We knew we were headed for Israel at the Toronto airport. Of course there were a number of Jewish people on the flight. I always book an aisle seat and Donna next to me which leaves the one seat by the window. Along came an Ultra Orthodox rabbi . His was the window seat but he had a problem. They will not sit beside a lady. He had the stewardess with him to ask me to move to the middle and Donna to the aisle. Such is life. Before we took off, the row in front only had one person so he sat there. Of course he was up and down, changing his clothes and putting on prayer shawl and phylacteries.
As we were leaving Toronto, the snow had started and they were lining up the de-icers. We made it out just in time as later over 200 flights were cancelled.
All our flights went well and we were in our apartment at noon on Monday. We have a very nice space in one of the larger units. Nice until we have extra amount of cleaning on the final day here.
Tuesday, Pierre Jutras, our missionary in Poland came with one of the Polish believers I had met on the building projects. Since some of those receiving the blog met Pierre and Slawek on those trips, I have included their picture in front of Skull Hill.
We had to get on our way to do our shopping for the week. The Garden has enough in the kitchen for us to get by for the first day but we needed a bigger shopping time to stock up with the basics.
We walk almost 2 miles to our grocery store and use the Garden cart. It was full by the time we were done.
On the way back we bought our fruits and vegetables locally. I should have taken a picture. It was almost all men shopping. It is only a small counter and half of that is a scale. People put stuff in a bag and then on the counter and go get some more bags. There is no room to put down your own veggies. But we managed. That is an Arab shop. It is different in the Jewish grocery store. We had forgotten that the older and middle aged women like to try to cut into the line in front of you if you even glance away for a minute. The lines are slow and may stop so the cashier can have a good visit. Not much like Real Canadian Superstore.
The weather has been sunny and around 60 degrees. Cools in the late afternoon. I am not wanting to make you jealous but the almond trees are in flower.
Today was my first day of guiding. It is pretty slow right now so when we have individuals or couples show up, we can often take them around. I really enjoy doing that. So my first time out was with a Jewish guide and her group of four. Two of the ladies are believers from Florida and they had two Jewish friends from their home town. It was a really good time to share the Gospel.
Shortly after that I had a pastor from the States that has been a missionary the last 22 years in the Ukraine. He had been praying last night of how he felt the time was just being a tourist. The spiritual input was just what he was needing and I had lots of time for him.
Shortly before lunch a couple came and the person at the desk was going to send them off on their own with the written guide material. At the last moment, he asked them if they would like one of our guides. The fellow was from England and the gal originally from Romania. I ask right away if they have a Christian background so I know where to start with the explanations. He said he was a Roman Catholic but did not believe anymore. She did not reply. I had a good time with them. They listened intently as I shared about the place and gave my testimony. At the tomb, she started to ask some great questions. She had been raised Greek Orthodox. She wanted to know if I thought her church or his could forgive sins. My answer was "no a church cannot absolve us of sin from my understanding of the Bible". Her next question was how could she be forgiven then. It was a great time to share the Good News. She had started to read the Bible at one time and I really encouraged her to get into the gospels. They stayed around the Garden for some time. On the way out she saw a table with Bibles that we make available for those that want to read Scripture in the Garden. She wanted to know if she could buy one. We have New Testaments that we can give away. She was very appreciative. I cannot remember her name, but maybe some of you would pray with me that in the next few days, she might get into the Word and the Word into her heart and soul.
That is all for our first blog. Hope you can read it. Blessings. gord
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Great job with your blog. We will be praying for the couple you asked prayer for. What a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel. Blessings to you both.
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