wasn't so sure of but he made sure they knew where they were going and everything. It was great a real genuine Israeli experience. Afterall Bet-el is only 15 min from the outskirts of Jerusalem! Settlement my foot.
Dinner was in again, as the kids had been SO good and needed some time to goof off and run around and simply play. So as D returned the rental we made salad (you don't need dressing as everything is so fresh and gorgeous) and lipton's feticinni alfredo that was brought over in the suitcase. We have now just about gotten through all the food we brought (well we only brought some basics) and so we will be able to eat out more now as we get more tired.
D is looking through video clips from today, and we weren't taping when we thought always. Oh dear, but still some gems. Of course the clip of the Area "A" sign (another rant but I'll leave it for now) was all a blur.
Going into the Biblical heartland was simply amazing. Seeing it for our very own eyes. Touching it with our fingers. Is it safe to to there? Definately (though I would say with a guide as the GPS shuts down and you wouldn't want to get lost!)
We look forward to that day soon to come when the tribes will be again settled in their new cantons. Benjamin and Judah as bookends to the holy area for the Prince and the Sanctuary.
May we be granted grace and blessing in that day to serve our Heavenly Father there.
Amen.
Some pictures of the last couple days. For those who are wondering what all the fuss is about Silwan (borrowed of the net as we didn't dare taking photos!):
Then we finally arrived at the Mount of Olives
One of our Favorite places to end the day (Sambooki for Pastries)
and because it was the very end of Shabbat, we got fresh and hot ones!
the only ones missing from the photo are the ones we ate!
Daddy had a Cafe Afulk here instead
Monday, November 16, 2009
Li La Rev
Apologies, yesterday evening we gt in late and spent the little time before crashing into bed trying to get D's cell phone working (it does now) and preparing the backpacks and clothing for today, so were not able to update.
Yesterday we were able to get off to an early start, doing a load of much needed laundry while eating breakfast. We decided that since we were going to be so late leaving the Old City that we would park the car in the Mamilla Mall just outside of the Jafo gate which would cut out walk into half.
We spent about 30 minutes walking around the mall and another half hour getting a Cafe Afulk and pastries there as the english tour of the David Citadel (which has nothing to do with David by the way) did not start until 11. We got there in plenty of time and followed it as we went up to the top (so high and yes I am a wee bit scared of heights I am discovering) and were given an overview of the city. Because of the timing we were up there trying to listen to the guide while the Moslems had there 1 of 5 call to prayer, Oy so loud. We all giggled a bit when she said "this is a bit disturbing" and agreed. It was so loud you couldn't even hear yourself think!
Then we followed the tour for the first 2 hours as they did the section on Biblical Jerusalem and then left as it was 1 pm and we needed to get the Goons lunch. We walked through the quater to the Quarter Cafe which is very high up and over looks some Roman Ruins and also the stairs down to the Kotel. Potatoe Latkes, brocoli quiche, veggie soup, falafal and eggplant baked something was the menu which we all shared out between us.
To get down we walked on the tops of houses and past some of their homes...so neat to see. Then we entered the Burnt House for the portrayal of the Roman descruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. It was very moving and near the end poor Magoo was in tears and so upset to see what the Romans did to God's people. So him and I left with Monkey and waited for Daddy and Princess at the end. This opened a door for us to talk to the children about AD 70, the prophecies it fulfilled and the reason for God's judgement on the Nation at that time. They really took it in, as we sipped hot cappuchinos (it was cold yesterday) and coke. We met up with the Sweenys and had a nice restful visit before they went off to Tel Aviv and we went throught the Herodian Quarter.
After 1967, because most of that section (nearly 100%) was destroyed and leveled by the Arabs, they had the great oppurtunity to excavate and found 4 houses (as well as the bunrnt house) remaining with the chared beams and mosaics and walls and baths and so many things. This was great as the kids love running around the ruins and exploring and trying to figure out what they are. It is like a giant puzzle to them. They had a reconstructed model with lil people in it down there as well which really helped us understand what exactically we were looking at.
Then we popped into some stores just to look and headed slowly down to the Kotel Plaza where they were gathering for the Rosh Chodest March (the New Moon celebration under the Law, but since there is no Temple they march around the Temple platform singing the Psalms of Ascent and praying at each gate, I forget how many, for Messiah Son of David to return and build the thrid Temple and bring redemption to His people.) We thought it started at sun down (5ish) but instead it was that Ethiopian celelbration instead and then we waited forever. We could see the truck with the Temple flags, but nothing was happening. Then Moshe arrived to say he found out it wasn't starting until 7! Oy. The kids ate snacks while we waited of fresh dates and the gummy bears Aunty L had sent for the trip (thank you!) Then it started (2 hr wait) and we watched from the stairs as it was too late to go on it with tired children. We had the oppurtunity to explain it to a couple from England that had helped with the stroller at one point. Also had a good chat with them about the Truth.
We stopped in the Jewish Quarter for Swarma for dinner, and the is much leftovers as the kids were full from snacks. Oh well.
Now I am desparately drinking coffee and trying to wake up. Got woken up around 6am with the garbage truck or something loud. Avi arrives in less then an hour and so off to the shower I run!
God Bless on this day!
Apologies, yesterday evening we gt in late and spent the little time before crashing into bed trying to get D's cell phone working (it does now) and preparing the backpacks and clothing for today, so were not able to update.
Yesterday we were able to get off to an early start, doing a load of much needed laundry while eating breakfast. We decided that since we were going to be so late leaving the Old City that we would park the car in the Mamilla Mall just outside of the Jafo gate which would cut out walk into half.
We spent about 30 minutes walking around the mall and another half hour getting a Cafe Afulk and pastries there as the english tour of the David Citadel (which has nothing to do with David by the way) did not start until 11. We got there in plenty of time and followed it as we went up to the top (so high and yes I am a wee bit scared of heights I am discovering) and were given an overview of the city. Because of the timing we were up there trying to listen to the guide while the Moslems had there 1 of 5 call to prayer, Oy so loud. We all giggled a bit when she said "this is a bit disturbing" and agreed. It was so loud you couldn't even hear yourself think!
Then we followed the tour for the first 2 hours as they did the section on Biblical Jerusalem and then left as it was 1 pm and we needed to get the Goons lunch. We walked through the quater to the Quarter Cafe which is very high up and over looks some Roman Ruins and also the stairs down to the Kotel. Potatoe Latkes, brocoli quiche, veggie soup, falafal and eggplant baked something was the menu which we all shared out between us.
To get down we walked on the tops of houses and past some of their homes...so neat to see. Then we entered the Burnt House for the portrayal of the Roman descruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. It was very moving and near the end poor Magoo was in tears and so upset to see what the Romans did to God's people. So him and I left with Monkey and waited for Daddy and Princess at the end. This opened a door for us to talk to the children about AD 70, the prophecies it fulfilled and the reason for God's judgement on the Nation at that time. They really took it in, as we sipped hot cappuchinos (it was cold yesterday) and coke. We met up with the Sweenys and had a nice restful visit before they went off to Tel Aviv and we went throught the Herodian Quarter.
After 1967, because most of that section (nearly 100%) was destroyed and leveled by the Arabs, they had the great oppurtunity to excavate and found 4 houses (as well as the bunrnt house) remaining with the chared beams and mosaics and walls and baths and so many things. This was great as the kids love running around the ruins and exploring and trying to figure out what they are. It is like a giant puzzle to them. They had a reconstructed model with lil people in it down there as well which really helped us understand what exactically we were looking at.
Then we popped into some stores just to look and headed slowly down to the Kotel Plaza where they were gathering for the Rosh Chodest March (the New Moon celebration under the Law, but since there is no Temple they march around the Temple platform singing the Psalms of Ascent and praying at each gate, I forget how many, for Messiah Son of David to return and build the thrid Temple and bring redemption to His people.) We thought it started at sun down (5ish) but instead it was that Ethiopian celelbration instead and then we waited forever. We could see the truck with the Temple flags, but nothing was happening. Then Moshe arrived to say he found out it wasn't starting until 7! Oy. The kids ate snacks while we waited of fresh dates and the gummy bears Aunty L had sent for the trip (thank you!) Then it started (2 hr wait) and we watched from the stairs as it was too late to go on it with tired children. We had the oppurtunity to explain it to a couple from England that had helped with the stroller at one point. Also had a good chat with them about the Truth.
We stopped in the Jewish Quarter for Swarma for dinner, and the is much leftovers as the kids were full from snacks. Oh well.
Now I am desparately drinking coffee and trying to wake up. Got woken up around 6am with the garbage truck or something loud. Avi arrives in less then an hour and so off to the shower I run!
God Bless on this day!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Shalom on Sunday
Apologies at the start, my brain is weary so this may be short, or it may not. I will try to make it flow though and make sense to the readers.
Today was a busy and rewarding day. We had our usual breakfast and decided instead of paying for parking we would walk up to the Old City again, through the Armenian and Jewish quarters and the down all those many many steps at the Kotel and out the Dung gate, hang a left and head down to the City of David.
They are doing even more excavating in the area where it used to be a parking lot and they have cut outs in the boards beside the sidewalk so we were all able to peak in at the latest excavations. We found out later that they have found a Roman earring, some pottery and such in a large building so the theory right now is that this is Queen Helena's Palace (she converted to Judaism and it is recorded that she built a palace in this area of the city). Then we went in and enquired about the english film and mentioned that we hadn't been shown around King David's Palace last time. They were SO accomidating, no hassle whatsoever. They called back and a guide came out and we got our very own tour of King David's Palace (and video taped it of corse) and then she rushed off after we were done as another VIP group was here. We also saw the guy incharge of all the City of David excavations and now know that we have his photo. It is simply amazing all the discoveries that have been made on Mt Zion. Then we had to wait a bit (for the said VIP group to get out of the way) for the video so we spent a lovely long time in the gift shop and fhound a great book about the excavations, and D just was flipping through it and it mentions Henry Sulley! WOW! Got some presents to bring home as well. D tempted me to get a necklace but I will keep looking around for the best deal. We may end up going back.
The movie turned out to be 3D and was so moving. It takes you through the whole history of the City of David. Monkey freaked out a bit but we sorta expected that to happen. We taped it but only the second half with the glasses so the 1st half is burry but the audio is still good. The Goons really took in and absorbed a lot of info from it. Princess didn't like the bit where birds flew at you that much but since it wasn't gory at all she enjoyed it as well. They even showed Jeremiah in the pit and Isaiah on the walls shouting at the Assyrians. Definately worth going back for!
Then we crossed back over to go into the Davidson Center. At this point we noticed the increased security and low and behold the US peoples we mentioned before arrived at the Kotel. They seem to be following us around.
The Davidson Center was much better this time without a sick child. They also had a 10 minute movie using thier virtual reality set up (which you can pay 160 INS each to go in....we obviously did not) to show you what it would have looked like at the time of Christ to walk up to and through the Temple.
