August 24 - Sunday

Impressions from Dave:

On Grace: It is still alive and well in Israel. While going through the entrance to the International Arts and Crafts Festival, security discovered I was carrying my little Swiss Army pocket knife. They quickly brought over several of the armed guards and informed me that it was illegal to carry any kind of knife in Israel. Then he smiled at me and said, “But since you are an American, we will not put you in jail for 24 hours...but don’t let it happen again.” Now I hide it somewhere outside before I go into places (when I forget to leave it at home).

On Terrorism: We were made aware again of how serious the problems are over here. We were at our friend’s home when we heard a loudspeaker ordering everybody to clear the road and area just below their apartment building. No traffic moved for 15 minutes, as we watched from the third story window. It was discovered that the bag that was left was not a bomb, but simply a package somebody had misplaced and come back for.

On Humor: I’ve discovered that the Jewish culture tells jokes and laughs at themselves even more than the First Nations culture does. We also discovered that the Dutch culture seldom tells jokes on themselves. (Diane, Mark, and the two newest members of our Gathering team all have Dutch heritage, although only Diane indentifies with that heritage.)

On Eating: Every Friday evening, we have the Shabbat meal at our leader’s home. It lasts about four hours and his wonderful Swedish wife is an incredibly good cook. She’s a lot like my mother-in-law. You never go away hungry. And she always has dessert…several options…and I never refuse any of the options.

On Differences: Our leader has shared that because of the holocaust (Hitler was strictly organized), the Israelis are uncomfortable and nervous when something seems too organized. Needless to say, I feel real comfortable in this culture. I’ve also noticed that in most discussions here, people tend to interrupt and start to give their input before the other person has finished sharing (even more so than in the United States culture). Makes me appreciate the Indian Talking Circles.

On Prophecy: There is a super highway (toll road) being built right now. It is partially completed and we have driven on it. It is Highway #6. The plans now are to have it go from Egypt, through Israel, and into Syria. Check out Isaiah 19:23-25. Are we getting close to His return?

Keep looking up,
Dave