Stuff n things..

Hope this note finds you well and happy! So much happens in such a short period of time! I'm in the process of finishing off my last comissioned paintings, have plans developing to start teaching art classes in September, traveled to Israël, joined the worship team in the little Baptist church here in the village, a visit from Ruth an Elana (O, how dear those ladies are to me, was so wonderful to have them stay and visit), times of fasting, have helped Ps Phil on stage as he painted a massive artwork on stage... New art, new paintings on the horizon and plans for a Summer holiday to Italy... GOOD things! (John 10:10)
Our trip to Israël was wonderful. For those of you who can't read Dutch, our group of four wrote a little entry with photos nearly every day we were there. This way friends and family had the opportunity to have a read on all our adventures and stay posted. It truely is a special country and all of us experienced the great love God has for this country in one way or another. During our visit our hearts grew warm for the Jewish people and all of us said we'd be happy to return for a visit tomorrow!

So many impressions; so much suffering the Jews have gone through over the years, the huge contrast between the Moslims and the Jews and the difference in atmosphere in their quarters in the Old city of Jerusalem... The things "Christians" have done to these people, viewing the Jews as "Jesus killers" and the space the foreigners (non Jews) have taken in the city of Jerusalem... The temple mount as domein of the Moslims... and tricks to keep Jesus away, like closing the Golden gate (see picture of previous entry) and placing "unclean" graves at the entrance, trying to stop Him from coming back through that gate one day.

But O,.. He is so much bigger! He is coming back to this broken world. He is coming back for His loved ones, for those who believe that He is the Son of God, for those who love Him and long to be His bride. What a glorious future! I think this is one of the things that has stuck with me most. The Mount of Olives, the places He once walked... the place where He will one day (soon!) return to reighn a kingdom of peace. He will reveal Himself as He is.

Israël is a very special country. There is no denying that!

(You can get a littlebit of an impression looking at the pics posted with the entries below.)

Blessings,

Lise xx