They also have exhibits of daily items from that time period that were found there just outside the Temple platform, many coins, oil lamps, pot sherds and also items from the Ummaydian period.
We spent some time walking up the road that dates from the second Temple time period past remants of shops where the pilgram would have purchased his/her sacrifical offering which led to the staircase that ends at Robinsons' arch.
This time we were able to go up the ACTUAL ORIGINAL (that blew me away) steps to the Hulda and Triple gates. Last time this was closed and locked. The kids loved climbing all over the ruins and actually "acting" things out. They had a blast going up and down the stairs to the Mikveh "Look Mummy I'm on the dirty side I'm going to get cleansed" Princess said. Magoo kept jumping from one side to the other thinking it was hilarious!Monkey simply wanted to pick up each and every single stone on the path!
Afterwards we climbed up the many Many steps back to the Jewish quarter and headed straight for the Hurva Square and our fav cafe. They have the most amazing iced coffee! The Goons shared some Bamba (a fav Israeli snack food that looks like chessezes but are peanut butter flavoured instead) and a coke and D had a Cappuchino. Then we popped into Shirorisim again and this time picked up some Hebrew Calligraphy cards.
We walked back past Esther Wiess' and grabbed some headcoverings for gifts but we will need to go back as there are more that we need to get for. I only got 2 this time, be proud!
D bought some bread and we munched on that as we walked back out of The Old City and down Argon St to the King David street...and straight past the Saban Convention that is going on! No wonder there was heavy security. Then as we walked past the King David Hotel the US group was leaving.
We had Chesed's potatoes, swiss chalet gravy, peas and chicken for dinner and as that was cooking quickly threw the Goons in and out of the bath! My they were dirty.
Now we are enjoying the relative peace and are hoping that the Sweenys will pop by this evening.
Tomorrow is turning out to be jam packed. David's Citidel Tour at 11am, Burnt House Tour, Ariel the 1st Temple Institute around 1pm, The Temple Institute, Start the Rosh Chodesh March and then turn around at the first gate (Moshe said this is safe to do) and have dinner overlooking the Kotel and then meet up with the march at the end near the Golden Gates!
Li La Tov!
Apologies at the start, my brain is weary so this may be short, or it may not. I will try to make it flow though and make sense to the readers.
Today was a busy and rewarding day. We had our usual breakfast and decided instead of paying for parking we would walk up to the Old City again, through the Armenian and Jewish quarters and the down all those many many steps at the Kotel and out the Dung gate, hang a left and head down to the City of David.
They are doing even more excavating in the area where it used to be a parking lot and they have cut outs in the boards beside the sidewalk so we were all able to peak in at the latest excavations. We found out later that they have found a Roman earring, some pottery and such in a large building so the theory right now is that this is Queen Helena's Palace (she converted to Judaism and it is recorded that she built a palace in this area of the city). Then we went in and enquired about the english film and mentioned that we hadn't been shown around King David's Palace last time. They were SO accomidating, no hassle whatsoever. They called back and a guide came out and we got our very own tour of King David's Palace (and video taped it of corse) and then she rushed off after we were done as another VIP group was here. We also saw the guy incharge of all the City of David excavations and now know that we have his photo. It is simply amazing all the discoveries that have been made on Mt Zion. Then we had to wait a bit (for the said VIP group to get out of the way) for the video so we spent a lovely long time in the gift shop and fhound a great book about the excavations, and D just was flipping through it and it mentions Henry Sulley! WOW! Got some presents to bring home as well. D tempted me to get a necklace but I will keep looking around for the best deal. We may end up going back.
The movie turned out to be 3D and was so moving. It takes you through the whole history of the City of David. Monkey freaked out a bit but we sorta expected that to happen. We taped it but only the second half with the glasses so the 1st half is burry but the audio is still good. The Goons really took in and absorbed a lot of info from it. Princess didn't like the bit where birds flew at you that much but since it wasn't gory at all she enjoyed it as well. They even showed Jeremiah in the pit and Isaiah on the walls shouting at the Assyrians. Definately worth going back for!
Then we crossed back over to go into the Davidson Center. At this point we noticed the increased security and low and behold the US peoples we mentioned before arrived at the Kotel. They seem to be following us around.
The Davidson Center was much better this time without a sick child. They also had a 10 minute movie using thier virtual reality set up (which you can pay 160 INS each to go in....we obviously did not) to show you what it would have looked like at the time of Christ to walk up to and through the Temple.
They also have exhibits of daily items from that time period that were found there just outside the Temple platform, many coins, oil lamps, pot sherds and also items from the Ummaydian period.
We spent some time walking up the road that dates from the second Temple time period past remants of shops where the pilgram would have purchased his/her sacrifical offering which led to the staircase that ends at Robinsons' arch.
This time we were able to go up the ACTUAL ORIGINAL (that blew me away) steps to the Hulda and Triple gates. Last time this was closed and locked. The kids loved climbing all over the ruins and actually "acting" things out. They had a blast going up and down the stairs to the Mikveh "Look Mummy I'm on the dirty side I'm going to get cleansed" Princess said. Magoo kept jumping from one side to the other thinking it was hilarious!Monkey simply wanted to pick up each and every single stone on the path!
Afterwards we climbed up the many Many steps back to the Jewish quarter and headed straight for the Hurva Square and our fav cafe. They have the most amazing iced coffee! The Goons shared some Bamba (a fav Israeli snack food that looks like chessezes but are peanut butter flavoured instead) and a coke and D had a Cappuchino. Then we popped into Shirorisim again and this time picked up some Hebrew Calligraphy cards.
We walked back past Esther Wiess' and grabbed some headcoverings for gifts but we will need to go back as there are more that we need to get for. I only got 2 this time, be proud!
D bought some bread and we munched on that as we walked back out of The Old City and down Argon St to the King David street...and straight past the Saban Convention that is going on! No wonder there was heavy security. Then as we walked past the King David Hotel the US group was leaving.
We had Chesed's potatoes, swiss chalet gravy, peas and chicken for dinner and as that was cooking quickly threw the Goons in and out of the bath! My they were dirty.
Now we are enjoying the relative peace and are hoping that the Sweenys will pop by this evening.
Tomorrow is turning out to be jam packed. David's Citidel Tour at 11am, Burnt House Tour, Ariel the 1st Temple Institute around 1pm, The Temple Institute, Start the Rosh Chodesh March and then turn around at the first gate (Moshe said this is safe to do) and have dinner overlooking the Kotel and then meet up with the march at the end near the Golden Gates!
Li La Tov!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Change of Pace
With Shabbat being today (until 6:20ish) we took a much slower pace, and it was needed. We had a very yummy breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage (beef) and hashbrowns and toast. The sausages weren't exactically what we are used to at home but still good. Then we headed up to the playground on Ramban Street that we visited frequently on our last trip. The children loved the chance to play and run and yell! They are quite shy around others, even at home, and more so here where they do not understand what is being said around and to them. After about 30 minutes of good solid play time we walked home and had lunch. Phyllo pastry squares stuffed with potatoes and cheese...oh yeah and some salad for our goodness :-)
Monkey went down for a much needed nap and we settled into the living room for a memorial service. We started with "Lead me Lord", D read the three daily readings, the memorials and then ended singing "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem" (those are the children's two fav. hymns).
Princess then tucked into her own wee bed and we had about 30 min of peace, sipping tea and nibbling the last 2 pastries leftover from our complany on Erev Shabbat.
Noticing the time we got the girls up and out the door as this time we wanted to make sure that we got to see the Mt of Olives (a miss because of the sickies last trip). So off we went, merrily following (blindly following) the GPS. We were both a bit concerned as it seemed to be taking us away for Jewish Jerusalem to the East....Oy
Yep, we ended up in Silwan, again. This time though we were on such narrow roads that there was no way that we could turn around at all. The windows were up and the doors locked! It is amazing that the momment we drove a block from the Jewish area into the Arab area it was covered in garbage, and just basically disgusting. Says a lot doesn't it.
So we got through. At one point we were stuck still behind a bunch of cars and kids were coming up to the car...At the one point we were stopped and the kids were goofing off and one walked backwards into our car and then we had them yelling at us. Great here we are stuck in Silwan (again) with cars parked in front of us, cars parked behind us, no way to turn around and kids yelling at us....Yes I prayed our way through there. Oh yeah and a group of them had this horse tied to a rope and as a couple of them were holding on to the rope the other kids was beating it with a stick!
It was a huge relief to recognize that we were coming up to the City of David and the Old City walls. We got up to Olives and parked the car in this random car pull in and got out. After enjoying the view of the Old City and a couple of pictures, D noticed stairs going up. So we crossed the road and climbed the rest of the way through the graves up to the top of Olives (Magoo was disappointed there was no gamal = camel) and took some more pics. At which point I realised that I'd left my backpack with walet IN THE CAR! There were police guarding the one entrance to the Jewish cemetery and another near the Dung gate on our way home. Definately something going on tonight!
Oh and did I mention that that entourage that we had pass us the other day on the hyw to Jerusalem was Clinton and Arnold Swar....however you spell his name! they are staying just around the corner at the King David. Though we haven't seen them we had a VIP group pass us at the City of David tour (ours was stopped so that we wouldn't be near them) and overheard the one lady (dressed to the nines and in stelleto heals, yes I rolled my eyes!) chatting away about how Hillary was mad cause Bush was late and the plane was late.... interessting.
Anyways. That's not why we're here just an interessting aside.
So we made it home, thanks be to our Heavenly Father. Dinner was Fetichinni with stirfried veggies, sauce, chicken and left over Challah bread. After dinner we headed out and walked up to Ben Yehudah street in time for we thought an Ethiopian Jewish celebration....well I don't know what happened but it didn't happen. So we walked through and down Jafo for a cafe Hillel for Daddy and Pastries at SamBooki for the whole family. They were still warm as Shabbat had only just ended.
We popped into some shops on the way back and picked up a print for the wall. Princess and Magoo walked the whole way there and back, so impressed with their little legs! Of course it helps when you are playing games to pass the time.
We noticed the grocery store was open again so we popped in for fresh, still warm bread, melon and some dried apples and treats for breakfast and lunch tomorrow.
We are hoping to see the movie at The City of David that we missed the other day and then maybe the Davidson Center.
God Bless and until next time...
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem!
With Shabbat being today (until 6:20ish) we took a much slower pace, and it was needed. We had a very yummy breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage (beef) and hashbrowns and toast. The sausages weren't exactically what we are used to at home but still good. Then we headed up to the playground on Ramban Street that we visited frequently on our last trip. The children loved the chance to play and run and yell! They are quite shy around others, even at home, and more so here where they do not understand what is being said around and to them. After about 30 minutes of good solid play time we walked home and had lunch. Phyllo pastry squares stuffed with potatoes and cheese...oh yeah and some salad for our goodness :-)
Monkey went down for a much needed nap and we settled into the living room for a memorial service. We started with "Lead me Lord", D read the three daily readings, the memorials and then ended singing "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem" (those are the children's two fav. hymns).
