A Date with My Daughter

Some days are unexpected gifts.

Today looked to be a rather easy day, with one group going off to the hospital and then airport and the rest of us doing our basic duties here. Three of us took on the cleaning chores and finished by 11:00 am. This is a first, so my daughter and I decided to take advantage of a half day out and about.

We relaxed at a one of a kind, local coffee shop for lunch. She had pancakes topped with chocolate and caramel (looked more like dessert than breakfast), and I had Jerusalem Salad, a mix of tomato, cucumber, beats, and lettuce. This establishment reminds me of Dunn Brothers back home. Many books on the shelves for purchase, mostly in Hebrew of course, but a few in foreign languages. I like the shelf that says Hebrew classics in English.

After lunch, we meandered our way through the Old City to make a few purchases at some of our favorite shops. These shop owners we know always offer juice or tea and time to chat. They seem not just interested in our purchases, but enjoy discussing life. They are familiar and supportive of Shevet Achim. I am becoming more and more aware of the respected reputation this ministry has in the city. As we traverse through the Old City, I am starting to be able to tell the differences of the different quarters. Cues such as what is offered for sale, the look of the owners, what they are wearing on their head or not, the tidiness of the shop spaces, and the general make up of the shoppers in the area are clues.

Having not yet visited the Garden Tomb, we determined this would be a good place to go as well. Though it may not be the actual tomb Jesus was buried in, it shows what a rich man's tomb (Joseph of Arimathea) would have looked like. The garden was not overly populated by tourists and we relaxed on a quiet bench for awhile.

After coming home, we finished the evening by watching the excellent movie "Something the Lord has Made." This movie tells the story of ground breaking research done in the 40's-50's to save the lives of "blue babies". The research of that time is literally what is saving the lives of the children Shevet Achim is helping bring to Israel for surgery.

Thank you, Father, for the precious gift of today. Quality time talking though this day made it a treasure.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24