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