Where we've been

Wow! I didn't realize it's been over a month since I last posted. I apologize to all who check in on us regularly and haven't seen any pictures or updates on our life here. Over the past month I have posted a few things on Facebook, but I realize not all of you have connections to Facebook so here we go...

Six weeks ago Thomas woke up the morning after a game complaining that his shoulder was bothering him. Soon after we realized he was unable to raise his right arm we phoned the trainer on the team and scheduled an appointment.Which later led to getting an x-ray, ultra sound, and an MRI; all turned out to be inconclusive. The next step was seeing the club's top two shoulder specialist in the country. After their clinical examinations, over the course of several appointments, the were convinced Thomas had torn his labrum inside the right shoulder and needed surgery. However, they suggested doing a few weeks of therapy to see if there was any change or improvement made. We chose to accept their advice on therapy and  asked many family members and friends to join us in prayer for a violent miracle to happen. We also asked the Lord to guide us and give us clarity on what we needed to do in the situation.

Since then, the Lord directed us and protected Thomas through an hour and a half surgery that took place on Monday March 11th. The results from the surgery were a torn labrum in the right shoulder and a detached bicep. We are now two weeks post surgery. We head back down to the hospital on Sunday to have his stitches removed and for his first check up. Thomas is adjusting to moving around in a sling and learning how to do things with one arm. Our spirits are high and our faith remains in the One above who heals the wounded and lifts his children up.

Thank you to all those who have been praying for Thomas and I through this time. As you feel led, our prayer would be for a quick recovery and complete healing as Thomas approaches a 4-6 month rehab plan. He plans to spend the summer rehabbing the injury with realistic hopes of being back at full speed and on the court by the start of next season.

As far as sight seeing and exploring more around the country we haven't been too far. We have driven back to a couple of our favorite places, but no long trips or get a ways. I posted pictures below of places we have been recently since the weather has warmed up.

Below are pictures of a really nice boardwalk we found in a city about half an hour from us called Haifa. We took a picnic lunch and enjoyed a nice long walk along the Mediterranean Sea.

  

Next pictures come from the Megido National Park; 5 minutes from our house

Back in the Old City, Jerusalem the day before Thomas's surgery

I love the soldiers here!

 Thomas and I seconds before the wedding...we had no idea until these men turned the corner singing and started walking toward us! We stayed so I could record the entrance of the Bride!

 Sweet groom waiting on his bride.

 Walking around the Old City in the evening, Jaffa Gate outside the Christian Quarter, our favorite section!

 We stopped at Jacob's Pizza for dinner outside the Christian Quarter where we also met a lovely couple from Greenville, SC. They were out enjoying their last evening in Israel with their two grandchildren who came over with them on a tour. Our conversation eventually led to Thomas having surgery the next morning, which inspired them as believers to ask if they could pray over Thomas before the left. What a wonderful blessing and special prayer. Thank you to our friends, Joe and Karen Sawyer.

Below are pictures of our most recent blessing and precious friends we have made, Dori and Josh Gomes. Josh plays in the same league as Thomas here in Israel. Just recently I was introduced and invited into a group on Facebook that is designed for wives living overseas who have husbands playing professional basketball. There are over 400 women who belong to this group from all over the world. What a blessing it was to connect with Dori a month ago who lives half an hour from me. Dori recently gave birth to their first child Roselyn 5 weeks ago on Valentines day. She joins us on all our dates of course! We sit and talk for hours...so long we end up getting more food and desserts as a thank you for enjoying the cafe and embracing the Israeli style of dinning (which is the complete opposite of America where we eat and leave, this is considered rude here)!

We have family time and we have girl time! Israeli breakfast has really grown on me; I'm in love! Fresh, delicious, homemade breads, multiple spreads, omelets with veggies, salad, yogurt, and fresh squeezed orange juice!

loving life from the valley of Armageddon and the village of Midrach Oz.

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Country Hour and A Little Love

In the past week we’ve had a drive through the beautiful national parks while listening to “Country Hour” on a radio broadcast from Jordan, visited the World’s oldest port; Jaffa, and received two surprise packages full of love from special friends!

The first series of pictures comes from our lazy day drive in the sunshine with our windows down and country radio blasting through the local national parks. We decided to go for a drive after having lunch because the weather was so nice and wanted to check out the local parks around us. When we started we had no idea how long we would be out for, so we packed up some treats and hit the road. Shortly after beginning our journey through the park Thomas recognized a country song on the radio. When the song was over we heard, “Your listening to Jordan’s 96.3 Country Classic Hour.” We looked at each other, smiled, rolled the windows down some more and enjoyed the Country Classic Hour from Jordan’s radio broadcast. 

Never mind the road signs for yielding to pedestrians, we have to look out for cows!

 The lush and beautiful green grass makes you think spring is already here; some days it truly feels that way. We have had several days reach the 70s, and it is usually very sunny. My camera died on our adventure so I was unable to take more pictures of the views as we reached the top of Mount Gilboa. The gorgeous panoramic views are breath taking and is a must do again with a full charged camera on hand. Stay tuned as we reach spring; I’ll be sure to return again and post stunning panoramic views of Israel, and the Jezreel Valley.

