Maggie and Levi - Globetrotting on their own....

Things have been moving quickly since we've been back to the US, especially since we've arrived in North Carolina after our road trip last Summer. Maggie and Levi were invited by some dear friends we met in Israel to be in the wedding of their oldest daughter. Of course, Maggie and Levi jumped at the opportunity to make another trip back to Israel and see all of their friends there again.

They also invited their cousin and his wife, Corey and Alida to make the trip with them. So they met in New York City 'on their way' and spent almost 3 weeks traveling around Israel and hanging out. 

It was a bit nerve-wracking for us, partly because our kids were traveling to the other side of the world, but also because we wanted to go with them!! Of course, no complaints at all from Maggie who was able to see her boyfriend who she has been maintaining a long distance relationship with (with a visit in the middle), so she was ecstatic to see him. He's the dashing British bloke in some of the photos. 

They had a great visit and the wedding went well. Corey and Alida also fell in love with Israel. Maggie and Levi were the 'tour guides' showing them some spots they really liked from our time there. Places like the dead sea, En Gedi (a nature walk with waterfalls) and of course, Sea of Galilee. They also spent a lot of time walking and walking and walking around Jerusalem. It is really an ideal city to walk because the weather is usually amazing, and you can hardly throw a falafel over your shoulder without hitting a archaeological site of something incredible. 

Here's a couple pictures from their trip: 

More pictures at: Picasa photo album

Zion Square - The hang-out!

Hanging out with friends:)

One of our favorite places to "hang-out" in Jerusalem, since we have been spending the winter here, is downtown in the area called Zion Square.  It is in the center of town near the shuk.  Shops line the walk-ways where you can buy anything from a scarf to a menorah, shoelaces to a fridge magnet. Souvenir shops,  Judaic art and toys stores.  Also there are a wide range of food places.  Big Apple Pizza, Moshiok's flaffels, and even McDonalds!  Street entertainers flood the area also.  This is where our kids like to "busk".  It is fun to watch the other "Buskers" also.  Harpists, flute players, karaoke singers and I have even seen a man playing a digeradoo (Australian Aborigine horn).  The atmosphere is fun and you can literally spend all day just walking, shopping and people watching!!!

The "Gang" busking @ Zion Square! 

Rachel:)  

Shopping craziness @ the Souk (Shook)

The best and cheapest way to shop in Israel...clothes and food.. is the Souk.  The oldest Souk market is the one located in the Old City but there is a Souk located in most major towns in Israel. An open air market with vender's selling produce and baked goods.  There is usually a "meat/chicken" section, with pasta, cheese and spice shops. Along with clothing stores sprinkled in and among it all.  PURE craziness!  The vendors are usually loud and aggressive and the busiest days to go are Thursday and Friday because everyone is getting ready for Sabbath.  (Saturday, end of the week rest!) I know if I am there either of those 2 days..

.#1 - I can hardly push my stroller around because of the crowds of people. 

 #2 - Within 1 hour, Zoe(4) and Lily(6) are so over-stimulated they are ready to go home!

When it is not crowded it is fun to walk around and shop. Produce is very cheap so we try to make it there at least one time a week.  We have all picked our favorite shops for goodies.  Erik loves to head over to the cheese shop and he never forgets to get some olives!! Emma and the little girls hit the cheap candy shop where you can get 1 shekel candy.  Maggie and Levi know the place for iced coffees and I love the nuts and date stands.  We also hit the bakery to grab fresh pitas, breads and baked goodies very inexpensive...oh yeah our new favorite pastry Levi introduced us to....caramel filled pocket! After eating one of those treats..... you KNOW this is the "Promised Land"!

Rachel:) Don't forget to check out all the market pics on the web album!

Hiking En Gedi

 So many amazing places to visit here in Israel.....another family favorite was definitely En Gedi. En Gedi nature reserve is located near the Dead Sea in the Negev.  It is a National Park that has wildlife and waterfalls you can hike to and pools you can swim in. This time of year is perfect because it is not too hot. 

