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As Pesach approaches, Jewish homes around the world begin the familiar rhythm of preparation. Cupboards are emptied, shelves are wiped, and every corner of the house is checked for chametz. Crumbs that may have gone unnoticed all year suddenly matter. They sweep, scrub, and search carefully so that when the festival arrives, their homes are ready. The Torah commands us to remove chametz from our homes during Pesach. Chametz—leavened bread made from the five grains—reminds us of the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt. There was no time for the dough to rise. Instead, they carried unleavened bread with them as they stepped into freedom. But like many biblical practices, this commandment speaks to something deeper than the physical act alone. As we clear our homes of chametz, we are also invited to examine our hearts. Leaven causes dough to puff up and expand. In the same way, the sages often compared chametz to the things within us that quietly grow and take up space—pride, resentment, anger, old wounds, and habits that no longer serve us. Over time these things can become like crumbs scattered through the rooms of our lives, small but persistent. Pesach is the season of freedom, and freedom does not come only from leaving Egypt. It also comes from leaving behind the things that keep our hearts narrow. The Hebrew name for Egypt, Mitzrayim , comes from a root meaning “narrow place” or “constriction.” The Exodus story reminds us that God leads His people out of places of tightness and limitation into freedom and life. Each year, as we retell the story, we are reminded that this journey is not only historical—it is personal. We all have our own Mitzrayim. Sometimes it is fear. Sometimes it is bitterness or disappointment. Sometimes it is simply the weight of old stories we continue to carry long after we should have laid them down. Just as we search for chametz by candlelight the night before Pesach, we can also allow the light of reflection to reveal the hidden places in our hearts. What attitudes have quietly taken root? What words spoken long ago still linger? What burdens are we carrying that were never meant to follow us into this new season? Removing chametz from our homes is an act of obedience.Removing it from our hearts is an act of freedom. Pesach reminds us that redemption begins with a step forward. The Israelites left Egypt before everything was perfectly prepared. Their bread had not risen, their path was uncertain, and yet they stepped out in trust. In the same way, Pesach invites us to let go of the things that puff us up, weigh us down, or hold us back. As we prepare our homes for the festival, we can also prepare our hearts—clearing away what no longer belongs so that we can enter this season of redemption with gratitude, humility, and joy. Because in the end, the goal of Pesach is not simply a spotless kitchen. It is a heart ready for freedom.

Returning to the Roots of Scripture For many believers, the Bible is encountered in translation — faithfully rendered, prayerfully read, and deeply loved. And yet behind every English sentence lies a world of meaning shaped by another language: Hebrew. Hebrew is not simply the language in which much of Scripture was written. It is the language through which God chose to reveal covenant, promise, poetry, law, lament, and hope. To learn even a little Hebrew is not to abandon translation — it is to step closer to the soil from which Scripture grew. Hebrew Is Concrete and Relational Modern Western languages often communicate in abstract concepts. Hebrew, by contrast, is rooted in imagery, action, and lived experience. The Hebrew word דָּבָר ( davar )  means both word  and thing . In Hebrew thought, a word is not merely spoken — it accomplishes something. God speaks, and creation responds. The word שָׁמַע ( shema ) , often translated “hear,” means to listen with the intent to obey. When Scripture calls Israel to “hear,” it is calling them into covenant loyalty — not passive listening. Suddenly, familiar passages take on depth. Words are no longer detached ideas; they are lived realities. Hebrew Reveals Hidden Connections Hebrew is built on root letters, usually three consonants that form families of related words. When you recognize a root, patterns begin to emerge across Scripture. Consider the root ש־ל־ם ( sh-l-m ): Shalom  – peace, wholeness Shalem  – complete L’shalem  – to restore or make whole Biblical peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is restoration — things brought back into right relationship. When we see these connections, theology is no longer imposed on the text. It is discovered within the language itself. Hebrew Restores Context Scripture emerged from a real people, in a real land, within a covenant relationship. The rhythms of the Torah, the poetic structure of the Psalms, the wordplay of the Prophets — these are shaped by Hebrew thought. Even the writers of the New Testament, though often writing in Greek, were immersed in the Hebrew Scriptures. Their categories, imagery, and theological assumptions are rooted in the Hebrew Bible. Understanding Hebrew helps us read Scripture within its original covenant context rather than through later cultural assumptions. Hebrew Slows Us Down One of the unexpected gifts of studying Hebrew is slowness. We begin to notice repetition.We see literary structures.We ask why certain words are chosen.We recognize echoes between Genesis and the Prophets. Reading becomes meditation rather than consumption. In a world that encourages speed, Hebrew study invites attentiveness. Hebrew Expands Meaning Many Hebrew words carry layered meanings that cannot be fully captured by a single English equivalent. Take חֶסֶד ( chesed )  — often translated as mercy, lovingkindness, steadfast love, or covenant faithfulness. Each translation captures part of its meaning, but none capture it completely. Seeing the Hebrew term reminds us that Scripture is often richer than our translations can express. Rather than narrowing meaning, Hebrew broadens it. Rooting, Growing, Flourishing At Biblical Roots Hub, learning Hebrew fits naturally into the journey of: 🌱 Rooting  — Learning the Aleph-Bet, recognizing key words, understanding basic concepts.🌿 Growing  — Exploring roots, word patterns, and recurring covenant themes.🌳 Flourishing  — Engaging deeply with structure, poetry, and theological nuance within the Hebrew text. You do not need to be fluent to benefit. Even learning the alphabet can transform the way you see Scripture. A Posture of Humility Studying Hebrew is not about intellectual superiority. It is not about proving others wrong. It is about listening more carefully. It is about honoring the way Scripture was first given. It is about approaching the Word with humility rather than certainty, curiosity rather than defensiveness, continuity rather than replacement. When we return to the language of Scripture, we are not chasing novelty. We are returning to the roots. And in returning to the roots, we often discover that the Word of God is even more unified, intentional, and beautiful than we first imagined. Find my Recommendations for Books to learn Hebrew here

