Arrived safely

I am delighted to have arrived home safe and sound. The journey to the airport was straightforward and the security light.; The flight was very comfortable and I met a Russian Jew who told me her story, so another article coming soon on that. Looking forward now to catching up with Tracy and all my friends and family. Thank you again to all those who prayed for a safe journey.

Meeting a Russian Jew

On my way home from Israel, I sat next to a young lady who told me that she is Russian. Her family lived close the the border with China and life was very hard - her mother did not get any wages for a year. Being Jewish, her family was offered the chance to come to live in Israel and they now live in Tel Aviv, where she is very happy. She was on her way to America for a holiday.

She has a job, and is learning to cope with four languages - Jewish, Arabic, English and Russian. Life is much better for her and her family. I mentioned that I had been living in Bethlehem. and she made a face. The problems there were not of her making and she told me that she does not wish to become involved. I understand that for many Jewish immigrants there is no connection to what the Israeli Government is doing - they are just pleased to be treated well.

Then she surprised me by telling me that she served in the israeli army. I was even more surprised when she told me that she was in a tank regiment! I asked if she drove, but she said the boys liked to drive the tank. I did not see any tanks while I was in Israel or the West Bank. When I think of soldiers in Israel, I will think of her and remember that they are just ordinary people asked to do difficult things.  

I realise that there are many in Israel who live well but at the cost of pain and suffering for others. It will be difficult for these people to give equally to others if it means limitations on their own lifestyle. 

On my way

I am on the way home and writing this at the departure lounge of Tel Aviv airport. I left Bethlehem at 8am and travelled from by Palestinian bus to Jerusalem, then Israeli tram to Jerusalem bus station, then israeli coach to tel Aviv and finally an airport bus to get to the airport. The security at the airport was thorough, but I had no problems answering the questions, so am very pleased to be waiting for my flight to board. We expect to land at 8:25 this evening at Heathrow. Thank you so much for all the prayers - they have been answered and I will soon be back home.

Saying goodbye at the Church

This is Damascus Gate, part of the wall around the Old City of Jerusalem. The Old City is about 1 square kilometre. The wall was built around 1535 and is about 12 metres high, 4 km long, and 2.5 metres thick. You can walk around the top of it and get a wonderful view. It was built around 1535 under the Ottoman Empire under orders from Suleiman I.

I am in Jerusalem for the last time today before I start my journey home tomorrow. The East Jerusalem Baptist Church is in an area with a complicated status. The population of East Jerusalem comprises mainly Christian and Muslim Palestinians. Israel has "annexed" this part of Jerusalem into the rest of Jerusalem, but this is not internationally accepted and still challenged as being part of the occupation. However, life on the surface appears "normal" with Jews and Palestinians co-existing with the many tourists. I regularly go to this coffee bar which is Palestinian and has been here since 1960.

The Church was packed this morning with people from all over the world- Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Malaysia, America, and UK. It was a joyful occasion as Christians from all these countries worshipped and praised God together. I said my farewells - I shall miss this lovely congregation. I was invited to stay for lunch, but have been invited to lunch with Odette, so had to decline.

Bethlehem viewed from Jerusalem

On the way home I am reminded of my privileged status here as I travel back to Bethlehem from Jerusalem. This is the walled city which is Bethlehem from the Jerusalem side. This view is of the camp where I live. The fields in the foreground are in the West Bank, so are Palestinian, but have been annexed by Israel - the wall runs right next to the houses, so the people have no open space in which to breathe and play. 

On the way into Jerusalem, the bus stops and all permits are checked. Some Palestinians have to dismount for permit inspection, others stay on the bus - I have not worked out why. My passport is checked but I have no problems as Internationals are allowed anywhere. On the way back we drive straight through as the Israelis don't check people entering the West Bank - obviously not a security risk that way round. 

Back home I am invited to have lunch and refuse the second time! I am hoping that I do get lunch at Odette's!