In good company

This post was started on July 15th but due to travel, I am just now publishing it...

Today we traveled up to Herzliya again to watch the HP kiddos and hangout while the first big group went to complete application for visa sponsorship. It was a fun day getting to know new wives/girlfriends and having a prolonged playdate for the kids.

City view 

The view from our table as Luke returned from work. He had news that tomorrow we'll be taking a 4-5 day trip to Rome! Luke nor I have ever been to Italy and are very excited about this opportunity!

We love it here so much! 

Walking to the bistro for dinner.

While at dinner, we ran into a few friends and ended up discussing the travel plans for Rome.  Due to the elevating situation down in Gaza, and Hamas' relentless aggression and rocket fire into Israel, things are escalating to the point Luke's company is having us leave for a few days. We are to remain in Italy for several days until a ceasefire agreement has been reached.

I don't think many of us want to leave, but realize that for the entirety of the group, it's best that we take a team trip and play it safe. Not to mention, we get to go to an awesome place with awesome people!! Great plan all the way around! Something I haven't mentioned much in my blog, but is a reality here is that the rocket sirens have become a daily occurrence at this point, making it increasingly obvious that Hamas won't stop poking the bear until they engage Israel in whatever it is they are seeking. A fellow wife has said it best in that amidst all the turmoil, we still feel very safe physically (mentally and emotionally it becomes pretty draining at times) and unless you are here, it's extremely hard to explain or understand-- especially as Americans because we generally have never experienced anything like this. Please do not worry about our safety.  I feel very confident in the way things are being handled and the proactive approach of evacuation is evidence that everything is being closely monitored.

So, until we get to return-- we are Roman Refugees!!! And we absolutely cannot wait to experience Italia! What an awesome adventure this already is.

Shalom! Ciao! ;-)