Sun January 24

All is well here.   This picture was taken when we were in Hebron at Abraham’s Spring last week.

After our morning worship and some time at church today, some of us went to one of the malls here to buy a few things for the Gaza trip, then walked through the Old City on the way back.  I found a few items I have wanted to pick up, which was good.  Was a pretty cool day.  Is pouring right now, which is a good thing for this dry land.

Update on Gaza trip: We have had our applications under review by the Israeli Army since this past Wed.  I completed the required paperwork for everyone about 3 weeks ago, sent it in, and they said they never recieved it so we had to do it all again.  This past Tuesday night, Karen and I ended up going to a post office to fax it all to the Army and they have been working on it ever since.  Think we are waiting on FBI clearance at the moment.

We heard this morning that the person in charge of this project on the Army end expected to hear something about the approval this morning, but did not.  She hopes to have some info for us tonight or in the morning.

Our current team consists of 21 of us. One lady volunteered to stay behind and “hold down the fort.”   Half of us are over 30, the other half are under.

This may be the last correspondence you have from me for the next number of days. Our hope is to get the ok by tomorrow morning, and head for Gaza in the afternoon. We hope to come out on Friday morning.

From there, I anticipate a trip to Haifa with the Burn Team for 1 1/2 days then back to Jerusalem. Plan is to go to  ministry of David Davis. http://www.carmel-assembly.org.il/   Have been really wanting to go there to check it out. Don’t know much at this point as have not been able to look online at their ministry.  My access to internet is very limited.  Life here is much different in many ways than it is in the West, but I think I could get used to it.

It has become a secret desire of mine to be able to spend a year in the Land and cover it from top to bottom – an educational adventure of sorts. 

We would appreciate your prayers for: Team safety and unity, clear communication between those on team, anointed communication with those we interact with (students and teachers at the school where we will be working), favor, etc…..

Am told that God really shows up with His agenda during Karen’s Gaza trips, so that is the way we plan to flow.  During the last day of the trip we plan to do some graffitti painting with our students.  An artist from England has flown in to join us, and will be instructing students on the how to’s.  From there we will find some walls in Gaza City and write “Life to Gaza”, “The Lord give you peace, Gaza,” Gaza will shine like no other” etc….  Already been approved (the terms). 

So sorry that my communication is not the best when I blog.  I have limited time to write when I do so, so write in a hurry.

May the Lord bless each of you who read this in rich ways.  I am so thankful for each and every one of you.  My life is really being changed while I am here.

I love you and miss you all, my Friends and Loved Ones. Val