First and foremost, we are safe and we thank everyone again for the concern and prayers as attacks escalate again here in Israel. We don't take our safety for granted and we are thankful for each day that life continues as normal for us. 

We had to move again. Nope, not part of the plan but it became evident when torrential rain revealed leaks and then BLACK MOLD in the house we were renting. We can't be sure of the correlation but I experienced several days of vertigo in that house on top of all the other symptoms, and it became urgent to get out! The miracle is that we did get out, about 5 blocks away and the Israeli House 2.0 is dry, beautiful and an answer to prayer! A big one. 

Also, at the new house we have a beautiful hibiscus tree in the yard. Our daughter, Eliana, said when she was about 8 or 9 she read a book about a girl in Africa who had a hibiscus tree in her yard. She told me that at the time she didn't even know what a hibiscus was, but she remembered thinking, "That sounds so cool. I want a hibiscus tree in my yard!" I'd like to think that the LORD heard that silent desire of her heart and answered that small wish a few years later. 

Our son, Leo, loves baseball and he wondered if he would ever play again after moving to Israel. Not only did he find a team, but he has been invited to play on the Israeli National Baseball Team U-18. He is playing catcher for them. The plan this summer is that he will travel to Europe for a baseball tournament. This boy who learned the game in America will put on a jersey and represent Israel. Play for Israel. Stand with Israel. It seems profound. Maybe even more than I can understand right now. 

Early in March Kevin made good on a promise to our kids that someday they could have a dog. In Wisconsin, our family lived on a street called Lucille for several years, which made me think, "How about Lucy?" Lucy, our very first family dog is a 12-week-old Golden Retriever. Lucy is already bringing a lot of joy and laughter to the family. She is funny, charming and really smart. And she has the cutest puppy eyelashes you've ever seen! She is extra work and she stretches me physically. Sometimes that is very challenging but ultimately I think it's a good thing. She gets me outside more and she's a good companion as I still spend a lot of time at home. 

My father-in-law lives with us now, and what a beautiful heartbeat this home has. It has been such a smooth transition. Opa has the whole lower level to himself - it's like his own apartment - and has space for all of his important stuff including 12-year-old Lucky the cat (yes, we now have Lucy the dog in addition to Lucky the cat :). Opa takes the kids to school and drives to baseball and volleyball practices regularly. We all share everything together. We share meals and chores. We share laughs and frustrations. We pray together and explore spiritual concepts. We share stories and memories. We have ups and downs. We are family. Opa, Kevin, Bonnie, Eliana, Leo, Lucky and Lucy. We didn't plan or anticipate any of this. It's a good thing we have a loving God who goes ahead of us and can turn any hardship into a blessing. 

Speaking of hardship, we've been learning that life in Israel is not entitled. In fact, it's quite the opposite. I've heard it described as a rite of passage and that one has to "earn" the life in Israel. Almost everything is harder with maybe the exception of nicer weather. From the mundane to the complex, we've had to adjust. We hit a new uncomfortable record when we paid $137 (497 NIS) for a tank of gas. And a more complex issue is navigating a new culture. Israelis aren't "Midwest nice," for instance. They are tough and harsh at times. We've been ripped off, treated unfairly, and been discriminated against. Our son just enlightened us with the word "Amerikaki" that he heard at school. It's a derogatory word for Americans who are disliked. If you have been waiting in line at the post office for an hour or your internet went out again, or you got a $300 parking ticket or your rent is too high...too bad. We are currently paying double rent until the end of April because the homeowners of the (m)old house would not come to a mutually acceptable agreement. Nonetheless, we will press on knowing that we are needed here. We are supposed to be here and there's a closeness within our family as we depend on each other and God. 

We are learning about patience and perseverance. Also about contentment and gratitude. Definitely flexibility. I know that these "stretches" have the capacity to grow us if we let them. Our kids are growing, too. These experiences have the potential to shape everything from their emotional IQ to their world view. I feel very proud of them. 

For this, my last Caring Bridge post, I'd like to and hope to close the chapter on cancer forever. In January I had a PetCT scan which revealed no cancer, no metastasis. THIS is an answered prayer! A big one! 

I have been through a lot and my body knows it. I'm older. I'm weaker and I'm not quite having the rebound I'd hoped for. My pace is still slow and I continue to try to find answers for fatigue and neurological issues. But there is life after cancer even if it looks different, feels different, and plays out differently than I had imagined. I still get to be here with these people whom I love and appreciate each day I've been given. One thing I would never change is the spiritual journey my soul has undergone these past few years. God met me and carried me through all of it. He is faithful. Thank you to YHWH for the belovedness, the music, and the whisper. 

One final thank you to all those who interceded on my behalf through my breast cancer journey. Those prayers were heard and I'm grateful for every single one. 

Thank you to Sarah P. and Natalie for sending a very meaningful package. So appreciated! 

Tracy, for your hands and your incredible heart. 

Sarah C. whose students sent personalized letters to my kids. 

Carrie and Ted for the amazing visit and for everything you brought for us! 

Opa, for finding baseball for Leo and for your absolute dedication and love for our family. 

Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. 

Psalm 62:5-6 - My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense. I shall not be moved.