What Is Mussar? The Hebrew word מוּסָר (Mussar)  is often translated as discipline , instruction , or correction . But it carries a deeper meaning: loving moral guidance that shapes the inner life. Mussar is not about outward performance. It is about inner formation. Scripture treats Mussar as a gift: מִשְׁלֵי ג׳:י״א–י״ב מוּסַר יְהוָה בְּנִי אַל־תִּמְאָס וְאַל־תָּקֹץ בְּתוֹכַחְתּוֹ׃כִּי אֶת־אֲשֶׁר יֶאֱהַב יְהוָה יוֹכִיחַ וּכְאָב אֶת־בֵּן יִרְצֶה׃ Proverbs 3:11–12 “My son, do not despise the discipline (mussar) of the LORD…For whom the LORD loves He corrects.” (NKJV) This verse reframes correction. Mussar is not rejection — it is relationship. Mussar Is Not About Perfection One of the first things I’ve had to learn is this: Mussar is not about becoming impressive. It is about becoming aware. It exposes impatience. It reveals pride. It uncovers subtle self-protection. And often, that exposure is uncomfortable. But Scripture tells us why this matters: מִשְׁלֵי ד׳:י״ג הַחֲזֵק בַּמּוּסָר אַל־תֶּרֶף נִצְּרֶהָ כִּי־הִיא חַיֶּיךָ׃ Proverbs 4:13 “Take firm hold of instruction (mussar)… for she is your life.” Mussar is not for the spiritually elite.It is for anyone willing to grow. The Core Idea of Mussar At its heart, Mussar asks one simple question: Who am I becoming? Not: What do I know? What position do I hold? How right am I? But: Am I more patient than I was last year? Do I respond more gently? Do I listen better? Is my inner life aligned with Scripture? King David models this posture: תְּהִלִּים קל״ט:כ״ג–כ״ד חָקְרֵנִי אֵל וְדַע לְבָבִי בְּחָנֵנִי וְדַע שַׂרְעַפָּי׃וּרְאֵה אִם־דֶּרֶךְ־עֹצֶב בִּי וּנְחֵנִי בְּדֶרֶךְ עוֹלָם׃ Psalm 139:23–24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart…And lead me in the way everlasting.” Mussar begins with that prayer. How Mussar Is Practiced 4 Historically, Mussar practice involves intentional work on specific character traits, known as middot  (מִדּוֹת). Examples include: Humility (עֲנָוָה) Patience (סַבְלָנוּת) Gratitude (הַכָּרַת הַטּוֹב) Generosity (נְדִיבוּת) Rather than trying to fix everything at once, Mussar encourages focused growth — one trait at a time. A Simple Way to Begin Choose one character trait. Find one verse connected to it. Pray over it daily. Reflect each evening: Where did I grow? Where did I react? What triggered me? Ask for help tomorrow. That’s it. No grand declarations.No spiritual theatrics.Just steady refinement. The Humbling Side of Mussar Mussar can be deeply humbling. Another proverb warns: מִשְׁלֵי ט״ו:ל״ב פוֹרֵעַ מוּסָר מוֹאֵס נַפְשׁוֹ וְשׁוֹמֵעַ תּוֹכַחַת קוֹנֶה לֵּב׃ Proverbs 15:32 “He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.” Welcoming correction — from Scripture, from family, from circumstance — is not natural. But it is transformative. Mussar trains us to pause before defending ourselves.To listen before reacting.To ask, What can I learn here? Why Mussar Matters Today We live in a time that encourages instant reaction and confident opinion. Mussar teaches restraint. It teaches depth. It teaches inner work. It reminds us that holiness is formed quietly — in unseen thoughts, in tone of voice, in the way we treat those closest to us. Mussar is not dramatic. It is faithful. It is slow. It is deeply biblical. And it is available to anyone willing to grow. If the idea of Mussar resonates with you — the slow, faithful work of shaping the heart — then Every Day, Holy Day  is a beautiful companion. Rather than separating the sacred from the ordinary, this book invites us to rediscover holiness in the rhythms of daily life. It echoes the heart of Mussar: transformation is not found in dramatic moments, but in consistent, quiet obedience. If you are longing to cultivate depth rather than noise, intention rather than reaction, this book is well worth adding to your reading list. https://www.biblicalrootshub.com/other-books-1/every-day-holy-day

I have really enjoyed slotting into the cycles of God's calendar. It is a slow process though, and not always as successful as I would like it to be. Sometimes the Feasts sneak up on me and I'm not prepared. I am working on being more prepared. Since not being in Israel I find I have to pull my socks up to have everything ready, especially as all our things are still in storage in Israel. So on Sunday night the 1st of February, is the New Year for Trees, or Tu B'shvat/Tu Bishvat. (Pick your spelling, I've found a few variations). We have invited two families to join us for a Seder on Sunday night, (using the BLOOM Haggadah from FFOZ), and I've even found a cool craft idea on the Chabad website, to make pencil trees . I was inspired to do a tree activity with my youngest four. They really enjoyed it. I understand why some people get hung up on why they have all these minor festivals. Some of them can seem a bit far fetched. But, like most of them, when you dig a bit deeper you find a whole treasure trove of goodies. ( click here to learn more) I have enjoyed the focus on the trees. Trees are very important in the Bible. Especially fruit trees. They are for nourishment and delight. I have very fond memories of the summers in South Africa, sitting in the branches of the Lychee tree and eating (more like gorging on) sweet and delicious Lychee fruit. And every one was a small gem. First you had to try and peel the thick outer layer without breaking the thin membrane. And then after you peeled the membrane off you can pop the sweet fleshy fruit in your mouth and then spit the pip out. Wonderful memories. Here are a few verses that talk about trees: 🌿 People Compared to Trees Psalm 1:1–3 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly… He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water , that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Jeremiah 17:7–8 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD… For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters , which spreads out its roots by the river… and will not cease from yielding fruit.” Psalm 92:12–14 “ The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree , he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.” Isaiah 61:3 “…that they may be called trees of righteousness , the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Proverbs 11:30 “ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life , and he who wins souls is wise.” 🌿 Teaching & Wisdom as Trees Proverbs 3:18 “ She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her , and happy are all who retain her.” Proverbs 15:4 “ A wholesome tongue is a tree of life , but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” 🌿 Fruit as Evidence of Life Matthew 7:17–18 “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit , but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Matthew 12:33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit .” Luke 6:43–44 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit… For every tree is known by its own fruit. ” 🌿 Israel & Humanity as God’s Planting Isaiah 60:21 “Your people shall all be righteous… the branch of My planting , the work of My hands, that I may be glorified.” Hosea 14:5–7 “I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall grow like the lily…  Those who dwell under his shadow shall return.” Even just stopping and considering these verses are a blessing to my soul. And reminds me to stop and consider if I am like a tree around my children, nurturing and shady, a place of comfort. Am I bearing good fruit around them and encouraging them to bear good fruit? The Tu Bishvat seder from First Fruits of Zion is very simple, focusing on eating fruits and nuts, including the seven species, and it doesn’t require a lot of preparation. Our seder will include fruit and nuts, bread with dips, wine, and juice for the children. We’ll spend the evening eating together and remembering that God brought the Israelites into a good land . And we’ll also remember that this redemption is still unfolding today — with Jewish people returning home and the land remaining just as God declared: good . The finished trees. We will add some Bible verses as well.

