Dear Friends, 

It is great to be back in the land of Israel.   My flight went well.  I arrived here at Biblical Tamar Park late Sunday night, April 26.  So far I am adjusting smoothly to the transition.  It is hard to believe it is Thursday already!  This past Tuesday was Memorial Day here in Israel.  It is a day of remembrance for those who have died in battle or in terrorist attacks.  I was talking about this with the gentleman supplies the trees that we plant here at the park.  He lived in the States for a number of years and said that the Memorial Days he celebrated in America were full of fun and play while not being as much of a remembrance.  It was interesting to hear his point of view.  There was a big memorial service at the cemetery near the park for one of the young soldiers who died in the service of Israel in recent years.  I could hear the loudspeaker here at the park.    Then Wednesday was Independence Day.  In Israel they connect Memorial Day with Independence Day as many people lost their lives to bring forth this nation in 1948.  Independence Day is celebrated in a similar way here as we do in the States; lots of flags flying everywhere, BBQ's in the afternoon, and then fireworks at night.  We have had a few extra visitors at the park because of people being off from work, traveling, visiting family, and the like.

The first couple of days here I did a number of maintenance projects that were waiting for me.   I also helped check all the drip lines for the 800+ recently planted trees and shrubs.  They are shifting to the summer watering schedule here at the park since it is heating up.  The temperatures this last week have been in the mid 90’s in the shade,  around 100 out in the full sun... and today is May 1st!  I am amazed at how fast the trees grow around here.  The soil here is full of nutrients.  Not far away, near the Dead Sea, is where much of the world’s fertilizers are mined.  I have also started on a remodeling project.  A kitchen and dining area in one of the mobile homes (or caravans as they are called here in Israel), is being converted into a prayer and study area.  I have been taking out the kitchen counter and cabinets.  It should be a great place to spend time with the Lord when we are through.

I have been able to get up early and spend time with the Lord each morning, often going for a walk around the park as the sun comes up.  It has been a refreshing time.  I also find myself praying while working during the day. 

I mentioned before that there are two others with me here at the park.  They are both from Pittsburgh, PA.   They will continue on after I leave and another will come and join them.  Trina has been coming to this park for a number of years.  She said that she has spent around 16 months here off and on.  This is Chris's first time here in Israel.  We are all doing well and get along fine.  We eat all our meals together and have started praying together after breakfast.  Thank you so much for all your prayers for us and for the work we are doing here.

Grace and Peace (Shalom),
Alan Vanderkolk