We were immediately greeted in the paring lot by 30 ibex wandering around looking for creative ways to reach the trees. They jump onto the roof and hood of your car to nibble at the trees above....it was hilarious! Especially since all the cars in the paring lot were rentals:)  The hike was EASY and somewhat short.  Zoe(4) and Lily(6) did great, not to mention there were  waterfalls and pools to swim in on the way. (We had to try all the waterholes!) We also managed to see some wildlife on the hike. We spotted tons of small animals called Rock Hyrax. Also black and orange birds called Grackles. This was another highlight for the kids! En Gedi is where David hide from King Saul. Caves line the canyon walls in and around the waterfalls. The bible talks about David hiding and living in the caves of En Gedi. (1 Sam. 24) It was amazing!  We swam and snacked and hiked.  What a fun day!

Rachel

Walkin' on the Walls

Emma and dad:)

Hanging out with Toni and Larry!

Views from on top of the wall 

A few weeks ago I got to walk on the Ramparts walk With my dad and some friends :) What we did was walked on the outer walls of the Old city. My favorite part was all the awesome views.  The Ramparts Wall was used for the soldiers to protect the city inside and out.  You can still see bullet holes on some of the walls and buildings.......cool!!!


Emma:)

Emma on the Walls!

Israeli Beaches = No shoes :)

Oh how I love Israeli beaches.  Well, I love any beach but the Israeli beaches are pretty special. For one the sand is different.  It is unique from most beaches in the US. The sand has a reddish tint that reminds me of places in Sedona AZ.  It is more fine and feels different.  I noticed it right away! No shoes required:)  Although I have not seen water more clear than in the Greek islands (clear 60 feet down) the beaches are pebble shores and shoes are needed! Some sand, but not much.  I do enjoy a good sandy beach, there is just something therapeutic about the sound of the waves and the sand in your toes!  The other reason I love the beaches here is because most public beaches have play ground equipment right on the sand for your kids to play with. Swim, play, swim, play! 

Some other beaches I loved were.... the black sand (volcanic) beaches in Costa Rica, the broken shelled beaches of Florida, small pebbled beaches of Greece and the white sand beaches of Mexico!


Rachel:)

Dig in Israel!!

While we have been here in Israel, Maggie and I have gotten the chance to help out with an archeological dig!! A couple of months ago the Grafmans (an American family we met) were here on a visit to Israel and asked us to go with them and we did!!

We drove out to the valley of Elah  (where David killed Goliath,)  and started digging around 7 am.  While we were working we found tons of pottery, bones, and glass that was thousands of years old!! It was really exciting to be able to find all of this stuff that other people have left behind, it makes me wonder what people will find of mine someday.... :) We were given small shovels and brushes and were told to dig away at a wall that was found, possibly part of someone's home. The history was incredible! They had been digging at this site for about 2 months but we were told that it would take about a year to label and classify everything that was found...crazy!

 At around 9  we had breakfast with the rest of the volunteers , which was cereal, pudding , bread, hummus, veggies, coffee and juices!! All of the food was provided for the volunteers that were working there.  At around 11 we had some more snacks. All of the volunteers were from America.  

We finished work at around 1,  then started the drive back to Jerusalem!  We were COVERED from head to toe with dirt. It was an awesome day! 

Levi

Temple Mount

I recently was able to go to the Temple Mount with some friends we have met here in Israel.  It is very fascinating and incredible to be up there and realize that this is the same place (recorded in history and in the Bible) that both temples were built and where the Israelites worshiped G-d.  There are only two times a day tourists and/or Jews may visit this site and only for a short amount of time.  Although any Arab or Muslim can have 24-7 acsess,  this seems strange to me, however these are the rules.

You must go through a series of security checks and the rules of what you can not bring are strongly enforced.  As you ascend, you are looking down on the Wailing Wall which is a cool feeling.  On top, people walk around and explore.  The view is incredible. There is much excavating going on all around so marble columns and ruins are everywhere.  There is also the mosque, courtyard and many other buildings. There are olive orchards growing however I was told that during the time of the original Temple no trees or plants grew there. It was only a place for worship and studying the Torah.  

Some Jewish Rabbi's teach that this is also the exact spot of the Garden of Eden and Mount Moriah on which Abraham took Isaac to be sacrificed. This would explain why this place is so special to them. We even were able to see some Jews walking around the Temple Mount without their shoes on. They feel it is holy ground and won't wear their shoes on top. I am in awe at how much reverence and respect they have in what they believe. It was a great day and although we were rushed off at the end of our hour.....I was glad I went!

