A day at the beach in Tel Aviv

Saturday began with breakfast at our hotel, then we got ready to head the two blocks to the beach!  The morning was clear and beautiful, the water comfortably refreshing and clear, it's a lovely beach.

 We watched some men fishing, they only caught some small fish but it looked like fun.

 We each ventured out in the water several times, but spent much of the morning people watching.  There were many families enjoying the beach.  We especially smiled over watching the toddlers playing in the sand and water.  Watching their sweet abandon and pure joy was fun.  One little fella, about 3 or 4 walked into a pool area where the sand was washed away and he quickly realized it was getting deeper than he wanted it to be.  His eyes were as big as saucers as he cried out "Abba!!" (Daddy)  His daddy quickly reached out and scooped him up.  That brought to mind how many times I can get in "over my head" in life and I cry out to God and He reaches out as that Father did and lifts me out of my troubles. 

 Even though we didn't ride bikes in Israel, Russ posed by one of the rental bikes for a picture.  MANY people ride along the bike lanes and areas up and down the beach.

 The beach was busy and colorful, filled with people speaking many languages.  The sailboats drifting by were beautiful as well.

We ate some lunch, Russ had falafel and I had some kind of pocket bread with mozzarella and feta cheese, YUM!  In the mid afternoon we walked back to our hotel to cool off a bit.  We returned in the evening to watch the sun set.  A para-surfer was gliding back and forth across the water.  He made it look very easy, I'm sure it takes lots of skill!

 After our final day in Israel, we watched the sun set over the Mediterranean.  It was a relaxing, peaceful and wonderful day.  We are thankful for the time spent here and feel blessed and fortunate for our safety and opportunities.

Tomorrow, we fly from Tel Aviv to Athens where we will join a group for the "Footsteps of Paul" tour.  We look forward to our next adventures, until then, thank you once again for your prayers.  Also, please keep Jenna Gillit, (our son Chris' girlfriend) and her family in your prayers.  Today (Saturday) was the funeral for her Grandma, Alice.  We pray for comfort in their loss.
Blessings to you,
Russ & Carol