THE DAY HAS ARRIVED!!!!!!

Monty praying for Barrett and Devin

OCTOBER 2, 2011---


The day of the betrothal has arrived!!!  We got up early (don't think Barrett slept at all) and headed up to where the Schaefers are staying!  This morning is special because today Barrett and Devin will make their commitment to one another!  So...we are on our way to pick up the Schaefers and then the Bride and Groom will both participate in a mikveh.  This is the Hebrew term for "collection."  As in a pool of water.  According to tradition,  when a person is beginning a new stage in life they immerse themselves in a pool of fresh water.  Normally water that is moving, like a spring fed pool or lake.  Well, Barrett and Devin will be having a mikveh this morning to show that they are entering a new stage in life!  The pictures you are about to see will give you an idea of what went on at the mikveh pool!  It is not a baptism, but a tangible way to show that their lives are changing!  This is just a tradition, but they thought it was a great way to start their new life together!  This mikveh pool is at the bottom of the Mount of Blessing!  In scripture this is Mount Gerazim!  How wonderful to be in this land for such a special day!

Both the Dads (Gene and Monty) prayed over our children!  It has been so wonderful to share all of this with Gene and Lorrie!  We have found out that we have so much that we agree on and we both love our children and want what is best for them!  Such a great blessing to have two families be able to come together this way!  It has been an amazing gift from the Father in Heaven!

We will be sending Betrothal pictures just as soon as we get them ready!  So sorry that it has taken so long, but we have met ourselves coming and going!  It has been SO busy around here!!  The betrothal was better than we could have dreamed!  The marriage feast should be just as great!!!

Thank you for all the wonderful notes of blessing on Barrett and Devin!  It means so much to them and us!  We only have a short time left here in Israel and are looking forward to seeing family and friends in the States!   This will be a hard time as Barrett will be leaving his beloved Bride here in Israel!  He will not see her until December!  Please keep them in your prayers!  We are going to try to keep Barrett so busy that the time between now and the marriage feast will fly by!  Tentative plans are for the marriage feast to be around the end of March or the first week of April!  We will keep you posted on any info! 

Blessings and Shalom from Jerusalem,
The Warrens

The water was very cold

Barrett praying that the Father in Heaven will bless his new family

I told you that the water was VERY cold

Nothing like a bear hug from your Dad to get you warm

Such a special time