The cloth that came with the Hineni box. As we have not been in the Land, We wanted to use our tenth to somehow impact Judea and Samaria, and at the same time share that blessing with people around us. We decided to sign up to Lev HaOlam, founded by Nati Rom , an attorney and Israel advocate based in Jerusalem. It has changed hands, but is run with care and dedication, to support Israeli artisans, farmers, and small businesses. It is a very exciting day for us when the postman arrives with our white box. It really is a little breath of the Holy Land wafting over to bless our hearts. It is also an immense blessing to take out the beautifully designed boxes with their respective goodies, and line them up on the shelf for our visitor to pick out what their hearts desire. One friend was very excited by a packet of dates with a chocolate filling. Another, by the luxurious face cream. On the outside the box is plain, but once you open them, there is a treasure trove. My favourite box thus far was the Hanukkah Box. Once opened, it looked like the Western Wall. There were about 6 or 7 different boxes, all dressed up like Western Wall Bricks. One held sesame seed snacks, and another chocolate coated nuts. One was a whole box of candles, for a Hanukkiah..., and we saved the biggest box for last. It was really heavy, and one we figured out how to open it we excitedly realised that it was a beautiful Menorah. It was gold and shaped like the Western wall, replete with slits that you could write prayers on (papers included with the Hanukkiah) and post through the slits when you light the candles. The Hanukkiah. My second favourite box had the theme of Hineni. Hineini means 'here I am' and is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible. Here are some examples: Hineni spoken by people (“Here I am”) 1) Abraham Genesis 22:1  – God calls, “Abraham!” and he answers: “Hineni.” (also again in Genesis 22:11  when the angel calls him) 2) Isaac Genesis 22:7  – Isaac calls, “My father!” and Abraham replies: “Hineni, my son.” 3) Jacob Genesis 31:11  – The angel of God calls “Jacob,” and he answers: “Hineni.” 4) Moses Exodus 3:4  – God calls from the burning bush: “Moses, Moses!” and he says: “Hineni.” 5) Samuel 1 Samuel 3:4–6  – The Lord calls, “Samuel!” and he replies: “Hineni”   ( (repeated several times) 6) Isaiah Isaiah 6:8  – Isaiah responds to God’s call: “Hineni, send me!”  (Here am I—send me!) Hineni spoken by God (“Here I am” / “Behold, I…”) 7) God’s promise of help and presence Isaiah 58:9  – “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer… ‘Hineni’ ”(meaning: I am here / I am present / I will respond ) 8) God calling His people back Isaiah 65:1  – God says: “I said, ‘Hineni, Hineni,’ to a nation that did not call on My name.” A friend in America recently shared how she does her Bible study, and something that really resonated with me is how she would sit and say Hineni to God, and just waited on Him. This has been my hearts cry since then. Hineni God, here I am, I am ready to serve, go, do, wait... whatever You want me to do. Each box also comes with a booklet that gives you an introduction to the artisans who have made something for that box. I would really recommend signing up for a Lev HaOlam box if your desire is to bless the Jewish People, especially in Judea and Samaria. Some of the items from the Hineni Box. All the packaging is designed to compliment the theme of each box. I have create a 'How to bless the Jewish People' page on my website. Click here to visit it. A friend of mine actually made a video of opening her box. Click here to view

A section of the Western Wall. I currently have this exact picture as a wall hanging in our Dining Room. A daily reminder of the Holy City. This Shabbat I re-read Appointment in Jerusalem by Lydia and Derek Prince. It is an amazing story of trust and faith and obedience. I was really impacted by the message the book shares. We serve a faithful God who is able to direct His children... if they choose to listen to them. God places an unrest within Lydia that she cannot ignore. Even though she is successful she eventually walks on the path God places her on, even though she is ridiculed. Eventually she gives up everything she has and goes to Jerusalem, where she believes God is sending her. Though there are difficulties on the road, she is faithful to go where God directs, even against her 'better judgement'. Even to the point of taking on the care of a dying child, with no prior knowledge of children. Again in our journey we are at a crossroad. Do we obey, or do we use worldly wisdom to discern what to do? We have spent a lot of time talking about this. I feel that it is very easy to use wisdom as an excuse to not do what God is asking you to do, because it can feel so irresponsible. Let's back up to the beginning of January. I've been praying earnestly for the Lord to grant us the privilege to go and visit my parents. It's been a hard year and there are not funds to fly our large family to South Africa. Very unexpectedly a good friend gifted us with money to fly to South Africa. How amazing, such a miracle. But this opened up a whole new can of worms. Do we give up this house where we have been staying? Do we go to South Africa for three or six months? We could keep this house for three months, but not for six. So, yet again, God is picking us up and moving us, and are we willing to pack our lives up again, only to possibly come back to the UK with no home of our own...? This quote in the book really stood out: Denmark (the world) is full of Spiritual cripples who heard the call of God but were afraid to step out in faith. Mr Konrad Personally, although I hope God will use us for his purposes, sometimes I feel really useless. We are not doing anything out of the ordinary, really, sometimes I feel like we are just surviving. But perhaps this particular journey is not so much about doing anything special, but more about learning important lessons that we will need in the future. Only God knows. This really has been a journey of learning. We are learning to talk about important matters instead of reacting. We are learning to delve into the deep recesses of our hearts, to lift the dirt up and let God clean us up. Painful but necessary. I know of many people who are really struggling with so many problems and difficulties. Hold on and and persevere. There will be victory, if we keep doing good and don't lose heart. Children having fun digging on our local beach.