Park's in Israel

Do you know what I love about Israel...?  All the park and how much everyone uses them!!!  I promise there is one on every corner.  The very day we sailed into Israel just happened to be the Independence Day for Israel. And within 3 hours hundreds of families were everywhere picnic-ing, eating and playing in the park.  It is such a change for me as an American because we have yards and then buy swing-sets so the kids can go outside anytime they want. We seem to only use our parks for parties or special occasions.  Or maybe we are just too busy. Israelis use their parks DAILY...no joke! Especially on the weekends. Here, most people don't have yards.  Most people live in apartments and so swing-sets are rare.  I really love it for several reasons....

Emma caught stealing dessert!

1. You don't have to buy an expensive swing-set...and don't they always keep coming out with new models each year? So next year yours will be"out-dated". Parks are FREE. And there are usually several to choose from!

2.It gets you outside...HEALTHY!

3.You meet more people.  I have a met a ton of people at the parks.  You just must not be afraid to strike up conversation. (you never know who's life or instant friend your missing out on, if you don't just smile and introduce yourself:)

4.It causes you to be active in hanging out with your children....this sounds weird but how many times do we send our kids outside to play just so that we as adults can clean or Facebook or just do our own thing..?  I am guilty too.  Remember that they grow TOO fast and then the time is gone. 

For Zion Sake friends at the park with us!

I know Erik and I have enjoyed the time at the parks with ALL the kids and friends....and I hope that when we go back to the US we use the parks more!!!

Ceserea - ancient shipping port

A couple of weeks ago, we were able to visit the ancient shipping port of Ceserea. It is an ancient port build by Herod during the early years BC(22BC+/-), as he was sent to "control" a far corner of the Roman Empire. He was eager to make an impression that he had things under control and wanted to show off by tackling some huge architectual projects. He even named it Ceserea to "brown nose" Julius Cesar who was controlling Rome at that time.

Of these, Ceserea was one of the most ambitious projects along the ocean anywhere in the world at that time. Not only did they construct a huge man-made harbor, which included sinking pilings as a breakwater wall against the storms (even to this day, most are still visible, although sunk from earthquakes) but also had a large city built on the sea and built a massive aqueduct along 13 Km of shore line up to a fresh water spring toward Haifa.

The park is really an incredible sight, it is well preserved and restored, laid out nice, and for us cost-conscious boaters, FREE! An extra bonus! We had a great afternoon exploring and just hanging out in the salt air, the highlight was playing at the beach as the sun slipped behind the horizon, pretty fantastic day!

~Hems

workin' for a livin'

Here's Levi's winter project. He's been playing guitar and mandolin since we moved on the boat, and has been improving quite a bit over the past year. He's always been very musical, playing the fiddle, and has slowly expanded his skills. 

He's also met some friends since we've been in Jerusalem, Tom, Rachel and Becky from England, and Viivi from Finland. They had an idea one afternoon to 'busk' Play on the streets downtown and see what kind of money they could make. 


Well, things went well and they usually spend one or two nights a week wandering downtown playing for tourists or locals. It's a fun study of people to see who comes and watches and donates. They usually average about $40 an hour for the four of them, unfortunately, they usually play for an hour or two and then all go spend it for pizzas and Cokes. I guess there's worse things than eating for free!

family self portrait at the Dead Sea

Bus "Fun"!

The bus system in Israel is the largest in the world. This is because while most large cities have a public bus system, the main bus provider here, Egged, serves the entire country. There are hundreds of routes that criss-cross all over. Usually the buses are half full of Israeli soldiers carrying automatic weapons, either going or coming to their base, so in a way you have a an armored escort!


Maggie and Levi are becoming experts on the public transportation/bus systems.  I don't think I rode a bus until I was an adult but these kids are figuring out bus routes and tranfers to travel all over Jerusalem. They can tell you where and when a bus picks up, where to transfer lines, and learning how to wait!  Remember, we don't have a car, so most of our traveling wherever we go, consists of buses, trains, taxis', Dolmus (Turkish mini-buses) or just plain walking.  Emma (10) is now requesting her own bus card so she can keep one in her wallet. 


