Wow. One day we're in the middle of this crazy war with no end in sight. Then all of a sudden , it's quiet. The difference is night and day. Even though I wasn't aware of how dark everything was, it became light all around , like the sun finally broke through after being hidden for 2 months. We felt light too.The next day, we immediately wanted to go do something, to travel, sing along with the songs on the radio, laugh. We felt light and free. Of course one missile would take all that away, and we know it will start again soon, but it is great to not feel like a sitting duck, even for a little while. The first thing the kids did was ride their bikes down to the play ground/ soccer field. They haven't been their since the last"cease fire". The little ones followed me down to the garden for the first time in a long time. Once again as I was picking, I heard, "Hello, Mr. Butterfly!" and "Good morning , Cherry Tomato!" as they were fluttering around amongst the rows of vegetation. It is actually fun to be outside now, so we're out there soaking up the last of the summer sun we had to do so long without. We can finally have meals without rushing through them or having to get up and run to the "safe room" in the middle of them. We have also moved back into our own rooms. It was fun all snuggling together for two months, but after awhile we started feeling a bit squished.
Ever since the cease fire was declared, I've gotten numerous calls from people asking how they can help . Many people have an application on their phone announcing in real time every location of incoming sirens. They were blown away with the amount of missiles we were having to run from and how many areas out here were affected. I guess they had no idea before of the level of terrorism we were dealing with . But now they do and they were filled with helplessness and a great desire to help. To do anything they could, although they weren't sure of what. After talking to my kids to see what they thought, we came up with a plan.
The one of the hardest things of this war was the inability to work. All the businesses were affected financially. No one could come to visit, no one was out shopping, Many closed up because it was just too dangerous to work, whether it was in a store or out in the fields. So the first thing people should do is come to visit. Come and spend time in our area. Spend money in local businesses. We've got stores, small farms, small businesses like a chocolate maker, a bakery , a blacksmith who turns rockets into pieces of art, ceramists, a sheep farm, horse back riding school, art galleries, petting zoos, theater, pubs, bird watching, occasional festivals, poppie fields, picnic areas and more. Each moatza has a website and a directory with information on local businesses and what to do in the area.
If anyone would like to buy from our farm, we sell lemons and olive oil from our organic orchards, my book, "Mother's Pearls" on natural parenting ,can be found on Amazon.com in English or can be bought from me in Hebrew. I also sell beautiful Baby Hawk baby carriers that can be worn on the front or back. My husband has a skipper's license and he can take groups out on a boat for a few hours for birthdays, bar mitzvas or any occasion.
Another idea would be to plan a visit to a moshav or kibbutz in the area and do something special with the kids. Some people sponser or take part in bringing these children, families or groups out to visit other areas for a day or two.
By visiting and investing in our local businesses and communities, people are giving the greatest gift: Supporting the families of those living along the border.