Seminars

Life didn't slow down much while I was posting about our trip to Israel, but I will try not to bore you with all the details, but rather make a few quick summaries.

The 1st week end we were home we hosted another PFO (Pre-Field Orientation) for 3 young ladies, from the Faroes, Germany and Norway - going to work in the British Headquarters, Philippines and Indonesia. I had done most of the prep work before our trip, so was thankful to see things go quite smoothly. It was scheduled to be the same time as the SUMMIT team reunion so the schedule could coincide with things like devotions, meal times and fun night. We are excited for these 3 ladies and look forward to hear how things are going in their ministries.

Filing out evaluation forms - we always hope to learn from our candidates and continue to improve the week end.

One of our faithful and enthusiastic teachers.

They know where they are going!

The 2nd week end found us in Sheffield (about 1 1/2 hr. drive south) at a Missions Conference for medical workers. The opportunity to spend time in between meetings with doctors, nurses and medical students who are interested in helping others overseas was very encouraging.

We enjoyed being accompanied by 3 students. 2 of the ladies are nurses and had spent some time in our clinic in PNG.

The opportunity to interact with so many people interested in missions was a day well spent.

Day 14 - Our 35th Anniversary

Our 35th Wedding Anniversary in Jerusalem!!

The tour was planned to give us one free day in Jerusalem. There was so much to see they couldn’t possibly show us everything so we could all choose various things.

The timing was perfect for us as it was our 35th Wedding Anniversary - the reason this trip was planned. We enjoyed a quiet day together, strolling the streets of both the Old Jerusalem and the Modern City.

The path took us right through a new modern mall.

Interesting sculptors of Samson's life!

Going on to the Old Jerusalem

Yummy pomegranate.

I loved the way they displayed their spices and other dry food!

The day also included a leisurely dinner at a Brazilian Restaurant which had been recommended to us -

- as well as stopping in at the newly renovated Israeli Museum for a few minutes to get a quick view of the Dead Sea Scrolls (no picture taking allowed) and a replica of what Jerusalem looked like 2,000 years ago.

Around 6:00 we got on the bus one more time, to go to the Tel Aviv airport, where we had a 10 hr. wait for our flight early the next morning. Besides getting some nodding in at the airport lounge, we had some naps on the flight home.

What wonderful memories we brought back with us!! Words just cannot express our thankfulness for seeing our life time dream come true. It was an amazing life changing experience!! We will be forever thankful for every minute of it, and we enjoyed sharing bits and pieces of it with you.

Day 13 - The Empty Tomb

What better way to end our tour than to see the empty tomb?  The spot was well preserved with places for groups to take time to worship. Ragnar shared a few passages from the Word and led us in prayer. Just before we made our way to the tomb, we sang ‘In the Garden’. There were not many dry eyes among us. Our guide told us we really didn’t need to go see it though as there was nothing to see - the Tomb is empty - Hallelujah!! What WONDERFUL news!!

One spot which some people believe was Calvary.

A very interesting rock formation on the side of that hill.

Waiting in line to see the Empty Tomb!

Going into the EMPTY TOMB!!

Earlier in the day we enjoyed visiting the Pool of Bethesda (where our home church in the Faroes got its name) - the size of the pool was way beyond what I had imagined.

All over the country we saw many statues of Mary and Baby Jesus. However, since this is where Mary is believeth to have been born, there was an unique statue of Anna (Mary’s mother) and baby Mary.

The church built on this site had several 'mistakes' in the structure.  We learned however that it was built that way on purpose, as an example that none of us are flawless.

From Bethesda we followed the Via Dolorosa, thought to be the path that Jesus walked, carrying His cross, on the way to His crucifixion.

Lots of vendors along the way.

Even a Filipino (Pinoy) Store - advertising great bargains!

We passed lots of sizes and shapes of churches too.

Enjoyed a cup of Arabian Coffee for lunch.

The Upper Room was a good size. Now I have a completely different picture in my mind of the Last Supper than from my childhood S.S. Pictures.

Then we made our way to the Garden Tomb, singing, ‘We’re Marching to Zion."