The other day we were riding the bus home and Zoe (4) went straight to the back.  She likes to sit back there because the seats are higher and she can see out the window. Lily (6) sat quietly next to her. I had to stand up by the stroller with Miles. Only five minutes into the bus ride, Zoe had the whole back 2 rows of teenagers and adults intently listening to her. She was telling them all about herself and our family.  She had explained that we lived on a boat and then went into all her favorite movies. She then began to quote funny lines from each one. I was laughing and I was nervous at the same time!  Sometimes you never know what she might say.  I could hear people laughing at her from where I was standing. Guess what........we were the last stop..........It was a long ride home.  ;)  


~Rachel

2000 year storm in Ashkelon

Last week, Israel had one of the worst storms on record. We were spending 2 weeks at the boat in the marina, winterizing and cleaning the boat until next spring. We had one or two days of wind during the first week, but it quickly left and returned to an unseasonably beautiful December. We actually spent a few days walking to the beach and swimming. Levi spent a day snorkeling outside the breakwater trying some new fins.

The next storm, however, was HUGE! It was predicted 5-6 days in advance, and didn't diminish as it got closer, only stronger. We were watching it approach from Sicily and as it passed through the Greek islands, it just kept growing. We watch weather sites like: www.windguru.com and www.passageweather.com which both offer a lo t of information specifically for sailors. So, as it blew in Friday night (12-10), we knew it was big. The dust in the air from the Negev desert to the south was amazing. Visibility was terrible and everything was covered in dirt. All day Saturday the wind howled through the lines and rigging in the marina. We had moved Mehari to an inside pontoon before the storm, but spent the next 3 days rollin' around in the boat. Inside, it was nice and cozy and we watched movies, occasionally checking on the lines and wind strength. I never saw the winds blow less than 30 knots for 48 hours. Levi saw 51 knots and another boat recorded 60 knots during the worst Sunday morning around 4 am, while it was dumping rain.  I was awake, looking and checking and could definitely tell it had gotten heavier. There is a different noise the wind makes through the rigging between 40 knots and 60 knots!! The pitch climbs higher and higher, then cuts out to a low hum, almost growl, as the wind makes good on all the threats its been breathing the previous days. 

Over all, we felt safe in the marina, really glad we weren't out in the Med, as a huge tanker ship ended up sinking and two other vessels had to be pulled to safety with tugboats into Ashdod, just 7 miles up the coast. We had heard buildings collapsed in Egypt from the winds and the Suez Canal was even closed, not a small storm! An ancient marina, built by Herod's son in Ceserea 30 miles away, was destroyed, as well as a lot of damage in other marinas up the coast (Ashdod, Tel Aviv, even Lebanon and Syria) So, it's safe to say this was the worst storm in 2000 years ~ at least that's my logic :)

The biggest challenge we had was keeping the two boats upwind from us off of our boat. The mono-hull next to us is a heavy 42' boat outfitted for circumnavigation. They had two dock-lines on the stern and one had broke and the other frayed badly. The boat next to him only had one dock line and it was frayed! Both boats were empty and Levi and I spent a lot of time tying additional dock-lines and Levi got the "joy" of jumping in the ocean while all this was blowing and tie lines on steel posts for additional support! I think deep down, after he showered, he loved it ;)

All in all, after it was over, we were wobbly and full of coffee, but safe. We were glad to be there and keep an eye on things, especially our 'neighbors' boats. Nothing fells as good or shines as brightly as the sun after the storm!  We almost had fun cleaning the decks and stowing lines and washing putting things away on Monday! 

That's it for now, this week, we head beck to Jerusalem to a different apartment for the winter, we'll update soon!

~ waterlogged Hems

Back to Mehari

After a few months in Jerusalem, we're back on the boat! So, we have a lot of Winter boat projects, cleaning and removing the sails, servicing the engines, and hopefully, changing the carpet floors to wood. We'll see about that one. It is too late in the season to sail very far West, so it'll be easier to wait until Spring. We sure missed a lot of things about the boat. How relaxing it is being on the water.....we slept much better than we had in a noisy Arab neighborhood in Jerusalem! It was fun to just hang out as a family.

We had a sad time leaving all our friends at For Zion's Sake where we've been living and volunteering. Lena and Sergei, Luda, and Yoha. They spoiled us with awesome Russian cooking and were very hospitible to our family. We will miss them very much and are glad for our months them.

