Arrival and Adjustments

THE TRAVEL

Boats, train, plane and 23 hours to arrive at 6:20 PM in Ammn.

Gift of Grace

God had arranged that I meet Holly last summer at Traverse Bay UMC.  She lives and works in Ammon.  She and an English Arabic speaking friend, Haloup, met me at the airport, helped me obtain a phone and delivered me to the hotel.

A Tourist

My first day to be a tourist was blessed with Holly and Haloup' s company and transportation.

We visited Mount Nebo viewing the Promised Land from where it is believed Moses stood.

 (Photo pending finding a cable for camera connection to new laptop, sorry).

In Madaba, at St Georges church we saw mosaic map of the Holy Land.  It was laid between 542 and 570 in a Byzantine church that stood on the same site.  Over 2,000,000 pieces were in the original.  Amazing mapping for that era.
(Photo pending)

There were many beautiful mosaics which I am sure were acts of worship by their creators.
(Photo pending)



The last place we visited was the site where it is believed that Jesus was baptized.
There is a beautiful church built by the site.

It was my opportunity to consider the Christian's concept of God.

God the Son being baptised, God the Holy Spirit coming in the form of a dove, and God the Father's voice  saying,
This is my Son, whom I love;with him I am well pleased."  Matthew 3:17.by

To the right shows how this area probably looked in Jesus' time.













As I stood with pilgrims from Jordan at the Jordan side of the Jordan River, straight across the river were Israeli pilgrims.   We were all there to honor Jesus.

My hope is we will all honor Jesus by doing what he taught, "Love One Another."

For the JOY

On Bainbridge Island, WA

Praising God for the Joy of visiting friends and family before leaving.  Planes, trains, automobiles and boats have taken me through the states. 

I was on duty with a camera when the Christmas tree came in for decoration.  

 Taking time for a "selfie" while waiting for the train.  Hard to get the focus correct.

It was my JOY to celebrate my birthday with family; Molly, Walker and Holden.  

 

 

Molly and I attended a Sing-Along-Sound of Music event. 
It was held at the historic 5th Avenue theater. 
Check out the beautiful Ceiling.

.

 

 

 

Another Tablet

Even new tablets do crash; I lost all my data.  But, I am so glad it happened here, the Geek Squad replaced the tablet.   

However, it was replaced with an android based tablet instead of windows based.


Is she too old to learn a new computer system?

 

Departure Day January 7, 2014

Before I get to the airport I will have been on bus, boat, and light rail.  I will have just over 24 hours of travel when I land in Amman.  

It is a special JOY, Holly and a friend who speaks both English and Arabic will be meeting me at the airport.  They will be helping me purchase the correct phone and delivering me to my hotel.  This special help is a JOY and an answer to all our prayers.

Applying God's Message

I am traveling with pages from the 2014 United Methodist Women's Prayer Calendar.  It contains readings for each day.  Very appropriate to my departure is the reading listed for yesterday, Joshua 1:1-9.  "..Be strong and very courageous.  Be careful to obey....Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with your wherever you go."

Along with my Bible I am carrying a daily devotional book, Face to Face Praying the Scripture for Intimate Worship by Kenneth Boa.  I review a section here from the closing prayer for this morning. It is reflecting on Psalm 27:23-24 and Psalm 33:20-22.

I would have lost heart unless I had believed
That I would see Your goodness, O Lord,
In the land of the living.
I will hope in You and be of good courage,
And You will strengthen my heart;
Yes, I will hope in You, O Lord

My soul waits in hope for You, O Lord;
You are my help and my shield.
My heart rejoices in You,
Because I trust in Your holy name.
Let Your unfailing love be upon me, O Lord,
Even as I put my hope in You.

Prayer

It is my JOY to know that you are remembering the people of the Middle East and my ministry in your prayers.  As we pray for each other we are acknowledging God's sovereign LOVE over each other and everyone that God places in our lives. 

I ask that you remember my need to understand the language and my new computer tablet better.  Please lift up the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the people in Jordan.  The Syrian refugees as well as those who are walking with them in their extreme needs.

"Hatching a Snow Bird"

I am praising God for the blessing of the warm climate of Sebring, Florida.  I have a better understanding of the "snow birds."  I think I might really be one.

MORNING WALKS

I continue to enjoy the morning walks. 

It is so nice not to have to walk on ice and snow.

COLD SPELL

It was only 83 today, down from yesterday's 93.

 

THE REAL FLORIDA

Florida state park system was a wonderful experience.  We took a tram through various habitats of many species of animal and plant life.

 

Hope you enjoy the sights,

 

Did you notice the snake on the stump?

 

 

Cypress knees and trees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SISTER STUFF

 

 

My sister, Donna, and I have enjoyed this time together.  We have shared many activities. Also we have had some theological discussions.  I get to say what I think, she's my sister!

 

 

However, when we differ on a Bible topic I know she is probably the one that has it correct. 

 

She has a master degree in Biblical Studies from Multnomah in Oregon.  She has a master in linguistics from University of Texas in Arlington.  In Ethiopia she translated the Bible into two different tribal languages.  Donna did the exegetical checking for accuracy.

I will give the second presentation here in Florida on Tuesday.  Please pray with me that each person that has heard of the injustice and abuse caused by the occupation will join the Palestinian and Israelis who are working together for a non-violent solution based on law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's a Village

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

From the Orlando airport it was a bus ride to Amtrak and a couple hour train ride to my Sister, Donna, in Sebring.  I am getting better at this individual traveling at least more experienced.  I was graciously helped by people on my path and did not lack for people to talk with.  
 
Donna is a retired missionary.  She spent 30 years in Africa with her main responsibility Bible translation.  

 

A RETIREMENT VILLAGE

The Service in Mission (SIM) Retirement Village a wonderful facility.  About 170 people live here and all are retired SIM missionaries.  There are many activities to do right here in the village.  The village includes houses, duplexes, apartments and an assisted living. 


The street scenes are beautiful and the people are friendly.  I enjoyed my morning walks seeing the sun rise in many locations including the orchard in Donna's back yard.











The street scenes add beauty and variety.

The calm early morning allows us to see the beauty of God's gift twice.  The calm ponds reflecting the beauty of the neighborhood.  

God brings to my mind how beautiful our lives should be as we reflect the new nature we have as brothers and sisters of Christ!

Birds and small animals are a part of this Village scene.  The squirrels scurrying around are like those that I might see in Michigan. But check out their menu!  Florida Oranges.

There is a Fellowship Hall, decorated for Christmas and so is the yard!

The Lodge, an assisted living in the village has also been decorated for Christmas.  All that is missing is the snow.




There is a chapel in the village,  We attended the Thursday night service. 

Note the parking lot.

Each morning, from the swimming pool, laughter greets me as I take my early morning walk.  

I see the green volley ball and the tops of gray heads as the game goes on.












Donna's friend Sharon joined us for dinner on my first Saturday in Sebring.  I have enjoyed meeting Sharon and Donna's friends here in the Village. 

The wealth of knowledge is amazing.  I have been talking with people who have been on mission fields 30+ years.  They are sharing their knowledge with me. 

Praise God with me for allowing me to be here for this "training."

Continue to pray for Peace in the Middle East.  Pray for the refugees and for those who have extended them  hospitality.