We’ve been back in England for just over two months now, and it’s been really good. The holiday (vacation) cottage we’re staying in is lovely, with a field adjoining it, giving us a beautiful country view. The only sad part is that lockdown started again, so we haven’t been able to see as many friends as we’d hoped. There was so much to get done once we arrived—after our two-week quarantine, of course. I had to make a trip to Wales to prove that I can speak English. Our big caravan had to be collected from the storage yard, cleaned, and sold. We also travelled to Exeter to have a photo taken, my fingerprints uploaded, and my citizenship papers submitted. In addition, two sheds at Pete’s parents’ house needed sorting through, along with some items in their loft, to decide what to keep, sell, or throw away. God even sent some rats and mice into the sheds, which meant certain things had to go straight to the dump—making the process a little easier for us! Be exalted, God, above heaven! May Your glory be over all the earth! Psalm 57:12 Then the buying began—boots, shoes, jeans, coats… shirts and jeans for Pete, and a few dresses for me. With lockdown in Israel and living so remotely, buying clothes isn’t nearly as straightforward as it is here in the UK. eBay won’t be at our fingertips, and there’s no next-day Amazon Prime delivery. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to that change. Pete has also had to step into a very unfamiliar role for him—reaching out to people to share what we’ll be doing at HaYovel, to talk about the restoration of the land, and to ask others to support us in the work ahead. Initially, the plan was to meet with people in person, but once lockdown began again, that wasn’t possible. So we finally relented and started using Zoom. It was a bit daunting at first, but he’s becoming a natural now, which is wonderful to see. But as for me, I will sing of your strength; in the morning I will sing aloud of your grace. For you are a fortress, a refuge when I am in trouble. Psalm 59:17 It has truly been such a blessed time for us. After a few weeks, Pete decided that he couldn’t keep his business going. He wants to be able to focus fully on what God is calling him to do in Israel, without the constant worry of money and wages. As a result, it’s been really wonderful. He’s been able to be at home most of the time, sharing meals together and parenting the children alongside me. But sometimes, when we stop and really think about what’s going on in the world right now—and that we’re packing up to return to Israel amid so much uncertainty and travel restriction—a little doubt does creep in. I’ve stopped watching and listening to the media, because I’ve learned that to keep my faith strong I need to look up  and not out . It doesn’t always take much to knock me from my perch. That said, I’ve been deeply encouraged by Abba. I’m reading through Jeremiah at the moment, and almost every day there are passages that speak straight to my heart. One morning, before opening my Bible, I asked Abba whether all of this was really going to be possible. And then I received this word… Then He says “Look, I am YHVH, the God of every living creature; IS THERE ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR ME? Jeremiah 32:27 So there you have it. We are packing and getting ready, regardless of what is happening around us. We will trust in the Lord, our strength. At the time of writing this (not necessarily when it is posted), it is three weeks until we fly out. Something that has really struck me as I read through Jeremiah is the number of promises Abba makes to Israel. Time and again, He says that He will bring them back—to Himself and to their land. It is so beautiful to read. To realise that what is happening now are the birth pangs of redemption. Full redemption will only come when Messiah returns, but we can be the Elijahs and help prepare the way. How exciting. I will surely gather My people from all the lands to which I have banished them in My furious anger and great wrath, and I will return them to this place and make them dwell in safety. They will be My people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. It is so exciting to see it happening—to witness how the land has responded, and is still responding, to the Jewish people returning home: planting vines and olive groves, producing honey, pottery, and jewellery, and bringing flocks of livestock back to the mountains of Samaria and Judea. It is also beautiful to see how Abba has called non-Jews who love Him and His people to come alongside them, to work with them and support them in what they are doing. What a great God we serve—One who keeps all His amazing promises. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me. Yes, I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul. Jeremiah 32:37-41 And so, as we all—God’s children—ride out the storm, let us remember who He is and what He is able to do. Psalm 46 captures it so beautifully. Shalom! God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns. Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice. The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation upon the earth. He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (A note about the first photo. It was taken by a dear friend of mine who lives in Saudi. She went on a camping trip into the Arabian desert, and there took some photos of Mount Sinai. How amazing it would have been to be standing there at the base of that mountain, and seeing God's Glory manifested.)

Well, we didn’t fly out to Israel on the 17th of February—and I’m glad we didn’t. Abba has been teaching us so much during this time: how to wait on Him, and how to be joyful in  the waiting. We had about twenty bags packed (not including musical instruments and the clothes we were wearing) when God spoke to us about living this journey one year at a time . We were a little taken aback at first, but after about five minutes we realised that this was actually wonderful. I immediately unpacked all the bags and removed everything that wasn’t truly necessary… including about fifty kilos of books! That alone made everything feel so much lighter. During this time, we also celebrated Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover. Hanukkah was a season of good food and learning more about the time of the Maccabees. There is so much to take from that period of history, especially knowing that history has a way of repeating itself. We also celebrated Purim for the very first time. Two days beforehand, I spoke with a dear friend who gave me a crash course in the spiritual aspects  of Purim. It turned out to be a really amazing celebration—and, as with every feast, it included plenty of good food! The children dressed up as well. Lana made a cardboard horse costume, which she wore, and David came in riding on her horse. It was spectacular. We had hoped to celebrate Passover in Israel, but since that wasn’t possible, we did our best to make it as meaningful and joyful as we could. Around this time, the government was also beginning to talk about how to exit  lockdown gradually, and they announced a provisional date of the 12th of April for Cornwall to reopen to tourists. This meant we had to leave the holiday cottage on the 2nd of April to give them time to redecorate. (We would have had to leave around then anyway, even without lockdown—possibly even earlier.) And so, once again, we found ourselves celebrating Passover with our bags packed and ready, unsure of where we would be going next. It turned out to be a wonderful Passover. In the ten days leading up to it, we acted out one plague each night, which was lovely because all the children were fully involved. I think their favourite was the plague of grasshoppers. We bought three packs of penne pasta and scattered them across the floor and table. Between the seven of them, they ate almost all of it—I don’t think they had any dinner that night! Our Seder was also lovely, and all the children stayed up and completed the meal. It was a truly blessed time. After Passover, we began looking for somewhere to stay. Pete contacted Tremore Christian Fellowship and Dovetail Shalom Ministries to see if they could help. Tremore CF has a large house used for retreats, but it wasn’t available due to major building works. However, the trustees kindly offered us the use of the old schoolroom, where Christian education had once been run. There is a kitchen and toilets, and it’s close to where our friends live. There’s no shower and we’re very much in “camping mode,” but there are beautiful gardens for the children to play in, and the hall is surrounded by lovely trees—which I adore. So during the week of the 2nd of April, we packed and cleaned, and on Friday, with everything loaded into our two vans, we headed for Tremore. Because it was Shabbat that evening, we unpacked what we needed and went to the supermarket to buy food. We set up our Shabbat table in the dining room—and voilà, we were home again. I love that so much. It doesn’t matter where we are: a white tablecloth and two candlesticks can transform any place into home. The sleeping arrangements are wonderful. The children have a room with four couches, and the two middle boys sleep on mattresses on the floor. Havah sleeps in our room next door in a travel cot, and Pete and I have two camping mattresses on the floor. Our bags are lined up neatly against the wall, and there’s a really useful shelving unit for odds and ends—perfect. Cornwall Services, about three miles away, has two self-service washing machines, and if those are in use, the next service station just two minutes further on has the same machines. How good is God! The first week here was a whirlwind of seeing friends and meeting with one of our supporters. We also drove to Devon to meet a family we’ve been in contact with through HaYovel. The only day we didn’t go out was the first Monday, when we unpacked all  our bags onto the dining room tables (very convenient), repacked them, and removed anything that wasn’t truly necessary. Pete said we’ve come to realise that there’s no longer space for the “I wants” or the “might be usefuls.” We’re really getting down to what’s essential—though perhaps our definition of essential  has had to change. It looks like we’ll manage with twelve bags, one guitar, and one keyboard as hold luggage. Maybe thirteen bags… But that’s really good, and we’ll be able to fit everything into our static caravan in Israel. After about a week, life slowed down again. The little ones