From Lu to Wing

Lu Wing has touched down, and begun to bless us with his sound teaching, cheerful demeanor, and zany application of otherwise unrelated bio-scientific phenomenon into scriptural exposition.

you may think it strange i learned the other day that Locusts and Grasshoppers are actually the exact same species, only that when a grasshopper is faced with dire circumstances and limited food, they excrete a hormone which toughens their exoskeleton, triggers aggression, and creates a swarm psyche.

you may think it strange, until you see him apply it metaphorically to the hardening of our hearts on a spiritual level.

may we all be grasshoppers, amen.

Today, Lu Wing taught us how to utilize vowel points in hebrew.

afterward, we went to a Messianic congregation right outside the old city. one of the oldest around, who endured all the turmoil of the state during its formative years.

we were thoroughly blessed, particularly by the Worship, which included a hebrew rendition of "it is well with my soul."

afterward, we braved the rain to make it to one of the best, most casual restaurants in town, Focacia bar, where we shared a meal, and had a fun time.

We only have two weeks left.

and Kristin and I have been thoroughly blessed by our time here, 

and as we approach the end, we reflectively anticipate our return home,

but more so seek to squeeze all we can from our time.

after all, tour groups spend only two weeks here, and still thrive in it.

it can be done, and we will do it.

among just enjoying the sites and sounds,

we also have a few responsibilities...

i am finishing an online final for a additional class, systematic theology,

as well as doing a term paper for it, which i am looking forward to.

Kristin and i both are going to put together a semester video, and have been working to that end.

though we are regrettably aware that our pacing with the blog has lessened, we are nonetheless hopeful that that energy is being diverted wisely.

keep us in your prayers, 

we miss you all.

-Matthew