Princess then tucked into her own wee bed and we had about 30 min of peace, sipping tea and nibbling the last 2 pastries leftover from our complany on Erev Shabbat.
Noticing the time we got the girls up and out the door as this time we wanted to make sure that we got to see the Mt of Olives (a miss because of the sickies last trip). So off we went, merrily following (blindly following) the GPS. We were both a bit concerned as it seemed to be taking us away for Jewish Jerusalem to the East....Oy
Yep, we ended up in Silwan, again. This time though we were on such narrow roads that there was no way that we could turn around at all. The windows were up and the doors locked! It is amazing that the momment we drove a block from the Jewish area into the Arab area it was covered in garbage, and just basically disgusting. Says a lot doesn't it.
So we got through. At one point we were stuck still behind a bunch of cars and kids were coming up to the car...At the one point we were stopped and the kids were goofing off and one walked backwards into our car and then we had them yelling at us. Great here we are stuck in Silwan (again) with cars parked in front of us, cars parked behind us, no way to turn around and kids yelling at us....Yes I prayed our way through there. Oh yeah and a group of them had this horse tied to a rope and as a couple of them were holding on to the rope the other kids was beating it with a stick!
It was a huge relief to recognize that we were coming up to the City of David and the Old City walls. We got up to Olives and parked the car in this random car pull in and got out. After enjoying the view of the Old City and a couple of pictures, D noticed stairs going up. So we crossed the road and climbed the rest of the way through the graves up to the top of Olives (Magoo was disappointed there was no gamal = camel) and took some more pics. At which point I realised that I'd left my backpack with walet IN THE CAR! There were police guarding the one entrance to the Jewish cemetery and another near the Dung gate on our way home. Definately something going on tonight!
Oh and did I mention that that entourage that we had pass us the other day on the hyw to Jerusalem was Clinton and Arnold Swar....however you spell his name! they are staying just around the corner at the King David. Though we haven't seen them we had a VIP group pass us at the City of David tour (ours was stopped so that we wouldn't be near them) and overheard the one lady (dressed to the nines and in stelleto heals, yes I rolled my eyes!) chatting away about how Hillary was mad cause Bush was late and the plane was late.... interessting.
Anyways. That's not why we're here just an interessting aside.
So we made it home, thanks be to our Heavenly Father. Dinner was Fetichinni with stirfried veggies, sauce, chicken and left over Challah bread. After dinner we headed out and walked up to Ben Yehudah street in time for we thought an Ethiopian Jewish celebration....well I don't know what happened but it didn't happen. So we walked through and down Jafo for a cafe Hillel for Daddy and Pastries at SamBooki for the whole family. They were still warm as Shabbat had only just ended.
We popped into some shops on the way back and picked up a print for the wall. Princess and Magoo walked the whole way there and back, so impressed with their little legs! Of course it helps when you are playing games to pass the time.
We noticed the grocery store was open again so we popped in for fresh, still warm bread, melon and some dried apples and treats for breakfast and lunch tomorrow.
We are hoping to see the movie at The City of David that we missed the other day and then maybe the Davidson Center.
God Bless and until next time...
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Shabbat Shalom
This morning we actually set the alarm as we had to phone The City of David to get information on the english tour that went out this morning. Today is Shabbat so they were only doing the 10 am tour instead of another one in the early afternoon. No problem we thought, we have just over an hour to get showered, dressed, fed and out the door.
Well, that wasn't the problem! We got out in time, leaving by 9:20 to get there for 9:45. Do remember this is very close, it SHOULD be a ten minute drive.....MAX!
However you see they have these roads in Israel that one minute are two way and the next minute, with no signs whatsoever of what is coming up switches to one way. Not going the way you are driving, of course. So here we are driving around the circumfrence of the Old City and Bam, there in front of us, taking up the entire road, is a massive tour bus and a not so happy driver. Okay, he was mad. Thankfully D was driving (okay lets be honest here, the ONLY reason I am on the car rental and the ONLY way I will be driving is if there is an emergency and D can't because he is in an ambulence or something like that). So we reversed merrily down the road, around the bend and down the hill, until we could pull in and turn around on some little wee street.
Yeah, so then the real fun started.
We "followed the signs" to The City of David. In Canada these actually point you in the right direction, here they sortof point in the general direction and the left is left up to some inner geological positioning capabilties that Israelis must posess.
Four tries, and a near tears wife as we are once again lost in a not so great part of town, and into "Peace Forest" that was covered in anti-Israel graffti (someone please explain how THAT is peaceful!) and we finally discovered a little old road that lead down the Gihon valley and in the general direction of where we'd like to go.
Then we had to park
Enough said about that!
Magoo and Mummy ran in to find out that yes we were late (10:20 instead of 9:45) but all we had missed was the movie, and we could come back to see that on Sunday, and yes we could catch up with the English tour if we left "right now". So with much rushing about and everything we made it.
Was all that fuss worth it? Absulotely!
The tour was amazing, so much has ben uncovered since we were last here 3 years ago. What everyone thought was the pool of Siloam is not! instead they have uncovered the actual steps down from the Temple to a massive pool that Herod had re-done that messures 30 METERs square. Herod did nothing small did he! but not all is dug up, see they have this wee problem of the fact that a good portion of it is under land owned by the Greek Orthodox Church and they being what they are will not let anyone excavate...typical!
They also have uncovered the stairs with remants of those Jews that hid under them in AD 70, this is recorded in F. Josephus when he tells of the Romans breaking up the stairs to find the last Jew and destroy them. Remind you of anyone?
The stuff from the time of King David was simply breath taking. His actual Palace, the fortified walls and the tunnels. They have just found a tunnel in the past 2 months and are excavating it right now.
I was on video duty as Monkey wanted Daddy...and we have a full high definition video of the sky, ground with crying child in it as I kept making mistakes and having it on when it should have been off.
Note to self, when walking down steep and see through steps and afriad of hieghts, pass the video camera to someone else!
Since it is Shabbat we had to stop at the grocery store for food, and it being when it was ended up not getting home for lunch until 2:30. For all you freaking out because of the poor children, they had snacks on the drive inbetween.
This afternoon it POURED rain (odd occurence right now) for a good 15-20 minutes. The girls had a long 2 hour nap and we got dinner ready and a wonderful couple in the Truth that are over here right now. That was how we spent our evening, dinner and a Bible reading with others in the Truth, refreshing!
Now it is time fo Li La Tov. Tomorrow is going to be a relaxing day, we may go up the Mt of Olives and then just let the kids play.
Shabbat Shalom!
This morning we actually set the alarm as we had to phone The City of David to get information on the english tour that went out this morning. Today is Shabbat so they were only doing the 10 am tour instead of another one in the early afternoon. No problem we thought, we have just over an hour to get showered, dressed, fed and out the door.
Well, that wasn't the problem! We got out in time, leaving by 9:20 to get there for 9:45. Do remember this is very close, it SHOULD be a ten minute drive.....MAX!
However you see they have these roads in Israel that one minute are two way and the next minute, with no signs whatsoever of what is coming up switches to one way. Not going the way you are driving, of course. So here we are driving around the circumfrence of the Old City and Bam, there in front of us, taking up the entire road, is a massive tour bus and a not so happy driver. Okay, he was mad. Thankfully D was driving (okay lets be honest here, the ONLY reason I am on the car rental and the ONLY way I will be driving is if there is an emergency and D can't because he is in an ambulence or something like that). So we reversed merrily down the road, around the bend and down the hill, until we could pull in and turn around on some little wee street.
Yeah, so then the real fun started.
We "followed the signs" to The City of David. In Canada these actually point you in the right direction, here they sortof point in the general direction and the left is left up to some inner geological positioning capabilties that Israelis must posess.
Four tries, and a near tears wife as we are once again lost in a not so great part of town, and into "Peace Forest" that was covered in anti-Israel graffti (someone please explain how THAT is peaceful!) and we finally discovered a little old road that lead down the Gihon valley and in the general direction of where we'd like to go.
Then we had to park
Enough said about that!
Magoo and Mummy ran in to find out that yes we were late (10:20 instead of 9:45) but all we had missed was the movie, and we could come back to see that on Sunday, and yes we could catch up with the English tour if we left "right now". So with much rushing about and everything we made it.
Was all that fuss worth it? Absulotely!
The tour was amazing, so much has ben uncovered since we were last here 3 years ago. What everyone thought was the pool of Siloam is not! instead they have uncovered the actual steps down from the Temple to a massive pool that Herod had re-done that messures 30 METERs square. Herod did nothing small did he! but not all is dug up, see they have this wee problem of the fact that a good portion of it is under land owned by the Greek Orthodox Church and they being what they are will not let anyone excavate...typical!
They also have uncovered the stairs with remants of those Jews that hid under them in AD 70, this is recorded in F. Josephus when he tells of the Romans breaking up the stairs to find the last Jew and destroy them. Remind you of anyone?
The stuff from the time of King David was simply breath taking. His actual Palace, the fortified walls and the tunnels. They have just found a tunnel in the past 2 months and are excavating it right now.
I was on video duty as Monkey wanted Daddy...and we have a full high definition video of the sky, ground with crying child in it as I kept making mistakes and having it on when it should have been off.
Note to self, when walking down steep and see through steps and afriad of hieghts, pass the video camera to someone else!
Since it is Shabbat we had to stop at the grocery store for food, and it being when it was ended up not getting home for lunch until 2:30. For all you freaking out because of the poor children, they had snacks on the drive inbetween.
This afternoon it POURED rain (odd occurence right now) for a good 15-20 minutes. The girls had a long 2 hour nap and we got dinner ready and a wonderful couple in the Truth that are over here right now. That was how we spent our evening, dinner and a Bible reading with others in the Truth, refreshing!
Now it is time fo Li La Tov. Tomorrow is going to be a relaxing day, we may go up the Mt of Olives and then just let the kids play.
Shabbat Shalom!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Shalom from Erezt Yisrael
It is so nice to have older children to play with Monkey when she wakes up and Mummy is exhausted. Princess & Magoo gave her, her bottle and played with her as we attempted to get up this morning. Breakfast was yojurt, it is so creamy (3%) and delicious here, this morning's choice turned out to be strawberry cheesecake and banana and toast.
Once again our rental car was loaded up with strollers, beach towels, packed lunch, 2 huge water bottles + 4 smaller sippy cups and bottles full of water, GPS, maps, diaper bag and swimming stuff. Off we went West towards Tel Aviv and then up hyw 2 to Queserya (Ceasarea). On the way we told the children the Bible stories surrounding the places we were going to visit today. Paul persecuting the ecclesis then being in prison himself there (yesterday's reading!) for 2 years. Cornellius and Peter and then the best we saved for last, Herod being eaten alive by worms! Magoo thought that was cool. We slightly changed plans and headed for the actual Tel first and ate lunch in the parking lot.
