Thursday, September 27, 2012

We are back in Jerusalem (have been for a week) and are rapidly settling back into a schedule.  Our flight over was great, standby worked out well; non stop to NYC and Business Class JFK to TelAviv!  Now THAT is the way to fly!

Today is Yom Kippur and all is quiet in West Jerusalem as Jews spend the day fasting, praying, forgiving and worshipping.  It is literally quiet as no cars, trucks or buses are moving across the street from where we life.  In East Jerusalem (where we are living) life is going on as usual.  The Garden is open, if you were in Jerusalem today, staying in a hotel in West Jerusalem, and wanted to come to the Garden... you WALKED here!  And some did...
 
We are off today and walked through the Old City to the Western Wall and and plan to go back near the close of the day to watch as thousands of Jews come to the wall to celebrate as Yom Kippur comes to a close.,
 
When we left in May of 2011 work was still going on to sand blast the Damascus gate.  That work has been completed and the gate is beautiful.  We are reminded of how beautiful this walled city must have been in the days of Jesus before the onslaught of pollution from so many buses.  It must have been absolutely amazing 2,000 years ago as people made their way "up to Jerusalem."
 

The Damascus Gate
 
Many of you have prayed for the construction on Skull Hill... it continues today.  Here you see Skull Hill with the new wall and elevation above the bus station next door.
 


 
The Garden has undergone an amazing transformation over the past sixteen months under the very capable hands of our two gardners.
 
 
 
The Wine Press has been restored.
 
 
Some things will never change... the Tomb is still empty!
 
Yesterday was Yom Kippur.  All traffic ceased... except in Arab neighborhoods... where life went on as usual.  Any visitors to the Garden walked here unless their hotel was in East Jerusalem... very quiet day for us!
 
 
Looking up into West Jerusalem on Yom Kippur.  It's OK to walk or ride a bike... just don't drive your car!  If you do, you can expect have it stoned!!!
 
 
Turn around, look into East Jerusalem (where the Garden Tomb is located) and it is just a normal day.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

It has been a long sixteen months since we were last in Jerusalem... a time of surgery for both of us, physical therapy, and complete recovery.  Judy has a new knee and I have a repaired shoulder. 

We have enjoyed precious time with our family while we were home.  Full House for Christmas in Tampa, visits to Houston, New England, Louisiana and Montana.  We even got to throw in a couple of cruises!  Can't complain...

Suitcases are scattered around the house and and we are trying to pack.  We return to the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem Monday September 17th for two months.  We are excited and anxious go Up to Jerusalem!  What a great opportunity God has rewarded us with to serve Him near the village of His birth and city of His Crucifixion, burial and resurrection!

As we prepare to go can we ask you to pray for us as we travel "standby" (we get to fly if and when seats are available for us) for the first time.  If all goes well we will appreciate the savings!  Pray for our safety while in Israel.  We are always careful and observant of our surroundings and don't go off doing crazy stuff (I know that's hard for those of you who know Judy to believe!)  But it's true.  Just keep us in your prayers.

Know this... we are firmly convinced that God has called us to Israel and willingly follow Him.  We love this land and the people of Israel and are homesick for our "other home."  We will try to update the blog as we can... please enjoy it!