Egypt

We were finally able to skype with Soccer Dad this afternoon. He's very ready to come home and we're even more ready to have him home. He did say that he rode a camel and that Egypt was a bit disappointing after being in the Holy Land, not as much significance. He's also not feeling 100%, which makes for a rough trip home. His wake up call is 4:45 Friday morning, 9:45 Thursday night our time. Only a three hours to go, whoopie! Yes, we're counting down! Hopefully he's sawing lots of logs as I type. They will then leave the hotel around 6am to catch the flight. I'm sure he'll probably have accumulated 3,000 photos to show us all. I'll share them with you after I recover from the pain of uploading them.

3 Days

We've had no word from Soccer Dad yesterday or today. He arrived in Egypt yesterday morning and changes hotels tonight. He comes home in three days (Wahoo!) and Mimi goes home :( The girls, the garden, and my tummy tum have all grown while Mimi's been here. She feeds us well, always has. Baby's rolling over both ways, eating baby oatmeal, and spitting out peas. As long as she likes green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and olives, I'll be a happy camper. I need someone on my side, since the other two seem to have similar taste buds. My big girl misses her daddy like crazy and has informed me that she has big girl feet. Big feet are definitely something every lady should be proud of.

We're off to feed the relatives dogs and hope they eat their food instead of us...

Israel Day 5

Visited the Wailing Wall and the Temple Mount, which is now controlled by Muslims. Went to the Israel Museum and the Nativity Church, built above the site where Jesus was most likely born. Saw the Herod caves, the Shepherd's field, Dead Sea Scrolls, and site where Pilate sentenced Jesus. Last night in Israel. Most relaxing day yet. Took nap today.

-Soccer Dad

Israel Day 4

Most tiring day yet - toured the old city on foot. Visited the Mount of Olives and two of Jesus' possible tombs. Had communion in the garden tomb and was honored to do the scripture reading. Have had all kinds of Mediterranean food - fish, hummus, felafel, Jerusalem bread, etc. Plan on riding a camel in Egypt. Taken over 1,500 photos.

-Soccer Dad

Israel Day 3

"Morning at Qumran, site of the discovery of Dead Sea Scrolls. Then Swimming/floating in the Dead Sea and covering in mud for the health of the skin. Onto Bethany and the tomb of Lazarus, and Church on top of house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Into Jerusalem for view of city and old city, the mount of the temple. Finally to Bethlehem to shop and get to new hotel."

-Soccer Dad

Israel Day 2

"First thing this morning on the Jesus boat on the sea of Galilee. Where Jesus calmed the storm and walked on water. Mount of Beatitudes, Capernum, and Mount Hermon. Baptized in the Jordan River along with 20 others from Chowan.

Walked all over where Jesus ministered, great day"

-Soccer Dad

Israel

A message from Soccer Dad, his first full day in Israel:

In Tiberius at the Caesar hotel on the sea of Galilee. It is beautiful. Today we went to Cesarea and Herod's palace, Meggedo or Armageddon, Nazareth and Cana. Great day, tomorrow we will travel on and around the Sea of Galilee and do Baptisms in the Jordan River.