Coming Soon

Hi, I just wanted to let you know we are back home from Israel and it is sooooo good!! 10 Days away from my kids was a bit much. Very very excited about being reunited and sleeping in my own bed!!

I was unable to get access to internet in Israel. So I will be posting soon and yes there are many many pictures!

Israel day 1

We arrived in Israel on the 8th at 9 am. Our van driver was there waiting for us to collect our luggage and get our passports stamped. Then we changed in some money and rented a cell phone. By then it was off to Masada Youth Hostel. About a 2 hour drive from Tel Aviv. The scenery is absolutely amazing and wonderful. It was very interesting to drive through the various cities and see the changing landscape. Israel, by the way, is very hilly!!!!! Got to drive by Jerusalem. Saw some camels and bedouins. Very interesting.

By the time we got to the youth hostel I was spent. I really needed some sleep as did the rest of us. Probably not the smartest move but when one is tired one must succumb. We woke up around 2 pm and were a little hungry. Dinner was not until 7. We were staying right by the Masada National Park so we ventured over there for some eats!!! (The group we connected up with was in Egypt and we were scheduled to meet at Masada.

We walked around the visitor center and decided to eat instead of go up to the top. We were sadly disappointed when we found out we missed the last cable car up!!! So with many hours to kill we just talked and waited.

Dinner time came and still no group. We went over and ate and kept getting asked where the rest of the group was!?! When they finally arrived we were excited to hear that 1 - we did not miss the Dead Sea (our itinerary said we would) and 2 - We did not miss Masada!!! We also came to find out that everything was included in our tour. Any excursions included!!!! So God is so good to supply all our needs, especially in the holy land.

I'm Leavin on a Jet Plane

Monday morning was gathering up the kiddos and their stuff to get them out the door as we needed to be out the door by noon time. We picked up the rest of the NJ5 (we are 5 people traveling to Israel and that is what we have coined ourselves). Made it to the Newark airport in no time at all. Parked what in a lot that felt like we were in NY. Very very far away. I am thankful for the shuttle bus. We have a large suitcase as I thought it would be easier than Bill and I having our own. We shall see.

The flight was very successful and easy except for being unable to sleep. If at all possible I would recommend flying in business first as those seats are waaaaay bigger and far better. Plus not so much with the crying babies! Each seat had its own personal video that you could watch movies, tv shows, and even play games. Very cool way to pass the time. In my old age I can get headaches from reading in something that is moving. Oh the joys of getting old.

Israel awaits!

We are just mere days away from Israel and yes I have finished packing all our stuff. On Monday morning we will send off the kiddos and finish up the personal items and then off we go to the airport for a very very long flight!! 13 hours people!!!! Let's just hope we get to sleep some of that time!

Flummoxed

I am utterly and truly at a loss as to what to pack and bring with me to Israel. Bill and I depart on Monday and we are sooooo confused what we should be taking with us and in what. We received an email from the wife of the Pastor who is our guide and she contradicts what was stated on the tips for travel website. She did have some very good helpful hints and for that we are grateful but I have such turmoil as how to pack. This has never happened to me before but then again I have never been on a tour such as this one. I have been places but I have not toured with a group and therefore am not accustomed to having to travel with all my stuff!!!!

My weekend will consist of me fine-tuning all the paraphernalia that will come along. Oh Lord, help me now!!!

On that note, if you could keep us in prayer as we are traveling sans children. Just pray for all our safety, peace, and protection!! Thanks!

What is your treasure?

Today was book club day and as mentioned in a previous post we are reading through the Chronicles of Narnia. Today's discussion was on Prince Caspian. In the book they mention a treasure room that they had in Cair Paravel where they kept the gifts they were given in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Anyway, I was leading the younger group and since they like crafts we typically have a craft for them to do that coincides with the book. I picked up some small boxes that they were able to paint, we called them treasure boxes. So it got me thinking "What is my treasure?" What is so important to my life that I would miss it if it were gone? Something to think about, especially since we are in the giving season. Are you able to give someone a "new" treasure? Did you lose your treasure and would like it replaced? Would love to hear your responses!

What a reason to be Thankful!

We spent the holiday with my side of the family. It was crazy and hectic - which sums up most things related to our clan! It was a good time seeing and being with everyone. We did get a new addition to the family. I am a new Aunt. Jason's girlfriend, Tiffany, had a baby girl on Wednesday morning and they came with the baby just before we sat down to dinner. She is soooo cute and soooooo tiny. I was almost afraid to hold her as I am used to toddlers. Her name is Eva Marie and she is adorable. She was passed around like a baby doll. Everyone did get a chance to hold her.

Just after dinner my Dad's brother and his family stopped by. This was a nice surprise as I have not seen his son yet - now 5 months old. Travis, he too was very cute and had quite the attention lavished on him. At that age they don't take too kind to people they are not familiar with so we said our hellos from a distance. He was also quite tired having been out all day!

It was a great time! The day went way too quick and I couldn't believe how tired I was. I think I was in bed before 11 pm and I didn't even cook the dinner!

(Pictures to come)