By Frederick and Laura Ann Zahn, flazahn@yahoo.com, Springfield

Greetings from the hills of southwest Missouri or the Carolinas or even the Judean hills of Palestine. The Zahns have wandered in each of these the past three weeks. To experience the blessing of a Holy Land trip with our grandchildren (Zurich age 14 and Zella age 11) was a true joy. We did 'let' their parents travel with us! They enjoyed the scripture sites and the delights of Palestinian culture, including olive harvest. However, for us, a true touch of our spirits was our grandson delighting in meeting the people he has heard us talk about all his life. They both loved walking in the shadow of Jesus' presence and the fellowship of Palestinian Christians. We are currently enjoying the Carolina mountains as we celebrate the 90th birthday of Laura Ann's brother. And, soon we will return for some real relaxation back in our Ozark hills before beginning our olivewood sales in churches that are supporting Palestinian Christians. We continue to seek God's care and grace for our United Methodist Church as we live toward the inclusive love of Jesus' teaching.

Photo: Zurich and Zella playing kickball with children at Aboud Christian School in the Occupied Territories.