It is humbling that Paul witnessed even to the Roman authorities even appearing to Ceasar himself and how that we need to follow his example.
Last time we went (3 yrs ago) there was almost no one there, today it was packed! The children absolutely loved runing and climbing all over the ruins and there were quite a few hilarious episodes. Magoo thought the sand on the path was ancient, Princess was so excited to get yet another Israeli scrape on her arm, Monkey driving us all nuts in the background of nearly all the video clips. This trime we watched a 10 minute video presentation on the history of the city which was very good, though we didn't get to record it as we were sitting to close to the screen. The Hippadroom was huge and they had a pretend chariot there for the chidlren to climb up on, a highlight for Magoo. The tiled mosaics on the public bathroom floors were neat, the theater was great and they actually still use it today for events and productions. We have a hilarious video clip of the Goons up sitting in the theater with Daddy but that will have to wait until we download it all!
There seem to be so many more tourists around this time. Even at the Aqucduct (which is a couple minutes up the road) there were 2 full buses full and so many people. The children and Daddy still swam (we choose to pretend we couldn't read English and ignor the sign posted there) while Mummy stayed with Monkey near the car as she was FINALLY asleep! After about an hour or a bit less she woke up and we joined the family on the beach to collect shells and perfectly smooth rocks. I cen see luggage weight being a problem on the way home! Princess was so sweet chatting away as she picked up rocks "and this one is a Daddy shell and this lil one is a baby shell..."
Thankfully we packed some snacks as it was 5 when we left and shoule have taken about an hour and 15 to get home. We sorta forgot about rush hour and spent forever stuck in Tel Aviv! People watching, trains and giggle fits kept the children entertained. Watching 8 police cars race up to Jerusalem made us wonder what was going on tonight.
Oh and Monkey learnt a new word "yes" which comes out as "bes"
Finally we got in around 7:30 and quickly made a dinner of fried eggs on toast and fruit. Tomorrow we are planning on staying in Jerusalem as they are calling for rain (it sprinkled on the way up the mountain) and there is a wet warning!
Li La Tov!
It is so nice to have older children to play with Monkey when she wakes up and Mummy is exhausted. Princess & Magoo gave her, her bottle and played with her as we attempted to get up this morning. Breakfast was yojurt, it is so creamy (3%) and delicious here, this morning's choice turned out to be strawberry cheesecake and banana and toast.
Once again our rental car was loaded up with strollers, beach towels, packed lunch, 2 huge water bottles + 4 smaller sippy cups and bottles full of water, GPS, maps, diaper bag and swimming stuff. Off we went West towards Tel Aviv and then up hyw 2 to Queserya (Ceasarea). On the way we told the children the Bible stories surrounding the places we were going to visit today. Paul persecuting the ecclesis then being in prison himself there (yesterday's reading!) for 2 years. Cornellius and Peter and then the best we saved for last, Herod being eaten alive by worms! Magoo thought that was cool. We slightly changed plans and headed for the actual Tel first and ate lunch in the parking lot.
It is humbling that Paul witnessed even to the Roman authorities even appearing to Ceasar himself and how that we need to follow his example.
Last time we went (3 yrs ago) there was almost no one there, today it was packed! The children absolutely loved runing and climbing all over the ruins and there were quite a few hilarious episodes. Magoo thought the sand on the path was ancient, Princess was so excited to get yet another Israeli scrape on her arm, Monkey driving us all nuts in the background of nearly all the video clips. This trime we watched a 10 minute video presentation on the history of the city which was very good, though we didn't get to record it as we were sitting to close to the screen. The Hippadroom was huge and they had a pretend chariot there for the chidlren to climb up on, a highlight for Magoo. The tiled mosaics on the public bathroom floors were neat, the theater was great and they actually still use it today for events and productions. We have a hilarious video clip of the Goons up sitting in the theater with Daddy but that will have to wait until we download it all!
There seem to be so many more tourists around this time. Even at the Aqucduct (which is a couple minutes up the road) there were 2 full buses full and so many people. The children and Daddy still swam (we choose to pretend we couldn't read English and ignor the sign posted there) while Mummy stayed with Monkey near the car as she was FINALLY asleep! After about an hour or a bit less she woke up and we joined the family on the beach to collect shells and perfectly smooth rocks. I cen see luggage weight being a problem on the way home! Princess was so sweet chatting away as she picked up rocks "and this one is a Daddy shell and this lil one is a baby shell..."
Thankfully we packed some snacks as it was 5 when we left and shoule have taken about an hour and 15 to get home. We sorta forgot about rush hour and spent forever stuck in Tel Aviv! People watching, trains and giggle fits kept the children entertained. Watching 8 police cars race up to Jerusalem made us wonder what was going on tonight.
Oh and Monkey learnt a new word "yes" which comes out as "bes"
Finally we got in around 7:30 and quickly made a dinner of fried eggs on toast and fruit. Tomorrow we are planning on staying in Jerusalem as they are calling for rain (it sprinkled on the way up the mountain) and there is a wet warning!
Li La Tov!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
We arrive!
Haifa Museum
Princess at Tel-Dor
Monkey in Tel-Dor
Magoo loved the crab & lil fish in the water!
Shalom on day three
Today has to be one of our favourite days in Israel. We actually got out of bed in record time this morning, Magoo and Monkey (D says that should be Sprout's new name) getting up around 7:30 and Princess not to long afterwards. Breakfast was a combo deal of basically what was left in the kitchen. Toast with raspberry jam, mango yogurt, strawberry yogurt, bananas and cereal. We had packed up the night before (you wouldn't believe how much time it takes to gather together all the stuff we need) double checked our water supply for the day as it was to get hot and we were planning on spending the day outside.
Our first stop was to the King David Hotel right up the road to double check on a different rental car for tuesday...you'll have to wait to see what we are planning that day! Then we were off and this time didn't have to do any illegal u-turns in order to follow the GPS, which is a great source of ammusement and it has taken us a total of 5 different ways into Jerusalem so far. We're wondering just how many different ways it can by the time we head home. The best was the first night when it took us through Machaneh Yehuda and the edge of Me'a She'arim. But I digress...
It was simply stunning, espcially after turning onto highway 35 S which leads to Bet Shemesh and places beyond in the Shomron. Daniel pulled over a few times for photo ops and then we found and stopped at a look out where you can see the valley leading from Gat (Gath) to Bet Shemesh where we are told in the Scriptures that the ark came up on a cart lead by 2 milch cows when it was returned from the Philistines to Israel. We drove through Zoar and Esh-tol; Samson territory! Then we looked and found the little dirt path that leads to the Fortress of Elah. Amazing discoveries there in the past couple years (http://www.elahfortress.com/ has a lot of neat info and a video).
Basically you have to find this small dirt road (and there are numerous) after Z(ec)harya and then choose another of 4 dirt paths. The driving instructions said to take the second path, and we thought we took it. But, well, it was a neat drive and then we realized we were on the wrong side of the hills! So Daniel amazingly managed to turn around (the first of two amazing turn arounds today) and go down the correct one. There is nothing there but the ruins that they are just now excavating...exciting. The kids thought seeing a turtle was neat, and the ruins were breath taking. So much more to write about that but I'll let their website to that for us.
We then munched on the usual lunch in the car driving South again on 35 to La(c)hish. We drove around the kibbut first and thought it was neat that in the same spot is another "watch town" for Jerusalem. It was a wee bit of a climp UP to the ruins on the very tip top of the hill/mountain. Daniel took the time to explain to the children all the importance of the town and it's history as a watch/signal town and the destruction by the Assyrians. Monkey was such a great sport and loved walking around and up and over the steps to the ruins.
The view was incredible, again. We know we saw the hilltop of Hevron, but didn't know which one it was. You can completely understand why it was used as a signal and guard settlement when you see the layout from the lookout at the top of the ruins.
It was very hot there, no shade and it was at least 26 degrees C. Us girls washed our faces off after the hike before we got into the air conditioned car. We understand now why everyone carrys water with them in Israel. Seriously everyone carrys watter around!
On the drive back up and North to Jerusalem we desided to go up the Burma Road...intended for jeeps only and sign posted as such. After much intakes of breath and giggles we turned around (the second amazing turn around, I am so very greatful that we didn't go off the edge or get stuck on the cracks in the road!)...we have a priceless video clip of it but as with everything we are needing to download it all.
Monkey needed a wee nap so we headed home for a break. A cuppa on the belcony laughing at all the horns honking on the road was refreshing. We then trekked up to Ben Yehuah and I enjoyed the "descreet skirt shop" a wee bit too much and got two new skirts and blue one and a khaki one. As I brought mainly denim ones these will be great as it is much hotter this time then the last trip during the same time!
We had our first Swarmma for dinner (54 INS=15CAD for all of us to eat!), and no I couldn't figure out how on earth to order a juice so we walked up for Daddy's Cafe Afulla at Sambooki and got strawberry and peach juice for the kids there instead. So yummy, oh yeah and a BOX of pastries for our dinner guests for Shabbat (if we don't eat them first Laurie!)! It is by weight and so delicous. Thank goodness for all the walking otherwise I would be returning to Canada so extra weight not in the suitcase but around my middle!
(as it was we were overweight coming as we thought it was 70 lbs but it is 50 lbs aloud, not sure how we are going to manage coming back!)
Then we walked back home via the grocery store and Magoo and Mummy ran in for breakfast and lunch fixings for tomorrow. Thankfully I found another young Mom (with kids in tow) and she spoke english and was so kind and figured out which butter I wanted (regular, salted, garlic, onion, mixed...).
So now the children are (we think) asleep and we are working on plans for tomorrow. It is so nice to just decide the night before what to do.
God Bless from Yerusaliyim!
Today has to be one of our favourite days in Israel. We actually got out of bed in record time this morning, Magoo and Monkey (D says that should be Sprout's new name) getting up around 7:30 and Princess not to long afterwards. Breakfast was a combo deal of basically what was left in the kitchen. Toast with raspberry jam, mango yogurt, strawberry yogurt, bananas and cereal. We had packed up the night before (you wouldn't believe how much time it takes to gather together all the stuff we need) double checked our water supply for the day as it was to get hot and we were planning on spending the day outside.
Our first stop was to the King David Hotel right up the road to double check on a different rental car for tuesday...you'll have to wait to see what we are planning that day! Then we were off and this time didn't have to do any illegal u-turns in order to follow the GPS, which is a great source of ammusement and it has taken us a total of 5 different ways into Jerusalem so far. We're wondering just how many different ways it can by the time we head home. The best was the first night when it took us through Machaneh Yehuda and the edge of Me'a She'arim. But I digress...
