Welcome to Israel...

That's what the sign said at Ben Gurion airport. After the long flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv, working our way through the airport, customs, and baggage pick up, we made our way outside to catch the sh'rutt(sp?) up to Jerusalem, about an hour's drive.

Our apartment host, Edan, greeted and escorted us through the alley to the space we'd living in for the next week and a half. After helping us huff our luggage up the two flights of stairs to the third floor, he showed us around the place and mentioned that we would have to water the plants a couple of times during our stay. After settling in a bit, this didn't seem quite so unusual as it feels like we walked into someone's home during their vacation. See photos below of our apartment and the view from our windows and balcony.

Falling asleep last night to the voices in the courtyard below and the music spilling from the little restaurant down the alley... "I will sing unto the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously, the horse and rider thrown into the sea..." Abba reassures us. We feel safe. He is indeed in triumphant!