Here is the other remodel project Levi and I finished. We remodeled a bathroom, and it was a great experience for Levi. He learned a lot about plumbing and framing and tile. The most important lesson was to make sure DAD! checks for leaks before you finish covering it up with tile......you fill in the blanks there!


Also, it made us both miss a house and all the fun things we could be doing together fixing and remodeling. Certainly planted some seeds for when we're done with the sailing adventure. Maybe we could work together someday, that would be another dream come true.

~ Hems

Here's an update from Mr. Hummus!!

Miles is doing good, and obviously eating well!



~ Hems

Cave of Machpelah, Hebron

While Erik's parents were here, we made a trip to "The Cave of Machpelah" or Cave of the Patriarchs. It is in the West Bank, and not the safest place in Israel over the last few years!

On the way there, we passed about three different checkpoints, and all the bus stops along the highway there are behind concrete bunkers. Apparently, waiting for the bus denotes a crime in this area and people have been picked off while waiting. All along the highway is barbed wire and fencing, and the whole trip south feels a bit like you're driving in a war zone, which for many years, it was. 

Getting into Hebron itself was fairly easy, after driving through 2 checkpoints, you enter an arab side of the town. What a difference! You leave a newer area of Jewish construciton, and enter a 3rd world feel of the arab side. I can't tell if it's because of all the conflict, or if Israel is limiting goods going in to that side, but it's a very dramatic difference. 

Once we drove down (it's in the lowest valley of Hebron) you see an amazing structure. It is the 2nd holiest site to Jews, second to the Western Wall, and in fact was built by Solomon in the same style as the Temple Mount. Because it was 'only a tomb' instead of a Temple, it wasn't razed by the Romans while they were here in the first couple of centuries CE, squashing everything else in sight. So, it is an very accurate on the detail and style of the way the original Temple Mount looked.

The tomb itself holds (to tradition) the tomb of Abraham, Sarai, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and maybe, Esau? It has two entrances, one for Jews, up a small staircase, and through a hallway, and another around the main side through a Arab neighborhood, and through a mosque.  From the Jewish side, you can see all the tombs except for Isaac's. Ironic, since the line of Arabs went though Ishmael, so why do the Arabs want control of Isaac's? (except for the simple reason the Jews want it) I asked if I could go around and see Isaac's tomb, and was told, "Yeah, if you go though the Arab neighborhood.....go in and though the mosque.....and climb up to the tomb, yeah, if you make it that far, you can see it."....hmmmmm.......nevermind.!

To give you an idea, if you look though the tomb of Abraham, there is one small section that you can see across and into a hallway of the Mosque, and it's this small section that has a piece of bullet-proof glass. Just in case someone wanted to take a shot across from one place of worship to another. Craziness.

We were the only non-Jews or tourists we saw while we were there and it didn't seem like it gets the big tour buses very often. So, it was a very unique "tourist site" and we were glad we made the trip, it was a fantastic experience!

See you soon!

~Hems

Sukkot!

Sukkah on the roof

What a week! This week (well, the last couple of weeks) is holiday time here in Israel. So, it's been really cool to see how everyone prepares for it. The holiday season builds up to a week long holiday called Sukkot. It is celebrating when the Israelites left Egypt and ended up wandering in the desert for 40 years. During these years, they lived in tents and moved as God directed them, so in rememberance, everyone sets up small shelters on their patios, decks, yards, pretty much anywhere you can fit one! The Bible commands His people to continue this celebration and to eat at least one meal per day in a "sukkah" So, you see almost every restaurant set one up in front of their place and they are usually packed until the wee hours.

We built a sukkah up on the roof of the apartment and spent a few evenings in the breeze, enjoying some wine, olives, hummus, and cheese......really nice!! Emma and her friend Yonit, spent the night up there one night and got more than a few bug bites! We had a lot of visitors here at 'For Zion's Sake', 6 ladies from Russia, a girl from Switzerland named Anita, a lady from Poland via Australia - Asha, and another lady from Australia, Suzi. Plus with my parents, it was a full house(s). Everyone was flexible and even though some people wound up on the floor, it was a good time. 

The week builds up to "The Blessing" by the head Rabbi at the Western Wall and everyone who has mad pilgrimage is there to hear the blessing. We went down to see the crowds and it was packed! There were an estimated 50,000 jammed into the big courtyard, and stacked on every stairway and upper patio all over the complex. It was exciting being there and very intense at the same time. My dad and I ended up helping some people who were handing out water bottles and glasses of water because it was roasting hot that day. 

