Grocery shopping is an adventure!  I gave myself away as goyim the very first time I entered the market.  Feeling entirely lost amongst cans, bottles, and packages, I head for the familiar produce department.  I recognize oranges, onions, apples, avocado's, cabbage and lettuce.

My items were rung up t the check-out counter, but every word directed at me was foreign.  Helpless, I open the palm of my hand and let the cashier remove any amount of coinage she deemed enough.

I walked out, wishing someone had empathized.

Even the bank entry with its' ATM machines seems like a friendlier, more comfortable place.  There's some familiarity.  The word "English" appears and we eagerly press it for other recognizable directions.  Success!  We make a withdrawal and feel somewhat more secure with shekels in our pockets.

We proceed up the hill, hoping to reach the apartment before Shabbat begins.  The upward climb of 134 stairs to the front door lead us to a place of refuge and comfort called "home".

Reflections on Ezekiel 36  #1

Understanding ones motivations is not always an easy task, but for us the character and activity of Almighty God Himself, as we have been touched by Him and His Love and Life in our own lives, is a central factor in our motivation to be here in Galilee, Israel.

The "Sovereign LORD" commands Ezekiel to "prophesy to the mountains of Israel" saying, "...you, O mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home.  I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor, you will be plowed and sown, and I will multiply the number of people upon you, even the whole house of Israel".  (v. 8 - 10)

Observing the freshly rained upon mountains of the Galilee that surround us here in Karmiel, we catch a glimpse of God's passionate relationship with His land, the land He chose as a homeland for Abraham and his descendants.  One can feel the Personification as a reality.  God addresses them directly in their role of providing for the livelihood of His people.

Our vision of participating in a small way in God's plan to bring His people back to His land, is being fulfilled here in these mountains; and they are clearly producing "branches and fruit" for the people.  Our part is to package and distribute that "fruit" to those who, at this point are so newly returned to their homeland that they need help settling in and making a home. 

We are incredibly privileged to be here cooperating with God's plan and purpose.

Israeli's have just celebrated Purim.  Purim is a holiday of rejoicing, based on the account of Mordechai and Esther, as recorded in the book of Esther.

School children mark the event by wearing beautifully colored and frilly costumes.  Husbands bring flowers for their wives..  Bakeries make a tricornered pastry filled with prunes, currants or poppy seeds called Hamantasch, translated "Haman's ears".  There is an atmosphere of lightness and joy, a break in the tensions of everyday life.

In synagogues, the chapters of Esther are read aloud with hissing and booing every time Haman's name comes up.  When Mordechai's name is read, there is loud cheering. 

I, along with Marlene and Kay had the enjoyment of visiting one of the schools where BFP has a lunch program (FEED A CHILD program), feeding numerous Russian immigrant children.  We were welcomed into the classroom with English greetings and very happy faces.  They were so glad for the packets of candies we left with them.

The celebration extols the protective hand of God from annihilation.  We pray that history will repeat itself.

Reviewing our last entry, you can tell we are still trying to find our way around the task of blogging. We realize the font is not easily readable but are not yet able to figure out how to change it. Juliano, help!!  Please bear with these novices.

We've had our first full week of work at the BFP Karmiel Assistance Center (KAC).  Setting out last week for our first day I'm  waiting for a ride, fortunately, because the wonderful rainy season was still fully upon us.  The Tilley hat served me well.

The first few days for me (Rick) were a mix of warehouse packing and an opportunity to spend two days with Dave making deliveries; one day to the north of Karmiel along a ridge from which I caught my first glimpse of Mount Hermon.  What a sight!  We were still a long way off and saw just the peak, but still awesome in size.  On that trip we made deliveries to four distribution centers and met warm people who were running them.  Through the ADOPT AN ISRAELI TOWN program,  BFP assists 18 Israeli towns that are experiencing hardship.  Between Jerusalem Head Quarters and Karmiel Assistance Center, 27,000 people are fed every month.

The second delivery day took us to Haifa and six different centers, one of which was led by a young orthodox rabbi from America.  He and his wife are actively involved in young children's lives in school.  His students are the "troubled kids" for whom he functions both as teacher, father and mentor.
Finally midweek, I began maintenance work by replacing about ten fluorescent fixtures & light tubes.  God could just say"Let there be Light" and there was light.  But I needed to go up & down a 15 ft. ladder about six times for each fixture to get the light we needed for the area in which the maintenance shop will be located. 

Thursday presented us with the privilege of hosting an American BFP tour group at our KAC.  Their interest & commitment was highly encouraging; particularly their prayers of protection & blessing on us.  James, and others in charge of specific areas, gave the tour embers an explanation of what we do at the center.

On Friday my hand tool boxes arrived.  I was given the first actual project to do; it will take most of the next week.

I (Grace) have the privilege of packing items that will bring hope to families who have just arrived in a new land, with virtually no belongings and where most everything is unfamiliar.

Over the last week, I, along with Kay, have packaged many, many bags of food, kitchen sets, blankets, and Hebrew-Russian Scriptures (IMMIGRANT WELCOME GIFTS program) for individuals and families.

It is a great joy to be the hands and feet, a part of Bible prophecy being fulfilled.

Six of KAC's nine member team from South Africa, USA, a Russian Israeli, Wales and Canada!  All lovers of God and Israel!

 Our apologies for leaving you in suspense. Yes, we have arrived, at the Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, Feb 26.  We quickly caught the train to Akko, heavy suitcases in tow. At the station an angel in the person of a Jewish man full of the Spirit of God welcomed us and wished us well in Israel.  Another angel in the person of a compassionate woman, fellow travel from Akko who helped us find our way around to the taxi that would take us to our hotel.

Our arrival coincided with a three day break in a seven year awaited heavy rainy season.  Akko was warm and sunny and very restful.

On Wednesday morning Bridges For Peace (BFP) volunteers picked us up and we lunched on sweet potato, lentil, goat cheese and lettuce salad...I love Israel already!

We were given a  tour of the BFP Assistance Center, then on to our new home at 9/13 HaBeroshim St.  Daily we walk up & down 54 steps to our third floor apartment with a sun room (white shuttered corner on top floor of bldg.) 

New Sights:
   *  spectacular mountainous  terrain
   *  Hebrew lettering on every street sign, shop,
       food packaging
   *  Arabic villages north of the highway, 
       on the south
   *  proliferation of cats roaming freely 



New sounds:
   * cats howling past bedtime
   * fighter jets overhead
   *  call to prayer
   *  greetings of "Shalom"

Thankful for:
   *  seven co-workers who have the heart of
       God in kindness & care towards us
   *  adequate accommodations
   *  warm blankets & two electric heaters
   *  familiar food...popcorn & pizza
   *  the love of God all around us