caught up on some much-needed sleep, and we enjoyed spending time in the beautiful garden. It’s gorgeous here—the daffodils have put on a stunning display of yellow, and as that fades, whites, pinks, and yellows from daisies, campions, and dandelions are taking their place. Slowly but surely, the bare trees are beginning to shimmer with new green leaves, and before long we’ll be surrounded by every shade of green imaginable. Spring is such a beautiful season. With the sun rising earlier, we’re also woken by the dawn chorus of birdsong outside our windows. Of course, it would be wonderful to be in Israel right now, but we praise Abba for giving us this time to fulfil His purposes. Now, every Saturday there is a gathering in the hall, and we felt it would be best not to be around during that time. On the first Saturday, we headed up to Devon to meet a family who had got in touch with us after seeing our YouTube video. We had a wonderful time getting to know them, and the children played together so well that it felt as though they’d been friends for years. On the second Saturday, we went to see friends in Redruth. On the way, our van started making an unusual noise. Pete slowed down, and we drove carefully to their house. We decided it wouldn’t be wise to drive it any further, and our kind friends lent us their seven-seater to get back home in two trips. Pete returned on Sunday to help his friend fit something to his car and to sort out our van. The RAC towed it to a garage and, thankfully, also managed to get us an eight-seater van for a week. The bad news was that the timing chain had gone wrong, and even if repaired, there was a risk that the pistons or valves might be damaged—meaning a new engine would be needed. After much prayer and trying various doors, we decided to sell it as spares and repairs and let it go. The good news is that Abba is in control, and He knows best. We’ll be able to hire a fifteen-seater for a few days to get packed up and take us up to London. As restrictions began to relax a little around meeting up, we wondered if we might be able to stay for the Saturday gathering—especially as finding somewhere else to be for three or four hours would have been tricky. We were able to stay, and it was wonderful. We saw some old friends we hadn’t seen for a long time and met some lovely new ones. They have a huge heart for Israel, prayed for us, and blessed us—it was so encouraging. Another enjoyable focus during this time was gardening. After a conversation with the lady who oversees the Manor House and Hall, we were given some jobs to do in the garden. I was especially excited, as the brambles were growing very freely and definitely needed taming. I may have missed out on the landscaping gene, but I do  love clearing brambles. As soon as the sun came out (I really don’t enjoy gardening in grey weather), we got stuck in. We all worked together—children included—and I found it quite addictive. I loved heading down to the gardens in the afternoons with the children. The middle ones kept themselves busy pushing the younger ones around in the pushchair, so everyone was happy. When Lana and Anya ran out of steam, they started making stick people and dressing them with flower petals—very pretty. So, during all of this, I did sometimes wonder whether we were truly going to make it to Israel. I know  we are—but sometimes you still wonder. Then, on the 30th of April, HaYovel finally sent us some positive news. We would hear early the following week. Finally! So now it’s a matter of ordering COVID tests for flying, packing up the bits and pieces we’ve been using, tying up loose ends, and getting excited. We had hoped to fly on Thursday, but because Monday is a bank holiday, the COVID testing kit won’t arrive until Wednesday, which doesn’t leave enough time for the results to come back. So, if the Ministry of Interior gives permission by Thursday or Friday, we will fly on Sunday. God has come through in every area. Our support limit has been exceeded—praise God, He gives more than we need. Our faithful Support Team has been amazing, as have our friends who are praying for us as we go. And while we know that life won’t always be easy, we know with all our hearts that this is where Abba wants us to be. We will walk out our purpose there day by day, with joy, gladness, and thanksgiving. What a mighty God we serve! *****UPDATE ON THE 9TH MAY***** On Thursday the 6th of May, after packing all our bags into a fifteen-seater minibus—with no boot—we left Tremore to stay with Pete’s parents for a couple of days. The plan was to pack our final bits, do some shopping on Friday, rest on Saturday, and fly on Sunday. Then everything came to a halt. We received a message saying there was a hitch with the permission process. The person at the Ministry of Interior who issues visas is not the same one as last year and is unfamiliar with HaYovel. A meeting now needs to be scheduled—next week, after Jerusalem Day. So that means a little more time. Time for the children to be with their grandparents. Time to settle into a better routine. Time to do whatever Abba places in front of us. And, honestly, time to enjoy a comfortable bed, a bathtub, a washing machine and dryer, good company, and a fully equipped kitchen. Yes, we are sad not to be in Israel just yet—but God… 1 Thess 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Our Birthday tradition. We all squish onto the bed and open presents. Here we are in the UK again. It's been a wild ride. After serving in Israel for almost three years life, (God) threw us a curveball. Things were not as they should be and we had to leave our home on the Mount of Blessing. Here are some challenges we faced and overcame: We thought that living in community would be the greatest challenge. As it happens, living in community was great, and we enjoyed every moment of it. We ended up being 10 people living in a static caravan for almost 2 years. I think we did pretty well on that one. We also learned that talking about things doesn't always resolve anything. Sometimes it makes it worse. And sometimes nothing changes. At the time of leaving it was hard, but a bit exciting as we had the opportunity to go to America for three months. We left HaYovel on the 25 of December, that night being the first day of Hanukkah. That was a sad night. We were staying with our friends at another ministry helping them out for five weeks doing building work until we flew out to America. After America we headed back to Israel and then after having to return our visas, we ended up having to leave Israel and come back to the UK. Needless to say it was a bit of a shock. But our time in Israel ended up being spent with our good friends on the Mount of Blessing and that was a great encouragement to both families. I might write about that at some other time. Helping with work around the house. Here they are digging a trench for the new water pipe. Pete’s parents have very kindly taken us in, and so we are staying with them until God opens something else up. It has been a really special time, the children are enjoying playing cards with them at night, and spending time with them. We are also helping by doing some things around the house. Pete is helping put cladding on parts of the house, and we have been doing gardening and some other bits and pieces. When we arrived we immediately started pushing doors to see if there would be other accommodation available at some point in the future. We could see a need for us to have a house to have families over for more traditional Shabbat meals, and become a bit of a ‘hub’ for Israel focused things. Both options that we looked at seemed to be a definite “no”, so we dropped that for the time being. As the days turned into weeks I definitely got the sense that this is a time to put everything down and focus on the things that mostly don’t get attention. Ourselves, our children, our hearts. We found a second hand swimming pool to keep the children occupied in the warm weather. The second weekend of us being back I had the opportunity to have a weekend away with a few of my friends. What a treat that was. One of the ladies had gone to a counsellor with her husband as they had a good marriage, but were struggling on a few points. Funnily enough it was also a South African/British couple. So I signed us up the next week, this was definitely something we needed to do to strengthen our marriage. Pete had taken some hard knocks from his time in Israel, and I need to look deeper in my heart to deal with some ugly things lurking in there. As we looked back to the last three years we realised that it was definitely a time of squeezing, and now it was time to deal with all the stuff that has come out. The house we stayed in for our ladies weekend. Lovely old stone house with beautiful views and very quiet countryside. So now the struggle comes when one has to slow down. I don’t like slowing down. I am a busy person, and I think I generally deal with things better when I am doing something. Pete ended up working for 3 days one week for the guy whom he used to employ, but the next week he was really struggling, and couldn’t work the next day. So looking at the situation, we believe that this is really a time for us to stop, slow down, and deal with each issue that comes up. And to be built up stronger than before. The difficult question now is if we will really be heading back to Israel after this!? I look back on our previous ‘homeless wilderness’ journey. We were not sure if we were going to get back there, but if we did we were heading to HaYovel, so that is easier. Now, we don’t know if we will go back, and if so, what do we go back to? But that is not really the question either. We are reading a fabulous book called ‘Inside Out” by Dr. Larry Crabb, and what I take from the last section I read is that it doesn’t matter whether we go or not. We can’t demand that God does what WE want Him to do, we can only desire it and pray for it, but ultimately God is God and He does what He wants. So currently that is one thing I am working on. But it is hard, and I find myself occasionally bursting into tears. I miss my home, my friends, Israel. It is exceedingly hard to not be there right now. It is such a strange thing when my desire is to run to the bombshelter with everyone else. But that is not where we are, and I have to accept that and rest in what He has here for us right now. These are Cornish Daisies. They are beautiful and make a gorgeous show in rock walls. Tehy make they brown of the stone walls seem cheery.