Green Door Pizza, one-of-a-kind! 

Afterwards, we wandered into the Arab Quarter to dine at the legendary 'Green Door Pizza' a favorite of backpackers for years because it's cheap and rustic. Quite a place.....the guy works down in this pit in front of a wood oven, the walls are all black from smoke stains, and he makes the pizzas with tomato sauce, soft cheese squares, and cracks two eggs on it, mixes it up and throws it in the oven. Definately worth the experience! Josh, someone who came with us on the adventure, couldn't get enough and ate almost 3 himself. You're an animal Josh!

Quite a day!! Quite a week! It was really awesome being in the land for it and we all had a ball. 

Until next.......Hems

Miles John!

Well, it took a few days to put 'pen-to-paper' as it were and let you all know how the birth went. 

First off, Friday's are busy days here at For Zion's Sake, because we have a group Bible study here in the evening, so all day is usually cleaning, shopping, and preparing for that. Plus, it's Shabbat Eve (Sabbath) and nothing is open on Saturday so if you need anything for the weekend, Friday is the time. 

Also, it's been record heat here in Jerusalem, and the air conditioning has not been working. All in all, not a good combination if you're pregnant! We had just finished the service and were relaxing in front of a movie and Rachel said, 'Wow, I sure hope I don't go into labor tonight, I'm beat.' Of course, not an hour later she announced that her water had broke!

We called the mid-wife, Ilana, who lives about an hour away, and she wanted us to time the contractions and call her back when they were 10 minutes apart. So we waited about an hour until they were closer to 7 minutes apart and called and she left her house and was on her way, she called another 45 minutes later to say she was getting close. By now it was close to 11:30p.m.

Rachel did fantastic and we had moved into the apartment and set up the pool for a water birth. I filled it up, but Ilana wanted Rachel to wait and get in until she got here. The contractions were a lot stronger and about 3-4 minutes apart, and still no Ilana. So, after another 15 minutes, I called Ilana and she said she'd gotten lost somewhere and had no idea where she was!! She wanted me to explain how to get here, but I really have no idea where we were, much less where she was, or what roads to tell her to get here! All the while, Rachel is really wanting to get in the tub and relieve some pain! A 'bit' stressful! 

I talked Ilana though what I knew and she was reading signs as she was passing them, hoping I'd recognize one eventually....I heard horns honk as she almost got in an accident turning at the last minute at an intersection. Quite a time. She did find it, or finally found something I knew was near, and got here around 12:30, with Rachel really uncomfortable and ready to be done with this thing! Ilana checked to make sure everything was OK and Rachel got in the water and immediately felt better. Ilana knew she was on the right track and almost close, so she went next door and read a book! Talk about laid back! She said come and get her when she felt close and ready. 

After 45 minutes, we had Emma go get her and she came in about 20 minutes before her final contractions and THERE HE WAS!! It was fantastic!! Rachel did an awesome job and Miles kicked around in the water for a few seconds before coming out screaming! Maggie, Levi and Emma were all close by and were a huge help getting things and bringing Zoe and Lily in right after he was born. Emma got to cut the cord and she was just amazed by the whole experience. Certainly made a memory to last a lifetime!!

It's such an amazing rush of emotions, even after 6 kids, we all sat on the bed and cried with joy as we checked him all out, snapped pictures, and just thanked the LORD for how healthy and perfect he was. Praise our amazing GOD! Thanks for all your prayers! 

~sevensailors +1!!

There's a link to his photo album down on the right.

digging in the dirt

We've met some new friends who are visiting Israel for 6 weeks from the US (Virginia), the Grafman family. They have 4 boys from 19-9 and it's been great getting to hang out with them.

They had arranged to volunteer at an archeological dig outside of Jerusalem in Bet Shemesh and invited Maggie and Levi to go along.

It was an amazing experience as they were able to dig and find some incredible artifacts from 3000+ years ago!

The pot in the picture only has the top poking out of the dirt but was an entire pot! There was over 60 of these discovered at the site.



They had a lot of fun and came back filthy dirty from rolling around in the dirt all day, but thankful for the experience and for new friends!


Thanks Grafmans!!