A New Friend

Today we had lunch with our friend Joy and her old friend Taly, an Israeli who lives in Jerusalem and KC. He was full of kindness and eager to help us while we're in Israel. In fact, he lives just ten minutes from the apartment where we'll be staying when we first arrive. He'll be returning to Jerusalem in a few weeks, which is perfect timing for us. He was excited to have us over for Israeli meals and promised to show us some great restaurants. Cassidy enjoyed listening to his accent as he shared with us a bit about himself. I told her that Taly would help her speak Hebrew and then she promised she would teach me.

This meeting was a blessing to us as we leave a home we know and love so well to go into a new life. Taly's kindness and willingness to help us encouraged us about our move. He himself has been through some hard things and he told us that instead of grieving his whole life he's decided to enjoy it, because every day he is here is a blessing from G-d. And when we enjoy our lives we're frustrating the Enemy.  His love for G-d and the land of Israel is evident and we look forward to building this new relationship. As Cassidy hugged Taly good-bye I couldn't help but think he could be a wonderful grandfather figure for her...and for us.



Kingdom Living, Tom and Leah's home congregation, is hosting a going away party and silent auction fundraiser for Remember Jerusalem. We know Tom and Leah would love to see everyone one last time before they leave. We thought it would be a great time for fellowship with them and also a chance to bless them. Therefore, if you have a business, work for a business or know of any business that would be willing to donate something to the silent auction,  it would be greatly appreciated. Don't have a business but want to contribute in some way? Contact Lauren Blake, kingdomlivingchurch@gmail.comt.  If you yourself want to donate or if you know of a business that might want to participate let Lauren know because there are certain forms that need to be filled out for this event and she can get them to you. Thank you so much for your help. We look forward to seeing you at the party.

A Few Things

With Tom's return we now await our Visa appointment on January 22nd. We are thrilled that the student visa allows us to be in Israel for a whole year before needing to renew it. Please pray that we get approved for our visas and that we get them in our possession before we leave! Once we've been approved we have to send our passports to the nearest Israeli Embassy, which is in Chicago. UHL (Tom's school) believes we should be able to get our visas and passports around the 25th. We're believing!

We also realize we need a lot of wisdom about Cassidy's school. Tom found a great pre-K and Kindergarten in the Old City that will help her transition from English to Hebrew, but we obviously want to make sure she's comfortable with the process. We're praying she learns the language quickly so she will be able to participate and enjoy her time in school. It will be a big change; she goes to school twice a week for 2 1/2 hours, and in Israel she will be going 5 days a week for 7 hours. We're not in a hurry to get her in school, but we want to do what's best for her. We're very thankful Tom visited this school while he was in Israel; it's a relief to know she will be in a good learning environment.

I am grateful to have Tom home, and I know he's happy to be back for a bit. We're blessed to be staying in a nice home that is still close to many family and friends. Cassidy enjoys her preschool and we're loving the time we have to see so many people before we leave. We pray you're all doing well, and enjoying the start of 2012.

Adventures in Israel

What an incredible experience my reconnaissance trip to Israel has been!  I was immediately able to connect with the University of the Holy Land (UHL) and participate in their weekly doctoral seminar. I met several of the Ph. D students and the President of the university, Dead Sea Scrolls scholar Dr. Stephen Pfann and his wife Claire.  She graciously gave me and John Glueck a tour of Hebrew University because UHL is a sister school meaning most of the classes are on campus at Hebrew University.  It was good to get familiar with my surroundings and it helped me figure out what part of Jerusalem we should live in.  I also toured a few apartments in the area to get a feel for the pricing and size.   After getting my head around everything and talking with some locals, an apartment agent, and UHL, it seems to make the most sense to wait until the big move to rent an apartment.  Clint and Janet Glenny (wordofgrace.weebly.com) allowed us to stay in their apartment for free -- a huge blessing!  And, they have graciously offered us their apartment when we move next month until we find a place.  This will save us several thousand dollars plus Leah can give her input on new home.  Halleluyah! 

As if this was not exciting enough, John and I were able to visit Yad Hashmonah just outside of Jerusalem overlooking the Judean Hills.  We had a wonderful time fellowshipping with many followers and getting a taste of the discipleship training.

Tom with Asher Intrater

I attended a few different congregations and these were great experiences. I have also been informed of numerous other congregations in Jerusalem for us to connect with when we get here -- so many opportunities!

Riding with John from Ashdod to Ashkelon with food for the
substance abuse program

On the last day of the trip John and I spent some time in Ashdod and the surrounding cities.  We connected with a humanitarian organization and participated in their daily distribution of food and clothing for the poor. We were able to meet and speak with some of the local needy people including one survivor of a terrorist bomb.  The inhabitatants live with the daily threat of rockets and John and I experienced the calm composure of our hosts during of few of these! Can you imagine living every day knowing a rocket could hit your home, or someone you know? Please pray for the Jews in Ashdod and Ashkelon.

In Judea

In 4 and 1/2 weeks we'll be in Israel, pending our visa appointment on January 22nd, so stay tuned for more adventures.

In the Land

The Tel Aviv Airport. Thanks John!

Tom arrived in Israel yesterday and John was there to pick him up -- and all of his bags. We spent a lot of time sorting through clothes and other items that we can do without for a month and packed them in two suitcases. When I took him to the airport it was a bit chaotic, but when his bags got checked they only charged him $35 for his second suitcase instead of $70. It was a blessing and a reminder that, like my dad said, When G-d is your travel agent things are bound to work out right.

He met with school officials today and may have even contacted someone about apartments, but that has yet to be seen. Thanks to the miracle of Skype we were able to see each other for a little while yesterday, before he went to sleep and then once he woke up (his Thursday morning, my Wednesday night). It's a strange thing being 8 hours apart and Cassidy and I miss him but we're praying he'll be blessed with Divine appointments and favor upon favor.

Thanks for staying connected!