The final week we spent on the farm was a busy one. We weren’t quite sure what the next step would be. Israel still felt like a distant possibility, but neither Pete nor I truly felt that it would come through at that point. HaYovel had sent out an email to their British contacts to see if anyone felt led to take us in. We received one very generous offer from a lady in Essex, but it didn’t feel like where we were meant to go. Although we had enjoyed our time on the farm, we didn’t feel that we were really accomplishing much in terms of Israel. As we talked through various options, we began to feel led towards buying a caravan or camper and travelling around Britain, being led by the Holy Spirit. This idea excited the whole family, and Pete spent hours scouring eBay and Marketplace for the right one. He found a camper about eight hours away, which was acceptable, but not ideal. There was just something about it that didn’t quite capture my attention. Most caravans tend to have a similar layout, with the “kitchen” in the middle of the living space—a sink, cooker, fridge, a bit of worktop, and never enough cupboards. It’s usually not the best place to be, as people are constantly walking past, and the limited worktop space makes cooking difficult. This one did have a nice shower room, though. Thankfully, Father then drew Pete’s attention to another camper, this one with an L-shaped kitchen at the back, plenty of cupboards, some hanging space, and not too far away. After speaking with the owner, we both felt that this was the one. As the lady who was taking over from us officially started, we were free to go wherever—and whenever—we felt led. And so off we went. That morning, a beautiful rainbow appeared as we drove away, and we felt the smile of God shining over us. We arrived at Pete’s parents’ house three days later with our new caravan and immediately began unloading bags into the conservatory and the small lounge. I dived straight in and started organising, as there was a lot to be done. The bags stored in the loft needed to be brought down and sorted, while the bags in the house also had to be sorted and then stored back up in the loft. Living in a six-berth caravan meant that, once again, we had to redefine what essential  really means. When packing for Israel, we had managed to get our essentials down to about fourteen bags. Now it needed to be even less. We settled on five sets of clothes each, two pairs of shoes per person, a coat, waterproofs, a gilet—and whatever else the children could manage to sneak in. I was also absolutely delighted to discover a full set of Pampered Chef pots tucked away in one of the caravan cupboards once I started cleaning it out. Whoop whoop—very posh! Another issue to resolve was the sleeping arrangements. We had to fit nine people into six berths. We decided that some bunks would need to be shared. There are two very sturdy built-in bunks, and opposite them is a small seating area that converts into two additional bunks. Initially, the girls were keen to share the top built-in bunk, with David taking the small top bunk opposite, which would need to be dismantled each morning to turn it back into seating. Faith and Havah were to have the lower built-in bunk, and Ben and Reuben the opposite bunk. After about a week and a half of sorting and organising, we decided to move into the caravan to see how it would work in practice. It quickly became clear that Lana and Anya were now too big to share a bunk. Pete spent some time thinking it through and came up with a new, no-quibble sleeping plan: Lana on the small top bunk, as she’s the biggest; Anya and Faith sharing the top built-in bunk; David and Havah on the lower built-in bunk; and Ben and Reuben on the opposite bunk. After a bit of initial resistance from a couple of them, everyone settled in nicely—and I can already see a friendship or two growing 🙂 After a lovely two weeks—filled with unpacking and repacking, visiting friends, a few walks, a couple of beach trips, and a birthday celebration—we headed towards Bodmin. We joined the Camping and Caravanning Club, as they have something called Certified Sites , which are smaller, quieter sites with limited facilities. The one we’re currently on has electricity, a shower, and a toilet. It’s very peaceful and close to our friends. And speaking of friends, we’ve been busy every day since arriving—catching up with people and buying plastic boxes to organise our small living space. It’s been so lovely, and we’ve been incredibly blessed. We’ll be leaving on Friday morning, the 29th of October, to head to Launceston for a few days. Amid all the busyness, I’ve been trying to reflect on our current situation. As a family, we’re so excited about this adventure, and we haven’t been anxious at all. Over the past year and a half, I can clearly see how Abba has been teaching us about His provision—learning not to worry. And honestly, I have no doubts in that area. What is  proving challenging right now is getting the younger children to sit properly around the table in the caravan—rather than lying down, kicking their neighbour, or ending up with half their meal on the carpet . I’m working on it, and at the moment I’m offering a piece of chocolate to anyone who eats using only a knife and fork, keeps their feet in front of them, and leaves zero crumbs  on the table. Lunch went really well!!!The power of chocolate And it’s also important that Pete and I stay on the same page. Sometimes that can be challenging for me, as I tend to be more of the driving force behind certain things. At times that’s good—and at times it isn’t. It’s so important to hear Father’s voice daily and to ask for His direction often. There are seasons of rest, and there are seasons of pressure, when things need to be faced and dealt with. This is one of those seasons. But it’s a good one. A good friend of mine once said that although these times can be hard, you often know they are seasons of refining—times when God is dealing with your “stuff.” So I’m choosing to be thankful and excited.

