Shalom everyone, my brother Art picked me up from the airport in Tampa, 1:am this morning (Tues). So that I would not experience jet lag, I needed to stay awake for the 27 hours of my trip back. Believe me, I got into my bed and was out like a light for 9 hours. It was so good to give Art and mom big hugs and kisses this morning. We are slowly catching up. Just a quick Divine appointment catch up. While waiting at my hotel in Israel, for my shuttle to the airport (5:45am), I was able to talk with the night clerk (a young Jewish student that I had not met before). Because of his love for history (he intends to visit the 5 churches mentioned in Rev. this fall), he was very interested in the differences in Christian denominations (why some think that the whole Bible is to be believed and followed, while others do not). He was very open and curious (we even talked about what was found on that 1980 dig). So, for 30 minutes we discussed what a “Born Again” believer, believes. Just as my ride showed up, I handed him a Four Laws booklet and said that this is what we believe “in a nut shell.” He smiled, thanked me, and put it in his pocket to read after I left (watering a seed). I gave him over to the Lord and off I went to Tel Aviv. Even though the Isreali security is high, it was nice to keep my shoes on. One of my next Divine appointments was to be my seat mate on the plane. A lovely young Jewish girl (she has one parent in Chicago and one in Tel Aviv). Because she had taken a class in archeology while in college, she was very interested in what I had seen at the Sifting Project Dig and how (regarding the truths of the Bible) “every time an archaeologist puts a shovel in the ground he buries a skeptic.” We talked of Ezekiel, Daniel and the Psalms. She had heard of the “end of days,” and wondered if I thought we were in them. That brought us to why I was back in Israel, which brought us to my love for Jesus, and His love for His earthly “homeland.” I was then able to go through C.S. Lewis’ “Lier, Lunatic, or Lord” illustration. She then said, because of the illustration, that it finally was making sense. However, after talking for 40 minutes, (just after the plane took off) they found that there was something wrong with her seating and she had to move. But she smiled, shook my hand and thanked me (watering a seed). As we took off over Israel, I could see the city, the green farm lands, the mountains and beyond. As we then made our turn and started our climb over the Med. Sea, I took that last communion, and watched until I no could longer see “The Land” any more. I smiled, thanked the Lord, and felt satisfied (like after a big Thanksgiving dinner) . In the Lord’s kindness (angels watching over me), He guided me through one of the worst Customs entry points (JFK) that I have ever seen. Because someone gave me a “blessed orange slip of paper,” I kept being put at the head of the lines, by-passing hundreds of people (maybe thousands). What could have taken easily three hours or more, took less than one (and no one questioned me or anything in my bags). They did not take my little orange paper until I went to my gate. Amazing! Truly the Lord has guided my every step on this trip, and I do not take that lightly. No sickness, no accidents, and I took the right amount of everything. And of course where I stayed, location, location, location. I found out that this little hotel was used in the 40s, by many of those who would become the founders of the new Israel (although very clean and safe, it reminded of a place that “Bogie” would have stayed at, in “Casablanca”). I look forward to sharing the “treasures,” that I have brought back, with many of you. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. Now, on to another great adventure, for all of us. Thank you for all the prayers, they were answered over and above. Blessings, D