Jaffa was a fun old city to visit with its marbled stone paths and vintage style art shops! Jaffa is located just south of Tel Aviv and borders the Mediterranean Sea. There must be history in the old city of Jaffa as its one of the oldest ports in the world.  Jaffa is believed to be the place Jonah shipped off from before being swallowed by the whale, and also has the house of “Simon the Tanner” where the New Testament records the apostle Peter stayed.  Also, The Old Testament reports that the ancient Cedars of Lebanon used to construct Solomon’s first temple were brought through this historic port of Jaffa.

 A view of Tel Aviv on an over cast day.

 leaving the old city.

 I packed a picnic lunch for us which we enjoyed along side the Jaffa Mariana. Pictures below are of real deal fishermen’s nets and tackle equipment.  These fishermen are still working full time, and go out each evening to fish in the Mediterranean sea. We saw several families living in their house boats docked in the Mariana as well. My favorite part as always was simply walking through the old city and taking in all that was surrounding us; from young school children getting their picture taken to the funky colored doors I had to have my picture taken with!

Oh special friends how they make you feel loved and warm inside! Our neighbor knocked on our door today to bring us not one package, but TWO packages! Thomas and I glanced at each other with eyes lit up, and I rushed to see who they were from! We had no idea we should be expecting a package, and we,  were so surprised! My sweet sister-in-law Caroline sent me some more yarn to keep me motivated and working on my knitting, along with a super cute “PINK” Liberty Basketball shirt my brother-in-law Jesse got for me! Thank you Caroline and Jesse for your thoughtfulness! I’m anxious to work on the next knitting project and Jess I’m already sporting my “PINK” Liberty basketball shirt!

Our second package came from another dear friend of mine from back home, Lindsey Powell. Lindsey and I become very close during our Sunday School class back home in Franklin. She moved from Tennessee to marry our Pastor! We were both teachers, both engaged, and both in the same class, so yes we hit it off! Since being in Israel I have really missed out on my women’s class at church. When I read the address on our package I knew exactly who had sent me a package, my sweet friend Lindsey! I was so excited to open it since I had no idea what to expect. The pictures below don’t say enough. Your card was the coolest thing ever; A map of the world on the front with a heart surrounding Franklin and a saying, “I’m lost without you.” How I miss my precious friends! She also packed a shoebox full of Valentines candy for not only me but for my sweetheart as well! I love you Lindsey Powell and miss you bunches! Thank you so much for sending us a package! I’ve already worn my cute fuzzy socks today and have eaten too much Valentine candy!

Joy from January

Winter days in Israel haven't been to cold for us. A typical day here are highs in the 50s to low 60s and normally a chance of rain. January and February are said to be the rainy months in the North to help nourish all the crops.  It is a good thing cause it provides us with lots of natural goodies!!! I have never had the experience to indulge in so many fruits and veggies. I have found that I love so many different natural foods while living here.

 What a delight it is to have strawberries in the winter :) Believe it or not, I've never tried a real coconut! I have been missing out!  Persimmon's have stole my heart with such a strong natural sweetener and lots of fiber! I wish I could bring them back to North Carolina!


Rainy season, in my opinion is a great excuse to stay inside and bake! Oh how I love to bake! My favorite thing to make is banana bread. I have tried five or six different recipes in the past four months. I recently found a delicious banana bread recipe from pinterest made with pure honey, applesauce, and lots of walnuts! The honey and applesauce really help keep the bread moist and last a little longer! Click here for the Banana bread recipe

I blame Thomas for the next recipe, although I secretly love them too!  Thomas got a craving to make some REAL DEAL cinnamon rolls;  The ones that take two hours just to let the yeast settle and the bread to rise (never knew it could make such a difference in taste); I'm talking cinnamon rolls you see in the bakery that you feel guilty for eating after you've indulged in a couple! haha... These are definitely a treat for occasions only! Believe it or not we only had a few and gave the rest to our neighbors and Thomas's teammates, who responded on a sugar high, "Thanks for the  wonderful cake!" haha... We loved baking these together!

A few other recipes I would like to share that I've found to be quick and easy.  Just click on the link below if your interested. Most of them are breakfast foods because that's my favorite meal to prepare :)

Banana Nut French Toast   On the top of the list for Thomas

Whole Wheat Pancakes    My personal favorite :)I add bananas to mine while they are cooking-delicious addition! You can also add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice (thanks ama)

Quick Skillet Whole Wheat Pizza    Another personal favorite and very unique!

Baked Bananas  Oh so yummy!

Baking Powder Biscuits  

Cinnamon Apple Pie with Crumble Topping 


Along with lots of baking I'm keeping up with my knitting as well :)  Now that I can actually knit without mistakes, I'm working on some "simple" headbands for little babies and kids at our church! I'm really looking forward to sharing them this Saturday :) My next goal is to tackle how to make button holes.