Day 3 – Birthday in Jerusalem

Today was an adventure for sure. Up early – 3am.  Heard above me the sound of music and praying and was unable to go back to sleep.  So laid there and talked to the Lord for long while.  Was thanking Him for the gift of being here for my birthday, amongst other things, and for those who have supported me along this journey. He is amazingly good and gracious to us.

I love something Bill Johnson said recently, “God is better than we think, so we need to change the way we think.”  I say yes – God, please reveal to me the truth about Who You are!!

The Big House, where I am staying, is 4 stories – thus its name.  Lowest level – offices, 2nd level – kitchen, dining areas, other rooms where staff live, 3rd level – a day room, many small rooms with bunk beds for guests, bathrooms, and 4th level – Prayer Tower ( they call it).  Octagon shaped (I think) and glass walls, overlooking Jerusalem on all sides.  Located at top of Mt. of Olives.

Watched the sunrise this morning, and saw the most AMAZING FULL RAINBOW.  I will try to upload px soon.  It was God’s way, I believe, of reminding me that He is a God who fulfills His promises to His ppl.  I look fwd to watching this year as He surprises me in ways beyond my imaginings to fulfill promises given long ago in my life.

After breakfast, traveled to town with my roommate from France.  She is a bit more experienced than I at navigating the city, so she guided me around to some sites.  Wow.

The bus ride in and of itself to the Damascus Gate area was a trip and adventure.  The roads are SO narrow, and drivers impatient.  This house is locatd in the Arab Quarter, so traveled through here to get to Wailing Wall, where we stopped first.  They were having some sort of a large barmitzva celebration for many young boys (men) so there were many people there.  A proud mother even shared the most amazing cake with us.  I took it and ate it as my birthday cake.    It was SO good!

We then walked through a museum, and saw many other sites.

The underground Shuk was quite amazing.  It is an outdoor market of sorts.  Much activity and many people.  buying and selling.  I did not get anything today, as I plan to return another time.

We found our way home before dark, for which I was grateful.  NOT good to be out after dark here – understatement.

We stopped for food at little restaurant we visited, and I had a cappuccino.  YUM!  Food at the place where I am staying is prepared by staff here, who are from all over the world, so we get quite an assortment.  Very nice.

Am not sure what tomorrow holds.

Have been somewhat overwhelmed as I contemplate the fact that I am walking in the very heart of the region where Jesus lived and walked.

Thank you all for your love and prayers.  I am preparing in my heart for my work with Karen next week.  I do not know what to expect, but know it will be good.

This is an intense, but beautiful land.  I have to pinch myself every once in a while – hard to believe I am here.

Val