April and May were two busy but blessed months, and Israel felt so close. HaYovel were holding meetings and making connections with various politicians and influential people, finding favour, and the outlook was good. There was one final meeting that everyone hoped would secure our entry, so we left Tremore—where we had been staying in the old school building—and went to stay at Pete’s parents’ home for the weekend before flying out. Sadly, although the meeting went well, it did not result in permission to enter. There was going to be a lot more waiting. We didn’t want to stay at Pete’s parents’ house for too long. They were staying at Pete’s brother’s holiday home and had generously let us use their house, but with the holiday season approaching, it was needed again. Then our farming friends got in touch—the same ones who had let us use a field for our caravans last year while we were waiting to go to Israel. This time, they offered us a house, which also came with the responsibility of supporting his mother, who has dementia. We went up to meet the lady we would be caring for—we had met her briefly in the field the previous year—and it was agreed that we would take over from the family who had been supporting her at that time. We then returned to Tremore for a few days, waiting for them to move out before we moved in. I had no prior experience with dementia, and I think I had imagined her more as a forgetful granny—sharing stories of the past as we sat in her beautiful farmhouse kitchen, with the occasional lapse in memory or the same story told more than once. The reality, however, proved to be somewhat different. We were trying to share the house with her, but she would become confused, forget who we were, and sometimes grow cross with us and the children. On several occasions, we were woken in the middle of the night by her switching on lights and peering into the bedrooms. Eventually, we had to close off some doors so that we could function better as a family. We talked and prayed about whether we should stay on, and how difficult we were finding it to be there. The children weren’t comfortable going outside and would stay indoors unless the farmer’s children were around. One morning, as I was reading the book of James, this verse leapt out at me: James 1:2. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”. Well, if staying here was going to lead to that, then we decided we would stick it out. Something else that helped me keep going was the realisation that the house needed clearing. This is something I’ve always enjoyed, so with the farmer’s approval, I got started. It was very satisfying to see the rooms gradually cleared, and we’ve ended up with four bedrooms, a lounge, and another room that I’ve earmarked for sewing or packing. I also began clearing the room next to the lady’s bedroom, thinking it would be nice to turn it into a sitting room for her, as she was spending most of her time sitting in the kitchen at that point. And still, no word from Israel. Sometime in July, I decided that we probably weren’t going to get there, so we might as well settle in where we were. The children only had a tiny courtyard to play in, but we asked the farmer if they could use the orchard opposite our gate. We made plans to plant some vegetables and perhaps keep a few chickens—or even a turkey—for the winter. We could stay until next year and go to Israel in the new year, when all this nonsense would hopefully have died down. Then word came from HaYovel that they were receiving good support from many different people who were backing their work in Israel, and that there seemed to be some changes to entry restrictions and possible exemptions. Suddenly, it looked as though there might  still be a chance for us to go—and to my surprise, I felt disappointed. “But I’ve made so many plans now…” After much prayer and seeking, Pete became convicted that staying here was not in line with Abba’s plan for us. The longer we stayed, the harder it would be to remain focused on supporting Israel. We wondered whether God was testing our hearts—whether we truly wanted to go to Israel, or whether we could be swayed by comfort and the pleasant rhythms of farming life. Even though the situation here was challenging, there were also many good things. Anya was having piano lessons with the farmer’s eldest daughter. Pete was learning a bit by being on the farm and was able to lend a hand when needed. Once much of the clearing had been done in the house, it was decided that converting his mother’s living space into more of a granny flat would be a good idea. This involved installing an AGA (a wonderful British cooker), moving her sofa and special furniture, and building a kitchen in the conservatory. The project took two to three weeks and was a roaring success. We were quite apprehensive about the changeover day and expected a couple of very stressful weeks. But thank God—she was delighted. We’ve only had a few minor episodes of her wanting her old kitchen back. We, on the other hand, were thrilled to have a proper kitchen again after cooking in the cold room for several weeks, with only a tabletop oven and a single induction hob. It’s amazing how much you can live without when you have to. It is now mid-September. We have entered the feast season—a time of repentance and self-examination. What needs working on? What needs to be submitted afresh to Abba? Looking back over the past three months, I think we have done well as a family. We were thrown in at the deep end and learned to swim. I am so proud of the children for how they handled difficult situations, even when it meant being indoors most of the time. They remained cheerful and found other ways to occupy themselves. I am proud of my husband—the leader of our family—who has led us so faithfully. He has stepped out of his comfort zone many times. Even though he didn’t end up doing large amounts of farm work, he stepped in where needed, helping with milking or fixing whatever broke. Without him, we couldn’t have created such a lovely granny flat. He has also helped bring more structure into our days, so they don’t start too late. I am thankful, too, for what I’ve been able to accomplish—clearing the house, being a carer of sorts, and coming to the realisation that I would rather invest my time in growing my own children and being present with them. I’m getting to know myself better. Yes, I can take on most things—but some things I can only carry for a while before they become too heavy. I reflect on the times when perhaps I could have handled conflict with the children better. We are definitely growing in that area. I also think about the moments that will stay with us as a family—moments that have drawn us closer together. Lana’s bat mitzvah was one of those. After planning a celebration with friends, we postponed it twice and eventually decided to celebrate at home on one Shabbat. It turned out to be beautiful, intimate, and truly special. Afterwards, we all inhaled helium from the balloons, laughed uncontrollably, and simply enjoyed being together as a family. I think that’s one of the loveliest things about this season—that we can just be us  and have so much fun together. I want to end with these verses from Deuteronomy 32:3–4 : “For I will proclaim the name of YHVH. Come, declare the greatness of our God! The Rock, His work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A trustworthy God who does no wrong, he is righteous and straight. Our God is a God who does no wrong. His commandments, His statutes, His laws, His instructions, His Word, His decisions, His actions, and His will for our lives are perfect. We have a choice: either we submit to Him and see the good, learn from Him, and rejoice in all things—or we struggle and give ear to our flesh. Whatever situation we find ourselves in is permitted by God, and within it we are given the choice: blessing or cursing. Choose life, that you and your seed may live.

We had some of our meals in the caravan and some with the staff. There wasn’t a great deal of harvesting at first, so we tried to make ourselves useful wherever we could. With not much to do, I spent many mornings sitting in the park while the children played. While everyone was in quarantine, HaYovel had arranged teachings and speakers throughout the day on Zoom. We did miss quite a few sessions, either because we were busy or because the phone signal wasn’t always reliable. Even though the schedule was full, the girls still managed to create a video series called “The Quarantine Games.”  