New Friends

Yesterday we got to spend a couple of hours with some "new" friends visiting from Ohio. Mr. Bechtel is a Bible teacher at Zach's former high school in Cleveland, and while Zach never had him in class, they knew of each other for the years Zach was there. He and his wife have been to the Holy Land many times, and we got connected through CVCA's alumni office.

We had a wonderful afternoon getting to spend time with them and walk around the HOT city a little bit. It was so refreshing for us and fun to have some of our first official house guests -- even if our "house" isn't much for entertaining! :) It was one of those times where it was obvious the Lord had crossed our paths for a reason, and we truly felt like kindred spirits -- like we had known each other for a really long time. So thank you, Bechtels, for spending some time with us... we so look forward to keeping in touch and sharing our lives with you all, even if from a distance!

A Day Trip Up North

Yesterday we got to spend a looong (and wonderful!) day up in the northern part of the country with a tour group who was visiting from the States. Our pastor went along for the baptisms in the Jordan River, so he invited us to come, too. Our first stop was Beit She'an, an ancient Roman city with some pretty spectacular ruins.

On the "train" to Beit She'an 

Well-preserved ruins of an ancient theater

Our next stop was the Mount of Beatitudes. I have to admit we were quite rushed during our visit here, but we still loved the incredibly scenery.

Church at the top of the Mount of Beatitudes

The Sea of Galilee

Boating across the Sea of Galilee -- Charis' first boat ride

When we reached the middle of the Sea of Galilee, they killed the engines of our boat so we could have some quiet time of reflection with our pastor. Funny enough the boat actually wouldn't start back up for a few minutes as we were trying to leave...a bit disconcerting. :)

Our next stop was the town of Capernaum where Jesus lived for a while with Peter.

The old synagogue

Our last stop was the Jordan River. Several people from the team got baptized, but we opted to just enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Charis looking scared of the Jordan :)

There were a couple of these little guys swimming around

All in all it was a wonderful trip. In fact, as the bus was pulling into the hotel after our 15-hour excursion, our guide told everyone over the microphone that he had never traveled with a baby who was so calm and well-behaved through that much activity. And the more I see of this country, the more I love it.

A Few of My Favorite Things

I am 11 months old today! Mommy and Daddy tell me all the time they can't believe how old (and big) I am getting. To celebrate this special day, here are 11 of my favorite things:

1. The Dr. Seuss book "Hop on Pop." I have a plethora of books but always am soothed by that particular one. (And yes, I am 11 months old and using the word 'plethora.')

2. Standing up on EVERYTHING. Beds, tables, chairs, people... I just like being on my feet!

3. Chicken. When Mommy cooks chicken, I sometimes eat more than Mommy and Daddy do! So far it is definitely my favorite food.

4. Taking baths. I just got a new little bath bucket, and I love splashing (and standing, of course) in my bath every night.

Helping Daddy study for his exams

5. Being outside. Nothing has changed here...I still am the happiest when I'm playing (or being carried) outdoors.

6. Crawling...and eating things I shouldn't. Mommy and Daddy always seem impressed that I can find so many little things on the floor and start chewing on them before they can get to me. :)

7. Playing (banging on) the piano. Yes, it's true: I love playing piano. Mommy keeps telling me she can't wait to teach me in a couple of years.

8. Biting. With the addition of two new teeth this month (front tops), biting has become a new favorite activity. Mommy doesn't seem too thrilled when I bite her while nursing, so I'm trying to work on that. It just feels so good on my aching teeth!

See my teeth??

9. Repeating words. I love repeating after Mommy and Daddy when they say, "Dada," "Mama," or "Ball." I also repeat them when they click their tongues or smack their lips.

10. My yellow shaker ball. I have a little plastic ball that I love shaking (it makes noise) and chasing all around the house. I think it's my favorite toy.

11. Waking up abruptly. Now that I am so good at standing, every time I wake up (either in the middle of the night or in the morning), I immediately sit and then stand up, even if my eyes are still closed. Mommy and Daddy think it's pretty funny.

Growing into the swing at the park

My guilty, maybe-I-shouldn't-be-eating-this face

Happy 11 months!

Sometimes staying up until 7 AM to watch a basketball game is worth it.