It was simply stunning, espcially after turning onto highway 35 S which leads to Bet Shemesh and places beyond in the Shomron. Daniel pulled over a few times for photo ops and then we found and stopped at a look out where you can see the valley leading from Gat (Gath) to Bet Shemesh where we are told in the Scriptures that the ark came up on a cart lead by 2 milch cows when it was returned from the Philistines to Israel. We drove through Zoar and Esh-tol; Samson territory! Then we looked and found the little dirt path that leads to the Fortress of Elah. Amazing discoveries there in the past couple years (http://www.elahfortress.com/ has a lot of neat info and a video).
Basically you have to find this small dirt road (and there are numerous) after Z(ec)harya and then choose another of 4 dirt paths. The driving instructions said to take the second path, and we thought we took it. But, well, it was a neat drive and then we realized we were on the wrong side of the hills! So Daniel amazingly managed to turn around (the first of two amazing turn arounds today) and go down the correct one. There is nothing there but the ruins that they are just now excavating...exciting. The kids thought seeing a turtle was neat, and the ruins were breath taking. So much more to write about that but I'll let their website to that for us.
We then munched on the usual lunch in the car driving South again on 35 to La(c)hish. We drove around the kibbut first and thought it was neat that in the same spot is another "watch town" for Jerusalem. It was a wee bit of a climp UP to the ruins on the very tip top of the hill/mountain. Daniel took the time to explain to the children all the importance of the town and it's history as a watch/signal town and the destruction by the Assyrians. Monkey was such a great sport and loved walking around and up and over the steps to the ruins.
The view was incredible, again. We know we saw the hilltop of Hevron, but didn't know which one it was. You can completely understand why it was used as a signal and guard settlement when you see the layout from the lookout at the top of the ruins.
It was very hot there, no shade and it was at least 26 degrees C. Us girls washed our faces off after the hike before we got into the air conditioned car. We understand now why everyone carrys water with them in Israel. Seriously everyone carrys watter around!
On the drive back up and North to Jerusalem we desided to go up the Burma Road...intended for jeeps only and sign posted as such. After much intakes of breath and giggles we turned around (the second amazing turn around, I am so very greatful that we didn't go off the edge or get stuck on the cracks in the road!)...we have a priceless video clip of it but as with everything we are needing to download it all.
Monkey needed a wee nap so we headed home for a break. A cuppa on the belcony laughing at all the horns honking on the road was refreshing. We then trekked up to Ben Yehuah and I enjoyed the "descreet skirt shop" a wee bit too much and got two new skirts and blue one and a khaki one. As I brought mainly denim ones these will be great as it is much hotter this time then the last trip during the same time!
We had our first Swarmma for dinner (54 INS=15CAD for all of us to eat!), and no I couldn't figure out how on earth to order a juice so we walked up for Daddy's Cafe Afulla at Sambooki and got strawberry and peach juice for the kids there instead. So yummy, oh yeah and a BOX of pastries for our dinner guests for Shabbat (if we don't eat them first Laurie!)! It is by weight and so delicous. Thank goodness for all the walking otherwise I would be returning to Canada so extra weight not in the suitcase but around my middle!
(as it was we were overweight coming as we thought it was 70 lbs but it is 50 lbs aloud, not sure how we are going to manage coming back!)
Then we walked back home via the grocery store and Magoo and Mummy ran in for breakfast and lunch fixings for tomorrow. Thankfully I found another young Mom (with kids in tow) and she spoke english and was so kind and figured out which butter I wanted (regular, salted, garlic, onion, mixed...).
So now the children are (we think) asleep and we are working on plans for tomorrow. It is so nice to just decide the night before what to do.
God Bless from Yerusaliyim!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Shalom on day two!
Hello again, to whomever may be reading this...
We had yet another wonderful day, but then we are in God's land so how could we not? It was much harder to get out of bed this morning. Sprout has developed an evening cough which keeps her and Mummy up and I simply am having a bit of a rough go with the time change. Is it worth it? definately!
This morning breakfast was bowls of "harvest crunch" that we brought over in our suitcases and very sweet apple juice. They grow different varities of apples here and you can certainly tell the difference in the juice. It was a bit of a mad ash to get ready as we had desided the night before to go up North to Haifa to visit the Illegal Immigration and Naval history Museum. The car ride was great, I mean where else in the world can you have a running commentary of Biblical stories based on the view? and the questions from the kids were as usual, ammusing. We saw a flock of pelicans flying from the Med. Sea inland and tried to capture it on video but Mummy had not yet figured out the zoom feature on the camcorder. Lunch was eaten on the way up (Challah rolls with smoked turkey for the boys, the same in pitas for the girls and mini cucumbers and gold fish crakers).
We arrived (thanks to the trusty GPS) only to find that the main exhibit (an actual boat used to bring Jews from pots WW2 Europe to Israel that is beached that you can walk through and see what the living quarters were like) was closed for construction, typical. However the rest of it was good. A highlight for the children was to actually walk into and through an Israeli Sub. and a navy intercept boat. There were many models, a notable one of the Exodus (and if you don't know about that google it!) Ship. Magoo loved climbing up and all over the various caputred terrorist boats and old Israel boats and weapons. It was a great place for the kids and really interessting, espceially for me, was the section on the blockabe and deportation to Cyprus by the British of so many Jews because of the White Paper. Such a sad part in history! But God had stated that the Jews would be back in the Land and so the British were over-ruled by the Highest power!
After a few hours there we loaded back into the car and headed South to Dor/Nacholim where the ancient Tel-Dor is. We were a wee bit too tired to hike up to the actual Tel and so changed into our bathing suits and splashed about, built sand tunnels, exclaimed over a poor spotted crab and collected shells. Sprout was simply adorable and ingenious as she soon was using a shell as a shovel! The sun started to set as we headed back to the car, quickly dried off (as the tempurature was dropping quickly) and sat down for a snack of personal sized cucumbers and oranges.
Get this, we bought a bag of oranges (about 20) for 2.99 INS that is LESS then a dollar! Wow!
It was soon evident to Daddy that we were not going to make it home for dinner as Mummy's head was simply splitting. So we stopped at Zichron Yaakov (which was on our list to do thanks to the Loveridges) and you are going to roll your eyes, had Burger King for dinner....I know pathetic! but everywhere else was more Shekels and it was still an interessting experience as we don't speak Hebrew and the cashier didn't speak English (I got laughed at twice, but that'ws fine). So with some pointing and holding up numbers of fingers we got our supper...such a yummy salad and burger! They always have salad here, so healthy. Then Daddy, who was full of marvolous ideas popped into another cafe for Cafe Afuuk (upside down coffee = cappuchino) and chocolate stuffed crossants. Wow were those good.
So there we are standing at the front of the car simply swooning while eating these pastries and I look over and Sprout is sucking on her thumb, not unusual...and her hands are covered, COVERED in black oil from the tire of the car next to us. We're eating chocolate and she is eating car grease, great! Purelle saved the day, and wet wipes which we are thinking we should have brought 3 packs instead of 2, but I digress.
The rest of the drive was uneventful, other then a bit slow going on the way up to Yerusaliyim and we figured "great some so called important person is visiting so they are checking all the cars" which by the way does happen as last time we were going the other way and it was lined up for miles because Condalessa Rice was visiting, blah. But it was just a car bump, how boring.
Now the Goons are tucked into bed. Princess dreaming Gravol dreams again (she is finding it hard) and are planning out tomorrows great adventures.
We plan on going to the Elah Fortress, http://www.elahfortress.com/page18/page23/page23.html
great article on the importance of the site.
Until tomorrow then, God Bless and Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.
Hello again, to whomever may be reading this...
We had yet another wonderful day, but then we are in God's land so how could we not? It was much harder to get out of bed this morning. Sprout has developed an evening cough which keeps her and Mummy up and I simply am having a bit of a rough go with the time change. Is it worth it? definately!
This morning breakfast was bowls of "harvest crunch" that we brought over in our suitcases and very sweet apple juice. They grow different varities of apples here and you can certainly tell the difference in the juice. It was a bit of a mad ash to get ready as we had desided the night before to go up North to Haifa to visit the Illegal Immigration and Naval history Museum. The car ride was great, I mean where else in the world can you have a running commentary of Biblical stories based on the view? and the questions from the kids were as usual, ammusing. We saw a flock of pelicans flying from the Med. Sea inland and tried to capture it on video but Mummy had not yet figured out the zoom feature on the camcorder. Lunch was eaten on the way up (Challah rolls with smoked turkey for the boys, the same in pitas for the girls and mini cucumbers and gold fish crakers).
We arrived (thanks to the trusty GPS) only to find that the main exhibit (an actual boat used to bring Jews from pots WW2 Europe to Israel that is beached that you can walk through and see what the living quarters were like) was closed for construction, typical. However the rest of it was good. A highlight for the children was to actually walk into and through an Israeli Sub. and a navy intercept boat. There were many models, a notable one of the Exodus (and if you don't know about that google it!) Ship. Magoo loved climbing up and all over the various caputred terrorist boats and old Israel boats and weapons. It was a great place for the kids and really interessting, espceially for me, was the section on the blockabe and deportation to Cyprus by the British of so many Jews because of the White Paper. Such a sad part in history! But God had stated that the Jews would be back in the Land and so the British were over-ruled by the Highest power!
After a few hours there we loaded back into the car and headed South to Dor/Nacholim where the ancient Tel-Dor is. We were a wee bit too tired to hike up to the actual Tel and so changed into our bathing suits and splashed about, built sand tunnels, exclaimed over a poor spotted crab and collected shells. Sprout was simply adorable and ingenious as she soon was using a shell as a shovel! The sun started to set as we headed back to the car, quickly dried off (as the tempurature was dropping quickly) and sat down for a snack of personal sized cucumbers and oranges.
Get this, we bought a bag of oranges (about 20) for 2.99 INS that is LESS then a dollar! Wow!
It was soon evident to Daddy that we were not going to make it home for dinner as Mummy's head was simply splitting. So we stopped at Zichron Yaakov (which was on our list to do thanks to the Loveridges) and you are going to roll your eyes, had Burger King for dinner....I know pathetic! but everywhere else was more Shekels and it was still an interessting experience as we don't speak Hebrew and the cashier didn't speak English (I got laughed at twice, but that'ws fine). So with some pointing and holding up numbers of fingers we got our supper...such a yummy salad and burger! They always have salad here, so healthy. Then Daddy, who was full of marvolous ideas popped into another cafe for Cafe Afuuk (upside down coffee = cappuchino) and chocolate stuffed crossants. Wow were those good.
So there we are standing at the front of the car simply swooning while eating these pastries and I look over and Sprout is sucking on her thumb, not unusual...and her hands are covered, COVERED in black oil from the tire of the car next to us. We're eating chocolate and she is eating car grease, great! Purelle saved the day, and wet wipes which we are thinking we should have brought 3 packs instead of 2, but I digress.
The rest of the drive was uneventful, other then a bit slow going on the way up to Yerusaliyim and we figured "great some so called important person is visiting so they are checking all the cars" which by the way does happen as last time we were going the other way and it was lined up for miles because Condalessa Rice was visiting, blah. But it was just a car bump, how boring.
