Wednesday, August 21, 2013

A Busy Month

Hi Everyone,
I have been home a month.  Time seems to be going as fast here as it did during the three months I was in Occupied Palestine Terriority and Israel. 

Last Weekend in July

The last weekend in July, I met my sister, Donna, who lives in Florida, at Pittsburgh, PA for a conference by Christians for Biblical Equality (www.cbeinternational.org.)  I made the trip by Greyhound bus, an adventure in itself.  Arriving at the bus station at 4:30 AM and then finding my way to the hotel 23 miles away was another stretch. 

I am praising God for all those who gave me directions.  It was only a few blocks’ walk to the underground, and there were a few other people making the walk before 6 AM.  The conference and the things I learned left my heart praising God for the Holy Spirit’s gifting for ministry. 

A United Methodist volunteer, Tina Whitehead, whom I met in Jerusalem, was home in the states.  Her home was within an hour drive of my conference site, so she visited for coffee and conversation.  I have learned and still am learning so much from her.  Tina has served in the Holy Land for several years.

Donna and Lessons on Zionism

Being home and having Donna staying here is wonderful.  Some of you remember that I invited you all to lessons on Zionism.  Donna has put together scripture and lesson outlines.  Those who responded to the invitation, from this blog, have learned a lot.  If you want copies of the lessons, let me know.

A Wonderful Variety of Activities 

Family

My brother and sister-in-law came up from Lawton in southern Michigan.  We enjoyed dinner and a concert of Irish music.  Donna, Janet and Jim did the tourist things around Traverse City, while I got ready for my pending advocacy talks.

Sunrise in Michigan

  It almost looks like the "burning Bush/tree"!  

 But it is God gifting me with another beautiful sunrise.

I am a morning person it is my joy to see the beauty of sunrises from my deck.


 

More Training

I now have completed the West Michigan Conference Leadership Training for United Methodist Volunteers in Missions.  Lorna Jost of the North Central Jurisdictional Office offered this training.  Maybe someday we can go on a Holy Land tour together.

Friends and Even a Yard Sale





My subdivision decided to have a yard sale, so some of my friends brought their tables and stuff and we had a fun day!







Advocating for Just Peace in Palestine and Israel

On Saturday, August 17, it was my privilege to tell about my EAPPI experiences to the local chapter of Michigan Veterans for Peace.  In addition, on Sunday August 18, I spoke to my church family at Christ United Methodist Church. 

I was glad to have these opportunities to tell what I saw and learned in the Occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. I am convinced that if Jesus were here in person, he would be a Peace and Justice activist.  Jesus would be advocating for a JUST peace in all areas of conflict in the world.  


Let’s take the challenge to be the hands of Jesus in the world!

Christ United Methodist Church


This year I have worshiped with many congregations, some even in English.  God’s Spirit made Jesus known to the hearts in each worship setting, but there is something VERY special to me about worshiping with my local church family. 

After the service we had a wonderful time at the lake
Action Shot: The Stick Is Still In the Air
Good Parents Ever Watchful


Methodist Tradition, Good Food
Somors

After the service we had a wonderful time at the lake.




Prayers Still Needed

As I discern God’s plans for my next mission, I am counting on your continued prayers.  Please call me, 2313 929 7808 if your church or group would like a presentation about what I saw and did during my three months in Bethlehem with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program Palestine Israel (www.eappi-us.org).

PRAY FOR A JUST PEACE 

IN THE MIDDLE EAST!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Mint Tea, Mint Lemonade and Palestinian Thyme Bread

Palestinian Thyme Bread:





George and Sylvia my neighbors in Palestine, taught me how to make Palestinian Thyme Bread.





 Even though Sylvia has a oven in the house, she prefers to use the traditional one on the patio.



Back in the states 

My friend Nancy and I got busy with Phyllis's recipe.



 



Brunch at Christ United Methodist Church July 21, 2013

The ones we made were not as nice as George and Sylvia's, but off to church they went.





New menu items on Sunday's brunch, pita bread, humus and Palestinian thyme bread.




Palestinian Mint Tea and/or Mint Lemonade

In Palestine I learned to love tea with a sprig of fresh mint and mint lemonade.  In the states, on my first attempt to buy mint I was not successful. Quality mint was not available.  If  I wanted to continue drinking mint tea and mint lemonade I decided I would have to grow it myself.

My friend Nancy and I went to the farmer's market to buy mint plants.    

With Nancy's help we prepared the ground and planted the mint.  Our task was completed successfully.

As Nancy planted each plant she would say,
"Grow for the Glory of God  and the enjoyment of all of us."

She said she remembers planting with her grandfather and he would say that same thing as he planted his garden.  

What a win/win.  She got to remember happy thoughts of her grandfather and I got the mint planted.  When the work was done, together we enjoyed mint Lemonade.


As I look out my window the mint growing there will be my call to prayer for the people of Palestine.

Consider this your invitation to come over for Palestinian Thyme Bread, Mint Tea and Mint Lemonade.

We Will Pray for a JUST Peace in the Middle East