It was hilarious and captured how each of the girls was slowly becoming a little unhinged—very entertaining. We were very fortunate that, being from Britain, which was on the green list, we didn’t have to quarantine. Tommy, Sherri, and their children—who were staying at home with them—were still in isolation when we arrived, but they only had one week left, having arrived earlier than the rest of us. It was a good day when everyone was finally free and able to participate fully in camp life. Once the harvest was in full swing, Pete and the girls joined in every day. The girls were amazing. They woke up at four a.m., helped prepare breakfast in the kitchen, and then went straight out to harvest—even through a heatwave. It wasn’t easy taking all the children out harvesting, so I stayed back with the younger ones, letting them play in the playground while I washed up from breakfast. That way, others were free to go out into the fields. The weeks were quite busy, with Shabbat being the favourite day, of course. On Friday mornings, the mums all gather in the kitchen to prepare food for Friday night and Saturday. It can get a bit cramped in there at times. A few mamas arrive with a baby on their back (or front), and sometimes a toddler or two in tow—but it’s great fun. This harvest has been very different from other years. Normally there are sightseeing tours—Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, Shiloh, and more. This year, however, it has been vines, vines, and more vines. And that’s what makes it so exciting. God brought seventy volunteers from the nations to Israel to harvest grapes. Everyone else faced closed borders, apart from Israeli citizens and those making Aliyah—Jewish people returning to their homeland. It has been nothing short of a miracle that the borders were opened just for us. Many newspapers have even written articles about the volunteers who managed to enter the country—some favourable, some not. But prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes, and both the land and the people are being restored. Sixteen years ago, God called a family with eleven children to come to these mountains and help Jewish farmers harvest their grapes. Other families began to join them, and HaYovel was born. So life here has been wonderful. Normally there are many different programmes, which means volunteers come and go, but this year has been different. Everyone is here for approximately three months, creating a very close-knit group. We’re getting to know one another well, and it’s truly special. It’s incredible to think that God brought this group together for His purposes. I’m fairly certain that no one yet knows exactly what He has planned for each of us—but everyone is very excited to find out. One definite highlight has been celebrating the three Fall Feasts in the Land . Yom Teruah was great fun and was celebrated over two days. The Wallers dressed up as hillbillies and made us breakfast on the second day—it was hilarious. We also had a cake-eating contest and a very funny pretzel-eating contest, where you place the pretzel on your forehead and then try to work it into your mouth using only the muscles in your face. It was so  funny to watch. There was also a water-balloon tossing contest that quickly turned into a full water fight, followed by a very nice barbecue. Yom Teruah is a shadow of the day Messiah returns. Scripture speaks of His coming “at the last trump,”  and this feast is marked by the blowing of the shofar—a day of shouting, noise, and celebration. The Day of Atonement is a shadow of the day when God will judge the world. It is a day of fasting, but not a sad one. We fasted from food and water for twenty-five hours, which was really hard at the beginning but much easier toward the end. The feasts begin at sunset, so in Jewish custom you eat a meal before dark and then begin the fast. The kitchen crew made spectacular shawarmas—which was very brave, as almost everyone was wearing white! We ate very carefully… After dinner, everyone gathered together, sat in a circle, and read through all the Psalms. It was wonderful. Pete, David, and the girls made it through the night, but the little ones and I didn’t. I was so tired that I put them to bed—and then went to bed myself. Sukkot is probably the most festive of all the festivals. Everyone builds a sukkah—an outdoor structure with palm branches or bamboo for the roof—sleeps outside, and invites others over for snacks and games. It was such a joy to sleep outdoors. A huge sukkah was also built for shared meals, and each night had a different theme as various families or groups took turns cooking. It was so much fun. On different days, we had sukkah gatherings at clusters of sukkot, and in each one there were games to play. I think our favourite was Spoons  (played with cards and spoons), but there was also chess, a fishing game, apple stacking, and Pit , to name just a few. We also played some games on a couple of days. One of the best was set up with a green tarp strung across the middle of the white tent. Everyone put on their harvest shoes, because when you’re out harvesting, often all you can see of the person opposite you is their feet beneath the vines. A group of about seven people stands behind the green tarp, while the rest of the group stands on the other side with only their shoes visible underneath. The seven then have to guess who each pair of shoes belongs to. This continues until everyone has had a turn to guess. It was great fun. Another favourite game was Cornhole. Britt Waller made the boards himself. They’re wooden rectangular boxes with a hole near the top, set at an angle. Two boards are placed opposite each other at a distance of about thirty feet, and two teams take turns throwing beanbags into the holes, scoring as they go. It’s really good fun once you get your eye in. Each morning during Sukkot, there were special prayers in the big sukkah, using the lulavim , made from the four species God specifies in Leviticus 23. We also sang the Hallel Psalms—Psalms 113–118. The Wallers are a very gifted family and have put the Hallel Psalms to music in both English and Hebrew. It’s such a wonderful way to memorise Scripture and to be able to sing it together. One of the highlights of Sukkot was the annual talent show. This year, they decided to spread it over two evenings—one dedicated to music and the other to various skits. In previous years, it had all been done in one evening, but too much humour after eleven p.m. can be a bit exhausting! The level of talent on the mountain in 2020 has been incredible. We heard some truly amazing singers and musicians, and one of the ladies who is also on staff is currently recording her own song—it’s beautiful. I’ll be sure to share it once she releases it on Spotify. The following evening was an absolute scream. The volunteers and staff here are not only godly and talented, but also incredibly funny. It’s been a long time since we’ve laughed this much. It was a very memorable evening. Sukkot is the shadow of spending eternity with God—when He will tabernacle with His people forever. Sukkot is an eight-day feast, and in Hebrew, the number eight represents new beginnings. Now the Fall Feasts are over, and the grape harvest is almost complete. There are a few days of olive harvesting still to come, but the most exciting part is tree planting. HaYovel is preparing to plant four thousand trees. This area was once covered in forest and was incredibly abundant. Josephus wrote that the land was so productive that even the lazy were compelled to farm it. God has sent HaYovel a tree expert to help select species that are likely to have been native—using the Bible and other historical sources for guidance—as well as to plan and oversee the planting. Funds have been raised to purchase hoes, pickaxes, shovels, pitchforks, wheelbarrows, mulch, and, of course, the trees themselves. The harvesting volunteers have now become thorn-bush clearers and pick-wielding hole diggers, not to mention pioneers of new access routes through some immensely challenging terrain. While the work is underway, we have someone on prayer watch and someone on Arab watch, as at times people may come up through the valley from the town below to try and disrupt the work. The weeds here are enormous. The most prevalent one is called widow’s garment , and it is very large and thorny. I’ve had the pleasure of digging up a few around the base, though they were only the smaller ones. Where the trees are being planted, they’re knee-high. We also went on a very exciting trip to Elon Moreh. You can read about it in Genesis 12—this is where God appeared to Abraham and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.”  It is a beautiful place, looking out over so much of Israel. On a clear day, you can see incredibly far, and knowing how fruitful the land was even back then, it must have been breathtakingly stunning. The valley in the background is also the one the Israelites travelled through when they came out of Egypt. You can almost imagine how the inhabitants of the land must have felt, watching such a vast multitude moving through the valley. A few days ago, most of the volunteers were whisked off to Arogot Farm. It’s a hilltop in Judea where they have built a prayer house for all nations and are in the process of developing a retreat centre. The girls had the honour of sleeping on the floor of the prayer house in their sleeping bags, while one of our friends had a very  close encounter with a centipede! The men slept outside, either under a large pergola or just beside it, with a beautiful view of the stars. They have also built a freshwater swimming pool, which is naturally filtered using four species of plants and fish. The next day was the first olive harvest—four hundred trees. They came home very  dirty and completely exhausted. Pete had taken the three eldest with him, while I stayed on base with the other four. It was a long day all round. We are incredibly excited to be joining the HaYovel staff next year. They are an amazing group of people, full of passion for what God has placed before them to do. In just over two weeks, we will be heading back to England so that I can apply for my citizenship and so that we can begin seeking supporters who will join us in this work. It’s all so exciting—though also a little sad to leave behind some wonderful new friends. At the same time, we’re very much looking forward to seeing our family and friends back home. It is an honour to be part of the restoration of the Land. We watch with interest as good and evil contend, but we know that God’s will will  prevail. This land—so contested now—will ultimately belong to God’s chosen people again, along with those who join themselves to the Name of YHVH, the Creator of the universe. Also the sons of the foreigner Who join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, And to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants— Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant— Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be  accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:6-7 A number of the really good photographs were taken by a very gifted young lady called Gabbi Van Baalen.