Now the Goons are tucked into bed. Princess dreaming Gravol dreams again (she is finding it hard) and are planning out tomorrows great adventures.
We plan on going to the Elah Fortress, http://www.elahfortress.com/page18/page23/page23.html
great article on the importance of the site.
Until tomorrow then, God Bless and Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Shalom
What a wonderful and very full day we have had today. This morning we enjoyed a slower pace and set out first thing for the grocery store, enjoying the walk and then really enjoying the lovely creamy yojurt and bananas. At that point it was desided that Sprout really needed a nap! Lunch was lovely doughy fresh pita and Challah buns with with poppy seeds, onto which we sliced tomatoes (which tasted so fresh as from a garden) cheese (which we think was a variation of Havarti) or turkey and iceburg letuce. The best part of lunch were those mini cucumbers so crisp and sweet! Well, that and the humus!
After lunch we put on our walking shoes and ventured up toe the Old City. Such a beautiful walk through the most stunning park we've seen. The lushness of the bougenvillea vines, the old and knarled olive trees, the roses bushs and fragrent evergreen bushes, everything was just perfect especially the views up to the old city. We also walked past the famous Windmill and through that area which has been inhabited by Jews since the 1870s.
After asking for some directions in the park (as the map showing roads were not infact real roads) we made our way up to the Jafo Gate instead of the Zion Gate as had been planned since we were on that side of the valley. Both Princess and Magoo walked the whole way there and through to the Jewish Quarter.
After entering the Jafo Gate we remembered the narrowness of the sidewalk...and that is only when they exsist! They always disappear when you need them the most, such as going through a tunnel and around a blind corner!
It was refreshingly familiar to walk this route, past the Pizza Carbo where Esther Wiess has that amazing headcovering shop (and no I only looked today, no purchasing!) and stopped in the Hurva Court to enjoy an iced coffee, cappuchino and sprite. Mainly we spent our time today just walking around, enjoying the sites and taking the time and patience to explain the significance and importance of the Broad Wall remains, the remnant of the original city wall from the time of King Solomon, the model of the Menorah, the Pillars from the Roman Period.
After a good chat with Moshe (and promises to come back) we headed down the many, many, MANY stairs to the Kotel.
To me the Kotel signifys all that has been there and also the Hope of the future when once again the Temple will stand, though in a much larger size (it will take up all of the Old City area). I took the girls down because Princess doesn't remember seeing it, and she could not get over the size of the stones.
We spent some time just watching everyone there and then went back UP all those stairs, and yes we were carrying the double stroller with Sprout in it the whole time.
Poor Princess got a blister from her crocs so she was allowed in the stroller from the Kotel on (excluding the steps) and good 'ol Magoo walked all the way back explaining to Mummy all the differences between Israel and Canada....this taking, in his absent minded professer way, nearly the whole walk home until we turned off of Ramban/Argon and headed down to our lil road.
Now the children and tucked in for the night, Sprout having excepted this as home for now, with their tummies full of chicken, rice and salad.
We are going to have our memorial here in Yerusaliyim and then tuck in as well! Our feet certainly deserve a rest and we must get up early for our next adventures.
God Bless and hopefully we will have an update for you again tomorrow.
In the Hope of Israe!
(ps: pictures to follow, and the spell check is not working, sorry!)
What a wonderful and very full day we have had today. This morning we enjoyed a slower pace and set out first thing for the grocery store, enjoying the walk and then really enjoying the lovely creamy yojurt and bananas. At that point it was desided that Sprout really needed a nap! Lunch was lovely doughy fresh pita and Challah buns with with poppy seeds, onto which we sliced tomatoes (which tasted so fresh as from a garden) cheese (which we think was a variation of Havarti) or turkey and iceburg letuce. The best part of lunch were those mini cucumbers so crisp and sweet! Well, that and the humus!
After lunch we put on our walking shoes and ventured up toe the Old City. Such a beautiful walk through the most stunning park we've seen. The lushness of the bougenvillea vines, the old and knarled olive trees, the roses bushs and fragrent evergreen bushes, everything was just perfect especially the views up to the old city. We also walked past the famous Windmill and through that area which has been inhabited by Jews since the 1870s.
After asking for some directions in the park (as the map showing roads were not infact real roads) we made our way up to the Jafo Gate instead of the Zion Gate as had been planned since we were on that side of the valley. Both Princess and Magoo walked the whole way there and through to the Jewish Quarter.
After entering the Jafo Gate we remembered the narrowness of the sidewalk...and that is only when they exsist! They always disappear when you need them the most, such as going through a tunnel and around a blind corner!
It was refreshingly familiar to walk this route, past the Pizza Carbo where Esther Wiess has that amazing headcovering shop (and no I only looked today, no purchasing!) and stopped in the Hurva Court to enjoy an iced coffee, cappuchino and sprite. Mainly we spent our time today just walking around, enjoying the sites and taking the time and patience to explain the significance and importance of the Broad Wall remains, the remnant of the original city wall from the time of King Solomon, the model of the Menorah, the Pillars from the Roman Period.
After a good chat with Moshe (and promises to come back) we headed down the many, many, MANY stairs to the Kotel.
To me the Kotel signifys all that has been there and also the Hope of the future when once again the Temple will stand, though in a much larger size (it will take up all of the Old City area). I took the girls down because Princess doesn't remember seeing it, and she could not get over the size of the stones.
We spent some time just watching everyone there and then went back UP all those stairs, and yes we were carrying the double stroller with Sprout in it the whole time.
Poor Princess got a blister from her crocs so she was allowed in the stroller from the Kotel on (excluding the steps) and good 'ol Magoo walked all the way back explaining to Mummy all the differences between Israel and Canada....this taking, in his absent minded professer way, nearly the whole walk home until we turned off of Ramban/Argon and headed down to our lil road.
Now the children and tucked in for the night, Sprout having excepted this as home for now, with their tummies full of chicken, rice and salad.
We are going to have our memorial here in Yerusaliyim and then tuck in as well! Our feet certainly deserve a rest and we must get up early for our next adventures.
God Bless and hopefully we will have an update for you again tomorrow.
In the Hope of Israe!
(ps: pictures to follow, and the spell check is not working, sorry!)
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Shalom from Yerushalylim
The 11 hour plane ride went resonably well. The children went to bed at 4 30 and we woke them at 715pm to go to the airport. Expecting them to sleep in the car turned out to be hilarious, of course they were as excited as we were. Thankfully Dave drove with us so that we didn't have to pay to park the car for over two weeks! You won't believe it but we all fit in the Mazda 5 AND 2 strollers (a double umbrella thanks fo Ashley) and a regular unbrella storller. The children's clothing and the food (rice, pasta, cereal & snacks) and enough diapers for 18 days and wipes all fit into one medium bright purple suitcase we borrowed and our clothes, reference books and scrapbook stuff all fit in our usual suitcase. Then we had 5 backpacks.
The two older ones finally fell asleep about 2 hours into the planr ride, Sprout was off and on. She'd sleep for an hour, then wake up, then sleep for an hour the wake up...finally sleeping for a total of about 4 hours in between play time on Mummy's lap. We were so glad to have packed many little bags of different toys as they all came in handy with her. She finally got fed up after we entered Israeli airspcace, but it was too late for her to get up! They have a security code that no one is aloud out of their seats once in their area, so there was a mad dash to re-pack carryons and such as we were only given a 15 minute warning.
Seeing the lights as we approached for landing literally brought tears into my eyes, strugglying to keep my composer to explain to Magoo what we were seeing.
What a blessing it is to be back here. G-d is so good to us.
Well that is all for now, we need milk for the ceareal we brought so off for our first adventure, grocery shopping in Hebrew with no-one here to help! Oy!
The 11 hour plane ride went resonably well. The children went to bed at 4 30 and we woke them at 715pm to go to the airport. Expecting them to sleep in the car turned out to be hilarious, of course they were as excited as we were. Thankfully Dave drove with us so that we didn't have to pay to park the car for over two weeks! You won't believe it but we all fit in the Mazda 5 AND 2 strollers (a double umbrella thanks fo Ashley) and a regular unbrella storller. The children's clothing and the food (rice, pasta, cereal & snacks) and enough diapers for 18 days and wipes all fit into one medium bright purple suitcase we borrowed and our clothes, reference books and scrapbook stuff all fit in our usual suitcase. Then we had 5 backpacks.
The two older ones finally fell asleep about 2 hours into the planr ride, Sprout was off and on. She'd sleep for an hour, then wake up, then sleep for an hour the wake up...finally sleeping for a total of about 4 hours in between play time on Mummy's lap. We were so glad to have packed many little bags of different toys as they all came in handy with her. She finally got fed up after we entered Israeli airspcace, but it was too late for her to get up! They have a security code that no one is aloud out of their seats once in their area, so there was a mad dash to re-pack carryons and such as we were only given a 15 minute warning.
Seeing the lights as we approached for landing literally brought tears into my eyes, strugglying to keep my composer to explain to Magoo what we were seeing.
What a blessing it is to be back here. G-d is so good to us.
Well that is all for now, we need milk for the ceareal we brought so off for our first adventure, grocery shopping in Hebrew with no-one here to help! Oy!
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
A Wee Look at our Homeschooling Days:
Magoo's work done for the day!
LOTS of time for Legos
Our pathetic Brussel sprout harvest, oh well less to blanch and freeze before Sat!
Time to get out the mittens and hats from the winter dresser in the basement (such a good organization trick)
3 Goons battling for more space at the chalkboard!
Magoo's work done for the day!
LOTS of time for Legos
Our pathetic Brussel sprout harvest, oh well less to blanch and freeze before Sat!
Time to get out the mittens and hats from the winter dresser in the basement (such a good organization trick)
3 Goons battling for more space at the chalkboard!
Monday, November 02, 2009
10:16 am
That is what my body is telling me it is right now, though the clock on the computer screen reads 8:16am. We have been waking up at 7 (in reality it is 5) and I can tell that the kids have made this switch fine, it is the parents that are struggling! Five more hours of time changing to do, and in reality that simply is not going to happen, so we are aiming for another hour changed and then we would be just about half way there. Really the sunrise is spectacular.
The hardest aspect of this week is the cabin fever. Magoo is doing well with his homeschooling, and seems content to spend the days inside at home (too cold outside as it would trigger his asthma) I on the other hand am going stir crazy mad!
Oh well, it is all for a great cause and we only have 5 days left! This morning Magoo was bugging me to "pack up the adult things" since the children's clothing is all set aside and ready to be put into bags and suitcases.
The Husband's new toy arrived last night, a mini camcorder to record our visit to Israel this time. He was very excited, and recorded us trying to wake up this morning, the the children gleefully recounting that "it's five o'clock Daddy, five o'clock!"
well I'm off to work on the workbook for Apps Mill, yet another job to get done before we leave!
