With a few loose ends to tie up in Israel, I remain in the land for a few more days. Following the group’s departure early Wednesday morning, I made my way in the early morning hours from the airport to the home of my usual tour guide and good friend, Aly, and her husband, Teo. Situated in the Judean hills outside Jerusalem, the setting was quiet and very comfortable. The weather was suddenly sunny and pleasant, so we enjoyed breakfast outside in the garden each morning!

It is a treat to be in the home of Israeli friends and actually experience real, everyday Israeli life. Aly and Teo enjoy an active, yet simple, life in a common Jewish village. The setting is pleasant and the views are wonderful!

On Thursday evening, Aly and Teo had an invitation from friends in the neighborhood to come to their home for a miniature concert and dessert. I was invited to go along and what a blessing it was to experience life in another Messianic Jewish home! A group from Germany, including a very gifted (and nationally-known) guitarist, was in town and we were blessed to hear him play tunes he wrote, as well as those by Johann Sebastion Bach. The host family was also very musically gifted, so Hebrew worship broke out and it was a little slice of heaven!

Experiencing Jewish culture is such a blessing and Aly and Teo were great hosts. Our conversations over breakfast and after dinner in front of the wood burning stove were precious and deepened our friendship. I am so blessed to have had this time with them!

More adventure tomorrow, so stay tuned!