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.

Thanks for following us!!!