That is what my body is telling me it is right now, though the clock on the computer screen reads 8:16am. We have been waking up at 7 (in reality it is 5) and I can tell that the kids have made this switch fine, it is the parents that are struggling! Five more hours of time changing to do, and in reality that simply is not going to happen, so we are aiming for another hour changed and then we would be just about half way there. Really the sunrise is spectacular.
The hardest aspect of this week is the cabin fever. Magoo is doing well with his homeschooling, and seems content to spend the days inside at home (too cold outside as it would trigger his asthma) I on the other hand am going stir crazy mad!
Oh well, it is all for a great cause and we only have 5 days left! This morning Magoo was bugging me to "pack up the adult things" since the children's clothing is all set aside and ready to be put into bags and suitcases.
The Husband's new toy arrived last night, a mini camcorder to record our visit to Israel this time. He was very excited, and recorded us trying to wake up this morning, the the children gleefully recounting that "it's five o'clock Daddy, five o'clock!"
well I'm off to work on the workbook for Apps Mill, yet another job to get done before we leave!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
10 days
WOW! in only 10 days we will (God willing) be flying off to Israel with the three Goons. Lists are being made, and changed...and changed again. Clothing is being put aside as it comes out of the wash. Dreams of places to visit are making their ways to the forefront on our brains....and in all this there is a nasty cold going around school so Magoo is now being home schooled until we leave, in total 4 weeks (while we are away as well).
So today was hospital tests, no word really on that, and our first at home day. Magoo was so dedicated and managed to get 2 days work done in math & English so we were able to go to Apps Mill for a lovely 1.5 hour hike. The rest of the day was spent helping a friend on a history diorama...such fun.
'
Now I am off to get more done, prepare for school work tomorrow and semi-transform the dining room into a home schooling room....now where did we put that chalk board we got 2 yrs ago that I knew would come in handy!
Oh and heads up we will be blogging while in Israel so stay tuned!
WOW! in only 10 days we will (God willing) be flying off to Israel with the three Goons. Lists are being made, and changed...and changed again. Clothing is being put aside as it comes out of the wash. Dreams of places to visit are making their ways to the forefront on our brains....and in all this there is a nasty cold going around school so Magoo is now being home schooled until we leave, in total 4 weeks (while we are away as well).
So today was hospital tests, no word really on that, and our first at home day. Magoo was so dedicated and managed to get 2 days work done in math & English so we were able to go to Apps Mill for a lovely 1.5 hour hike. The rest of the day was spent helping a friend on a history diorama...such fun.
'
Now I am off to get more done, prepare for school work tomorrow and semi-transform the dining room into a home schooling room....now where did we put that chalk board we got 2 yrs ago that I knew would come in handy!
Oh and heads up we will be blogging while in Israel so stay tuned!
Friday, October 23, 2009
What a wonderful-gut day we are having here today. Rain streaming down the windows and creeping under the back door (yet another job) highlights the warmth and cozy feeling of being inside and home. We've been struggling with the whole "home schooling" Fridays, even thought we love them, they seem to run away on us! However after a few weeks, well I suppose 2 months at it, finally it is all coming together seamlessly. Here is how we have found the day works best for us:
8 - wave bye-bye to Daddy
8-830 play time while Mummy drinks a cuppa, set the table, prepare something special (pancakes, fruit bowls with yogurt, eggs, etc)
8:30 eat breakfast & get dressed
9:30 start school work. Usually 5 pages of math & English for Magoo, Princess is working on her letter writing and recognition, Sprout scribbles happily on a pad of paper
(at the same time Mummy makes the 2nd weekly batch of bread and pops it into the oven to rise)
10:30 Story time (length varies as to when work is completed)
11 a quick library visit
12 eat lunch, turn on the oven to bake the bread (use timer to turn it off as we will be out), gather piano books
12:40 leave for piano
1 Magoo's piano lesson (sometimes the "ladies" take tea at a local shop, or hang out in the car like today while Sprout sleeps)
2 arrive home, "nap time" which consists of Mummy ignoring the gleeful sounds descending the stairs from the children's rooms ... for as long as I can stand...20-30 minutes.
3 Baking of important and essential items such as chocolate cookies, gooey bars, tarts!
3:30 or 4ish Tea Time starts as the first batch of the above comes out the oven, "Pippy Long stocking" always Joins us from Sweden (from Grandpa B.and Grandma C...which if you are reading they LOVE!)
5 freak out dinner isn't ready......through something yummy together
6 Daddy gets home, dinner is served
7 Daily Bible readings as a family (one chapter, questions, books brought off the shelves to show the kids...pictionary!)
7:45 Bed time
8 Bible Tape Class starts
11:30 ish Mummy falls into bed!
(Have I mentioned how much we simply adore Fridays!)
8 - wave bye-bye to Daddy
8-830 play time while Mummy drinks a cuppa, set the table, prepare something special (pancakes, fruit bowls with yogurt, eggs, etc)
8:30 eat breakfast & get dressed
9:30 start school work. Usually 5 pages of math & English for Magoo, Princess is working on her letter writing and recognition, Sprout scribbles happily on a pad of paper
(at the same time Mummy makes the 2nd weekly batch of bread and pops it into the oven to rise)
10:30 Story time (length varies as to when work is completed)
11 a quick library visit
12 eat lunch, turn on the oven to bake the bread (use timer to turn it off as we will be out), gather piano books
12:40 leave for piano
1 Magoo's piano lesson (sometimes the "ladies" take tea at a local shop, or hang out in the car like today while Sprout sleeps)
2 arrive home, "nap time" which consists of Mummy ignoring the gleeful sounds descending the stairs from the children's rooms ... for as long as I can stand...20-30 minutes.
3 Baking of important and essential items such as chocolate cookies, gooey bars, tarts!
3:30 or 4ish Tea Time starts as the first batch of the above comes out the oven, "Pippy Long stocking" always Joins us from Sweden (from Grandpa B.and Grandma C...which if you are reading they LOVE!)
5 freak out dinner isn't ready......through something yummy together
6 Daddy gets home, dinner is served
7 Daily Bible readings as a family (one chapter, questions, books brought off the shelves to show the kids...pictionary!)
7:45 Bed time
8 Bible Tape Class starts
11:30 ish Mummy falls into bed!
(Have I mentioned how much we simply adore Fridays!)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Close of The Season
Alas this morning "The Stand" closed for the season until they hang out their "open" shingle sometime early June. The children and I always find this a hard and sad day. So this morning we went and picked up our 100 lbs of potatoes (50 lbs Yukon Gold, 50 lbs Red Skinned) and a bushel of butternut squash...and that was it! I couldn't believe it! We usually spend a good $70 at the Stand on the last day, but nope only $30 this year as the harvests have been so dreadfully poor in our area.
But dear Jane (the Stand lady) threw in a box full of gourds for the upcoming Marriage Supper, and then directed us to a local farm for pumpkins (orange & white), Broom corn & Indian corn for more decor, and we shall eat the pumpkins latter on as both a side dish and pie! Yum!
So already winter is banging at the door, killer Frost arrived Saturday morning ;-( and they have snow in Barrie already!
But today is beautiful so off I run, time for a walk with the girls, corn cutting and flower pick up for Friday's dinner and hopefully a family bike ride after school.
God Bless
Alas this morning "The Stand" closed for the season until they hang out their "open" shingle sometime early June. The children and I always find this a hard and sad day. So this morning we went and picked up our 100 lbs of potatoes (50 lbs Yukon Gold, 50 lbs Red Skinned) and a bushel of butternut squash...and that was it! I couldn't believe it! We usually spend a good $70 at the Stand on the last day, but nope only $30 this year as the harvests have been so dreadfully poor in our area.
But dear Jane (the Stand lady) threw in a box full of gourds for the upcoming Marriage Supper, and then directed us to a local farm for pumpkins (orange & white), Broom corn & Indian corn for more decor, and we shall eat the pumpkins latter on as both a side dish and pie! Yum!
So already winter is banging at the door, killer Frost arrived Saturday morning ;-( and they have snow in Barrie already!
But today is beautiful so off I run, time for a walk with the girls, corn cutting and flower pick up for Friday's dinner and hopefully a family bike ride after school.
God Bless
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Oh dear me, has it really been this long!
Our lives have changed in so many seemingly small ways, that any spare time is nearly non-existent, but then again it does keep me out of trouble!
Magoo is at CHC 4 full days a week, though we all love "at home schooling Fridays" and make that a fun filled day. With this plus piano and all the usual, our week seems to be filling up even more then I thought possible. So even though the weekly schedule was thrown out last entry, I think it will have to be reworked and put back on the cabinet.
Part of the new busy-ness is that we have come in a round about way to "adopt" some members into our family. No they do not live with us, but our lives are becoming more and more intertwined as we help each other down that long and narrow way to life eternal. We believe that this is a very basic Biblical teaching, taking care of the widows (physical and/or spiritual), fatherless & the poor....especially those in the ecclesia. It is such a joy to send the children to collect chairs to fill the dining room table, to place 10 instead of 5 place settings on special evenings, and to make it a habit of creating a special time for others on a night set apart. We have chosen to set apart Friday evenings (every second one because of little disciples on the other weeks) and join together in a meal, Bible readings and wonderful fellowship.
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27
It reminds me a bit of the Sabbath, they were instructed to stop doing their own work, and to do God's work.
Well we have come to a decision about the commute to school, move. Yep, we are looking at moving closer to D's work and CHC. This will be such a blessing and allow us to be even more available for help in both the ecclesia and the school, something we'd really like to be able to do.
Isn't it wonderful to be so busy in the Truth! After all it isn't simply a Sunday morning religion but a sincere way of life!
But is it understood that way?
If a certain dear sister is reading this, we can't wait to see you! Counting down the days! and if you both would like to spend Friday here as I'm assuming you would like to be around Saturday...we would love to open our home to you.
Well I suppose these ramblings will do for a post. I really must sit down and get a schedule re done....again. ;-)
"Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
Our lives have changed in so many seemingly small ways, that any spare time is nearly non-existent, but then again it does keep me out of trouble!
Magoo is at CHC 4 full days a week, though we all love "at home schooling Fridays" and make that a fun filled day. With this plus piano and all the usual, our week seems to be filling up even more then I thought possible. So even though the weekly schedule was thrown out last entry, I think it will have to be reworked and put back on the cabinet.
Part of the new busy-ness is that we have come in a round about way to "adopt" some members into our family. No they do not live with us, but our lives are becoming more and more intertwined as we help each other down that long and narrow way to life eternal. We believe that this is a very basic Biblical teaching, taking care of the widows (physical and/or spiritual), fatherless & the poor....especially those in the ecclesia. It is such a joy to send the children to collect chairs to fill the dining room table, to place 10 instead of 5 place settings on special evenings, and to make it a habit of creating a special time for others on a night set apart. We have chosen to set apart Friday evenings (every second one because of little disciples on the other weeks) and join together in a meal, Bible readings and wonderful fellowship.
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27
It reminds me a bit of the Sabbath, they were instructed to stop doing their own work, and to do God's work.
