More photos than words.

Because so much life has happened in the last week.

We boarded a plane one week ago today.

In that time, we’ve made an apartment feel our own, learned how to convert dollars to shekels, brushed up on converting Fahrenheit to Celsius, found markets to buy groceries, met a lot of really beautiful people, overcome (or are trying to at least) jet lag, felt and processed a whole lot of emotions and begun to explore this amazing city.

The best way I can get you caught up without this being a novel is to just show you pictures.

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12/28/23. Explored NYC. Half of us loved it. The other half said, “get us out of here.” I’ll let you guess who said what.

Then we flew.

12/29/23. We arrived, traveling from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem apartment where we are staying. Settled in and went to sleep.

12/30/23. Walked to church. (It’s on Saturday here.) Had a moment on the way when we passed a sign with directions to Bethlehem. Also explored a park near our apartment with Mount Olives in the background. Unbelievable.

12/31/23. Navigated a market for the first time.

1/1/24. Our last day with the Professor before his classes began. We decided to explore Old Jerusalem together. Went to Church of the Holy Seplchre and had a moment standing inside the empty tomb. Not a bad way to start 2024.

1/2/24. Explored a “convenience store” down the block. Let the kids buy a snack and took it to a park. I decided to get something for the Professor to enjoy when he as done with class. Ended up picking out something like a fig newton, but filled with chocolate. When we got to the park, I used google translate on my receipt because I wanted to know what they were called. It translated as “chocolate panties.” We all had a good laugh.

1/3/24. Ventured out to a coffee shop. Mama got a cappuccino and bought cookies for the kids. We enjoyed them while we wrote in our travel journals.

1/4/23. Explored our neighborhood today and found yet another playground close to us. At the playground was an old bus stop converted in to a lending library. This is my kind of place. We also found a promenade with a gorgeous view and a trail with cool shops, restaurants, and a PIANO.

This semester is a gift. Just like He said it would be. My heart is filled to the brim and we’ve only just begun. Thanks for going on this photo journey with me!