During the first week of November, we were graced with a visit by a church delegation from Sarasota, Florida (Tel Mond's sister town ).
Clay, the young and energetic pastor who led the trip, arrived after two days of torrential downpour and flooding in Israel. As soon as the group arrived, the clouds passed and the sun peaked out. The mud dried up. The winds died down.
The church delegation came to see and learn about Israel as well as the Israel-Arab conflict and possibilities for peaceful co-existence in the area.
It was arranged that they would observe a workshop for Jewish and Arab children from schools in Tel Mond and the Arab village of Taibeh. The children worked in heterogeneous groups and decorated kites with similar words in Arabic and Hebrew.
After the kites were displayed, the children had kite flying fun around the grassy area in front of the school. Tel Mond's mayor welcomed all of the children and the guests from Sarasota.
The large poster which is a drawing by Bat-Chen and won an award in Sarasota's, "Embracing our Differences" is displayed in the school yard so it was exciting to have our Sarasota guests see it.
After the kite-flying workshop, the guests came to the Shahaks for a light repast and a power point exhibit and discussion about the Association.
They were later sent on their way. Fun was had by all.
Finally, we wish to thank all of the Sarasota guests for their generous donations to the Association and for the purchase of the DIARIES.
