We spent our second night at Kibbutz Dorot. Once again, part of the crew left early in the morning to get started by 6. We still had to put a full roof on one building (pergola) and finish the roof on the second pergola.
The rest of us had breakfast at the kibbutz before returning to the park. Last evening, Tom and Brenda spent some time with Schlome who runs the guest service of the kibbutz. We showed her pictures of the work we are doing in the park and talked about our love for Israel. Then Brenda went with Schlome to see her new house. Schlome made a point to visit with us at breakfast this morning where John got to explain more about what we are doing in Israel, and Jill had a chance to share the Gospel with her.
 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1 |
By midday, we completed all of the roof work, started another picnic table under the first pergola and started leveling the ground for the landscaping. The plants arrived mid-morning, including the almond tree we will plant as a memorial. The stone monuments arrived at nearly the same time as our lunch so everyone had a chance to take a look.
The pace picked up in the afternoon as we neared our deadline. We set the monuments in place and had a short dedication ceremony with Adi’s relative who lost her 5-year-old son and was injured in a qassam rocket attack. The memorial was dedicated to her son and the seven others who have been killed here in Sderot.
The landscaping continued, and some of the guys were still doing the final clean up touches after the crowd arrived. The park looked great for the official re-opening ceremony!
The evening was incredible. Somewhere between 300 and 400 people showed up, and probably more than half were the kids who will use this park every day. Adi gave some opening comments, several of the town leaders spoke, and then Adi’s relative shared with the gathering. John gave a short message on how we true Christians care for all people, especially the people of Israel. He explained that while we built the park, it belongs to the people of Sderot. Most importantly, John made it clear that God should get all the glory for what was done here. Jill added a few notes on how God’s hand was in the project throughout.
After the official ceremonies were over, we distributed candy and toys to the children. We did not have enough soccer balls for everyone, so it was decided to donate them to the school next to the park. We finished the night by having dinner at Nana’s. She owns a house on the edge of the park and has supplied us with electricity, water, bathroom facilities and sometimes food. She has been a huge blessing to this project!
This was one amazing incredible evening! Praise God for all – the work got done and we had great interaction with the people. Pray for the seeds that were planted tonight and all during this project.
Tomorrow: An IDF base to build some picnic tables, and then… Jerusalem!
God Bless! Tom