Some places you visit. Others change you. What was it like to step into the Holy Land?

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Join me as I share highlights from our journey through Israel—the landscapes, sacred sites, and unforgettable moments that left a deep imprint on our hearts. From now until Christmas day, I will take you with us through the places we walked, the history we felt, and the peace we experienced.

^{A Christmas Surprise We’ll Never Forget}

A few years ago, I called my husband at work and said the words that always make him pause: “I have a crazy idea.” He knows that phrase usually means something wild is coming… and this time was no different.

I shared my idea. He laughed and said, “It’s crazy alright! I don’t know about that.”
Two hours later, I had an email from him—three different tour companies for a dream trip to the Holy Land.

That was it. We booked the tour. We were going to Israel with less than three weeks to book a flight and get ready!

We told the kids to request time off work because we were heading to Sedona and Northern Arizona. In the past, they could peek at the family calendar and figure out our plans, but this time we kept everything off the calendar. No hints. No clues.

On Christmas morning, we sent them on a scavenger hunt. The final clue led them to a tour booklet with their names on it. Their faces… absolutely priceless. Then came the biggest question:
“When do we leave?”
“You have 48 hours to pack—we fly out on the 27th.”

Shock. Laughter. Chaos. Then off to church because Christmas was on a Sunday that year.

Visiting the Holy Land during Christmas was extraordinary—beyond anything we imagined. Being there brought our Christian beliefs full circle and became one of the most meaningful Christmas gifts our family has ever received.

When I think of Israel, I also think about all the political, cultural, and religious challenges this small country has endured for centuries. Walking through the Old City and seeing how it is divided into Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Armenian quarters—each with sacred places of worship—reminded me how deeply connected we all are, even with our many differences.

As many of us celebrate Christmas, others are preparing for Hanukkah or other meaningful winter holidays. This season invites us to see one another with more compassion, more curiosity, and more unity.

Your Turn — Let’s Celebrate Together

What winter holidays does your family celebrate in December?
Do you have traditions that help your neurodivergent kids feel included, grounded, or excited for the season?

Hit reply and share. Your ideas might inspire another family in our community. 💛 or perhaps you would like to join our new Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/TheAutismPassport/

Walking the Holy Land Together

We’ve traveled to beautiful corners of the world — places with breathtaking views, ancient ruins, rich cultures, and unforgettable people. But no journey has ever filled our souls the way the Holy Land did.

For the next three weeks, I want to take you with us — one step, one city, one moment at a time. My hope is to share just enough that you can feel yourself standing where we stood… even if you’re reading this from your cozy couch.

And who knows — if something in these next few newsletters stirs your heart (like it did ours), let me know. When the time comes and you’re ready to make your own journey to the Holy Land, I’d love to help guide you in planning it.

Tel Aviv to the Sea of Galilee

Tel Aviv – Jaffa

We flew into Jordan, but our Israel trip began in Tel Aviv, a vibrant modern city sitting right next to one of the world’s oldest ports. Jaffa is where ancient stones meet salty sea breezes — a place mentioned in biblical history and wrapped in layers of stories. Narrow alleys, art studios, and golden light over the water made this the perfect place to begin our journey. You can almost feel time folding in on itself here.

Other amazing places we saw.

• Caesarea — A magnificent harbor city built by King Herod. Walking through the massive ruins, you can imagine ships coming in from all over the Mediterranean.

• Mt. Carmel — A peaceful mountain ridge with sweeping views, traditionally connected to the prophet Elijah. The air feels different here — quiet, reflective.

• Jezreel Valley — A fertile valley known in scripture, with rolling fields that stretch into the horizon. It’s one of those landscapes that makes you breathe deeper.

• Sepphoris — An archeological gem with mosaics, ancient streets, and Roman architecture. It felt like stepping into a living museum.

• Cana — The little village where Jesus performed His first miracle. Simple, humble, and tender.

• Nazareth — A bustling town with deep spiritual roots. Visiting here felt like standing at the beginning of so many stories we grew up hearing.

• Mount Precipice — Overlooking Nazareth, this cliff offers stunning views of the valley below. It’s breathtaking in every direction.

• Tiberias — A peaceful lakeside city along the Sea of Galilee. The water here has a way of calming your soul.

• Valley of the Doves — A quiet hiking valley believed to be a walking path Jesus and His disciples traveled. Simple. Serene.

• Tabgha — The site traditionally associated with the miracle of the loaves and fishes. The mosaics alone are worth the visit.

• Mount of Beatitudes — Overlooking the Sea of Galilee, this is where the Sermon on the Mount is believed to have been given. The hillside feels peaceful and inspired.

• Caesarea Philippi — A dramatic, rocky area with springs and ancient temples. Full of history and symbolism.

• Mt. Bental — Offering panoramic views into both Israel and Syria, it’s a reminder of the region’s complexity — and its beauty.

Hanukkah, Holidays, and the Gift of Understanding

A couple of months ago, I emailed a Jewish friend to wish him a Happy Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. He shared a few insights about his traditions, and I was reminded once again how much I love learning from other cultures. It amazes me how much common ground we can find, even when our beliefs or customs differ.

One of the most meaningful parts of our visit to Israel was experiencing Hanukkah firsthand. At our hotels we saw Christmas displays alongside beautiful Hanukkah décor — red, green, and white on one side of the lobby, and blue, silver, and white on the other. Menorahs glowed in windows, Stars of David hung gracefully, and dreidels were displayed everywhere. One evening we witnessed a large family gather to light their menorah and sing together. We couldn’t understand the language, but we felt the joy in their hearts. It was a sacred moment of shared humanity.

Jewish and Christian. Different traditions. Different lenses. Yet both grounded in deep faith and personal truth.

And in that contrast, I was reminded of something close to home:
When have we tried to change the mind of a loved one with autism?
They also see life through their own lenses — often clearer, more honest, and more sensory-aware than we realize.

Someone on the spectrum recently reminded me how challenging the holidays can be: the noise, the flashing lights, the smells, the unpredictability. A little space and a few small accommodations can make a world of difference. Something as simple as keeping lights steady instead of blinking can help — both physically and, perhaps, metaphorically.

Whichever holidays your family celebrates, I wish you a beautiful month filled with meaning, compassion, and connection.

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