Well we have come to a decision about the commute to school, move. Yep, we are looking at moving closer to D's work and CHC. This will be such a blessing and allow us to be even more available for help in both the ecclesia and the school, something we'd really like to be able to do.
Isn't it wonderful to be so busy in the Truth! After all it isn't simply a Sunday morning religion but a sincere way of life!
But is it understood that way?
If a certain dear sister is reading this, we can't wait to see you! Counting down the days! and if you both would like to spend Friday here as I'm assuming you would like to be around Saturday...we would love to open our home to you.
Well I suppose these ramblings will do for a post. I really must sit down and get a schedule re done....again. ;-)
"Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
"I waited patiently for Yhwh;
and he inclined to me, and heard my cry..."
Psalm 40:1
Magoo had his first of monthly checkups on his lungs this morning, and what an answer to prayers! His lungs are still clear, so between the physio patting and puffers we have been told that this should keep him clear for now. They have decided to delay testing for CF for now, which I'm a bit disappointed in as the hospital was telling us it was a must....but we are in Yhwh's hands and I really must learn to trust Him more!
If it wasn't for the fact that Magoo is going to a small wonderful school where I know he is being watched (and taught by God fearing individuals) and that they have our full trust to intervene in case of an emergency, we would be pulling him out and home schooling where I can watch him. What a sure blessing CHC is to us, especially right now!
Btw Kate, thanks so much for the Thursday offer (you are a sweetheart)! I will be coming in anyways for groceries but will let you know how we are doing! Another sister has offered to drive him home once a week as well.
Now I sit here and type while the girls are tucked in for naps and the bread is rising and the fruit sauce is bubbling away again (it takes at least 1-2 days to get the right texture) and this time on 2 not 6 so it should not burn!
The house is a disaster
But this is another place I need to work on. No not that I should get it spotless, but that I need to get the correct order in our priorities. I have a deep set Martha syndrome....not Martha Stewart but Martha the Disciple of Christ.
I really struggle with that balance.
"One things is needful and Mary has chosen that good thing" was one for Princess' memory verses and Mummy needs to memorize not only the words but the practical implications. Husband is wonderful and frequently says that he'd rather a happy home then a clean home. Isn't he the best!
So instead of frantically cleaning up after I sign off, I think it is time I got into some good sound study again. The Summer was great, but this was lacking a bit in all the busyness of preparations for trips and then the aftermath! Any suggestions? I'm going to start on sister's class for Psalm 4 and then would love some ideas.
"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Yhwh. Blessed is that man that maketh Yhwh his trust..." Psalm 40:2-4
Monday, September 21, 2009
Welcome Back
(Well to me anyways)
We have thoroughly enjoyed our summer. Time spent relaxing (as much as one can with 3 children 6 and under) and playing with the Goons. Magoo had 2 hospital stays because of his poor wee lungs, Princess has turned into a sweetheart and helps Mummy around the house, Sprout is no longer just a sprout, but a climber! oh my! We were blessed to go to one Bibles School this summer and gained a lot spiritually from that. A week spent at the family cottage (read very rustic) was also a nice break.
Now it is time to get into gear for CHC and the Fall. Last week we made 4 batches of salsa and 1 batch of fruit sauce for our pantry, but alas the fruit sauce needed re-processing and well, um, I burnt it all! 12 2C Mason jars worth in the garbage. Yes, that made me feel so sick! So now that job has to be redone, again!
Magoo has started grade 1, loving every minute of it. Mummy is finding the drive difficult. 2 hours every day (there and back and there and back) that in fact last Thursday I nearly fell asleep at the wheel and therefore had to miss the baptisms that evening.
So any ideas on making the drive a bit more bearable for the girls and I?
Saturday night I ripped our weekly schedule off of the cupboard it was taped to. It was driving me crazy. With Sprout climbing everything, including frequently dancing on the dining room table, standing on the kitchen counter, and getting 1/2 way up the upright piano! I simply cannot get enough done in a day. Laundry sits wet in the washer until I remember to put it into the dryer....2 days latter, and did I mention the dryer is broken so it takes 2 runs to dry clothes.
To help with all the jobs to get done, we are clearing out the house! So nice to get rid of stuff and actually be able to see the basement flour, well in some areas at least.
So between being humbled immensy by the Goons and being shown I am anything BUT a super Mum, that plus Magoo's health troubles, are teaching me to lean more on God and let Him lead me in the path that we should go.
So many things to post about, but thought that after the hiatus of the summer a catch up would do.
Until next time "Trust in Yhwh with all thine heart and lean not on thine own understanding"
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Well, I was going to update, but Two of the Goons have arrived with books for storytime...
and I cannot resist that...
We are super busy, and so will be missing probiblly til next week!
Here is a verse to keep you going:
"Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment." Eccl. 8:5
Off to read!
and I cannot resist that...
We are super busy, and so will be missing probiblly til next week!
Here is a verse to keep you going:
"Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment." Eccl. 8:5
Off to read!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Meaningful Mondays:
Providence
Some people call it coincidence. Some Karma. Some Luck. Some Intuition.
We call it the providence of God.
There are many times in our lives, where looking back we can see the hand of God. He is there guiding events, directing situations, leading us forward.
Usually when Magoo has a nap it is a rare occurrence. He is great though, and I don't have to worry about him. Usually I will grab the spare hour or so and weed the veggie patch, knit, call a friend. I nearly never have to check on him.
Yesterday I was sitting at the computer checking Arutz-7 news with Princess and had this very strong urge to check Magoo. I had no idea why, didn't really think about it at the time. Just got up and told Princess that I had to go check Magoo while he was napping.
I opened the door to find my son asleep, gasping for breath.
All I could think was, hospital RIGHT NOW. Since we live a bit in the country and going by past experience I knew it would be faster to drive there myself. I scooped him and Sprout up in my arms and RAN downstairs and threw them into the car and strapped him and the girls in.
Slight problem. We had only JUST arrived home from a week and a half up on Manitoulin Island and basically the trailer and car had vomited up all its contents all over the garage and house.
My purse was no-where. His health card was in my purse.
Get the kids out of the car.
Oy.
by now his checks were pinpricked with burst blood vessels and his lips were turning purple.
911
And yes I told the operator off when she told me to NOT comfort my child as he was getting oxygen if he was crying.
Then of all things the doorbell rang.
What?
Our neighbour is a volunteer firefighter and had been napping, he got the page and was there.
Thankfully.
As it took the ambulances ten minutes!
4 firefighters (gotta love the fact the one from Home Hardware arrived on a bike, only in the village we live in!)
8 paramedics
2 ambulances
SIL arriving at my house to take care of the girls right away. The fact that the family all lives within 4 kms. Such a blessing.
Magoo is now home. Thanksgiving is pouring from our lips and hearts that Yhwh saw fit to spare him.
May you see God's hand in your life as well.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Outside my window...
An Indigo Bunting
I am thinking...
We should Really start packing
I am thankful for...
Refreshing physical rain for the garden. Spiritual rain for my heart.
From the Kitchen....
A rice flour raisin scone from my Mum
I am wearing....
Dirt encrusted gardening clothes
I am creating....
Food for the winter....shelling fresh peas from a local farmer
I am going...
To Manitoulin (God willing) in a week
I am reading...
A Sister's Secret by Wanda Brunsettler
I am hoping....
For God's healing hand upon our family
I am hearing...
Children laughing over catching bugs
Around the house...
Chaos
One of my favorite things...
My sisters (blood & spiritual)
An Indigo Bunting
I am thinking...
We should Really start packing
I am thankful for...
Refreshing physical rain for the garden. Spiritual rain for my heart.
From the Kitchen....
A rice flour raisin scone from my Mum
I am wearing....
Dirt encrusted gardening clothes
I am creating....
Food for the winter....shelling fresh peas from a local farmer
I am going...
To Manitoulin (God willing) in a week
I am reading...
A Sister's Secret by Wanda Brunsettler
I am hoping....
For God's healing hand upon our family
I am hearing...
Children laughing over catching bugs
Around the house...
Chaos
One of my favorite things...
My sisters (blood & spiritual)
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Missing In Action
Four doctor's appointments in 2 days. That is our explanation for missing from here. Needless to say Mummy is on antibiotics and 2 puffers, Sprout is on 2 puffers (total of 16 puffs a day), Princess is going through some tests and then probably antibiotics.
Thanks be to God that Magoo is fine. His pediatrician gave him a clear bill of health for his lungs for the first time since his birth.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Fhoto Friday:
An Exhortation From a Bird
Yesterday morning I woke up with the beginnings of a migraine. That was our first clue that a storm was heading our way. It was clear blue skies in the morning, but by noon it was pitch black as the clouds rolled in. Then came the rain. Not your ordinary rain, but sheet rain for over an hour! Then came the hail....bye bye tomato plants....and more sheet rain. For those who have never experienced it, sheet rain means that instead of drops of rain, it all comes so fast that it descends in a continuous sheet of water akin to pouring a bucket out. After the storm (and my migraine was gone) I headed outside to put to right some of the pots of plants and such.And that is when I saw her. I fledgling robing, about the size of my palm. The down was mostly replaced by feathers, but still very young. We Had discovered a robin's nest in the green maple tree next to the deck and that is where she must have come from.
I leaned over from the deck and saw that she was breathing, and walked back into the house, not knowing what if anything we could do to help her.
Then the storm turned back. They sometimes do this in our area. The wind shifted and it was coming back for a second hit. I ran outside to move the already drowning plants to shelter under the front porch, and couldn't for the life of me figure out what to do for the bird.
The rain started again, Giant drops that soon turned again into sheet rain. The power went out, we lite candles to pierce the darkness so that dinner preparation could go on. Donning rain gear I went out to BBQ supper, the gas still works even when the power is out.
That's when I saw her. Not the fledgling but the mother. She was sitting on top of the fledgling, her wings outspread, sheltering her young from the rain. Getting hammered in the process.
I went back inside and told the children with tears in my eyes. A favourite study we've done is where it talks about God sheltering the faithful under His wings.
"Be merciful unto me oh God, be merciful unto me.
For my soul trusteh in thee:
yea in the shadow of thy wings will I
make my refuge until these calamities be overpassed"
Psalm 57:1
(The destroyed nest that fell out during the second storm,
after the young one was already on the ground)
"Because thou hast been my help,
therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."
Psalm 63:7
It reminded me of all the times that God has done such for us. Hiding us under his wings in times of trouble.
Then it made me think of my actions as a mother. How humbling to see this robin's actions, it was a vivid exhortation to me of how a mother most act. Putting her safety aside to protect the young one from the dangers, both physical and spiritual.
But it didn't end last night. We have noticed the mother sheltering the young one from the hot sun (above), and feeding it. Obviously it either doesn't know how to fly, or cannot.
So for now we have kept the children inside, mowing the rest of the yard and leaving that half. Giving the parents room to help their little one.
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