Planted by streams of water

Friends and family! Let me start by telling you that God is so good. That truth becomes more and more real in all of our hearts here in Israel.

Today we went to the Wilderness of Zin, Ein Avdat. This canyon was unlike any other. You will see pictures and videos but let me tell you they do not capture the beauty of the real thing. (You should come see for yourself ;)) So many plants, even animals, are given life from the water that runs through the canyon, which is a huge change is scenery from the miles of dry desert that surround it.

Pastor Michael had us read Psalm 1 as we stood at the bottom which says "whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
What an incredible representation this canyon is of the life God brings to our lives as we draw near to him, the living water.

Then we hiked the canyon... and it was awesome!!! No stair master could compare to the steep steps along the canyon walls. It was such a blessing to go on such a beautiful adventure.

During our next adventure we met some new friends. They were camels.

They were the coolest. We rode these incredible creatures through a small portion of the desert, and experienced a form of transportation from back in the day. Afterwards Ronen, our awesome tour guide, spoke to us about the hospitality of the Bedouin people, and encouraged all of us to be caring for our neighbors, putting God's love into action.

We ended our day with a dip in the Dead Sea. The water is really salty so you float easily. It feels like you are sitting on a pool floaty every moment you are in the water. It was hilarious watching people try to stay right side up or try to stand. We all had mud facials so our pores are looking excellent!

Like I said God is so good, and I'm so thankful that my understanding of his goodness, his strength, his love and his power grows in the moments we experience here and the moments we seek his presence.
Haleigh

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