Several years ago we made a choice to develop Biblical Tamar Park around a historic chronological theme with each of the seven periods set within the 55 acres of the Park. Each site would be identified by a certain period of time as well as with a building or a display.  The Abrahamic Historical Site was first and the plan was to purchase a Bedouin tent for the display. The task of finding a locally made, hand-woven tent, proved to be quite a task.  We searched for a couple years.

We did locate replicas of the Bedouin tent, one made in Turkey, but it was very expensive. Finally, this fall, Mohammad, our neighbor, found an original tent, woven by the local Bedouin women from goat’s hair.  It is beautiful, but very old and in need of repairs by experienced seamstresses.   

Two years ago we picked our first small crop of olives from our growing orchard. This year several of the volunteers stripped the olives from the trees with small olive rakes. The pickers, primarily Victoria Brogdon, Esther Klinebriel, and Elsa Kruger were able to reach to the tops of the branches to gather them on a large tarp under the trees.  Kermit Hainley enjoyed helping the three women harvest our bountiful crop. 

Olive oil that is not processed commercially has a much milder taste than oil bought from the store, even the “first cold pressed,” which is processed the least.  The olives we had pressed were not processed at all and the oil is being carefully stored to be used almost exclusively on salads in the Tamar dining room for our visitors.  

Another one of our goals has been to repair the roofs and floors in our aging caravans (house trailers).  These projects are hard work and skilled carpenters are needed.  Some of the caravans are over 50 years old and have been exposed to severe desert sand storms and torrential desert rains.  While rain does not fall often in the Arava, when it does, it can be furious and penetrating.  This causes parts of the ceilings and floors of the caravans to deteriorate. 

But, there comes a time when repair is no longer possible.  The Operations Committee decided that at least two floors need to be replaced this year.  Ty Henderson and his nephew, Jamie Gilkerson, once again came to the rescue and they began the work a few days before the full volunteer crew arrived.  Alan, our Park supervisor, was prepared and had the building materials ready for them. 

There is a continuing need to repair the mortar around the stones of the Roman quarter at Biblical Tamar Park.  This area of the archeology dig at Tamar contains one of only two Roman treasuries in the world that have a subterranean area.  The other is in Great Britain. 

Our archaeology crew, led by Kathy Bekes and Pam Jaso, under the supervision of the IAA Director, Dr. Yoram Haimi, identified where repairs would be needed while they were there this past spring. A specialist in this area of restoration, Dr. Olga, worked with our crew while also preparing for an Israeli student group who will stay at Tamar in December and continue the work. 

TOURS ARE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED 

We are closing a “best ever” year at Tamar for 2016 with more activity in the Park than any time in our 35-year history.  Tours to Israel, which usually include two or three days/nights at Tamar, are important for at least two reasons.  The first is that it introduces the Park and our vision and mission to everyone who visits Tamar.  Many of them tell us that it was the most memorable experience they had in the Country. The second reason is, of course, the revenues that the Park receives for board and room. 

Twice during the past two months we had “full occupancy” in our 25 rooms (50 beds). Our evenings at the Park are always very special when the groups sit together in the sukkah, with the fire blazing, sharing together and enjoying the quietness and the privacy of the desert.  

Feeding the tour groups and volunteers were three special ladies, Jodi Coxon, Jean Hainley, and Cynthia Hillson.  Compliments were offered by many as they enjoyed delicious meals. 

So much has happened at Tamar and I think this has been my busiest time in Israel ever.  I was preparing for the fall feasts when I wrote to you last.  We had a wonderful time celebrating here with various visitors and friends.  This year I built a nice booth for the Feasts of Tabernacles.  Several people used it during the weeklong celebration.  

The volunteer work crews were here for a few weeks.  We completed many projects and got a slew of things repaired and crossed off our jobs list.  It was wonderful to have so many talented people here with expertise in a variety of areas. Justin Taylor, a young man who works for a Heating and Cooling Company here in Michigan, cleaned and repaired all of the air conditioners.  It was a job well done.

This year, we had a very nice olive crop.  It was two years ago that we harvested the olives here.  We wound up with over twelve crates to be pressed.  This produced over five gallons of olive oil.  It was the first time I was able to help pick and take the olives to be pressed.  I spent the day with our Bedouin neighbor, Mohammed, and three ladies who helped pick most of the olives. We talked about a lot of things as we hung out together. We have been told that our olive oil is some of the finest they have ever tasted.  We are blessed by the Lord to have our own trees, bought with donations, that have been planted over the years

Every day is different.  As I write this update there are over 40 motorcycles parked outside.  They are a riding group of Israelis who have stopped by to take a break from the road and tour the Park.  We get many comments on how nice and clean this place is in Israel compared to other parks. That is always nice to hear.  A couple days ago, there were around thirty school children visiting on a field trip and four other busses of adults. 

Well I have been here for two months now with one more to go.  The next month should be quieter and not as busy, but you never know.  The challenge is part of the fun and excitement around here.  I hope to write a bit more soon.  Thank you again for all your prayers and support. 

                     February 19 - 28                           Madsen/Ernst

                           February 26 – March 9               Young/Clayton

                           March 3 - 14                                  Tabor/Nichols

                           March 19 – 30                               Pennington/Alewine

                           May 1 – 14                                      Long/GBC