February 28, 2026
I did not expect to be in Israel when history shifted.
This morning Israel and the U.S. struck Iran. Within an hour Iran began responding with missiles. And I am here in Jerusalem with Jen, Elly, and my two grandsons — Benley (6) and Yahley (4).
I was supposed to fly home Monday. Flights are canceled.
I have mixed emotions. My heart is so glad to be here with my daughter and her family. Going through the same thing at the same time feels right. At the same time, I don’t want to add worry for my people back home.
But I feel settled. This is where the Lord has me.
This morning Israel and the U.S. struck Iran. Within an hour Iran began responding with missiles. And I am here in Jerusalem with Jen, Elly, and my two grandsons — Benley (6) and Yahley (4).
I was supposed to fly home Monday. Flights are canceled.
I have mixed emotions. My heart is so glad to be here with my daughter and her family. Going through the same thing at the same time feels right. At the same time, I don’t want to add worry for my people back home.
But I feel settled. This is where the Lord has me.
The Siren
Friday we were told embassies were evacuating and that if you wanted out, you needed to leave immediately. But flights were full, and many were heading toward Egypt or Jordan. I felt peace about staying put with family.
We went to bed expecting sirens in the night.
At 8:13 a.m. Saturday morning — while Jen and I were drinking coffee (mine iced, of course) — the national alert sounded.
The war had officially begun.
Before we even stood up, Benley said, “Yay… Mimsie is staying longer!”
Only a six-year-old could interpret war as extended grandma time.
We went to bed expecting sirens in the night.
At 8:13 a.m. Saturday morning — while Jen and I were drinking coffee (mine iced, of course) — the national alert sounded.
The war had officially begun.
Before we even stood up, Benley said, “Yay… Mimsie is staying longer!”
Only a six-year-old could interpret war as extended grandma time.
Shabbat in the Safe Room
Today was Shabbat. We should have been worshiping at Jerusalem Assembly. Jen and Elly’s church.
Instead, we were in the mamad — the reinforced safe room in the apartment.
We spent nearly two hours there in the morning, then in and out throughout the day as sirens sounded.
But church still happened.
Because Purim is Monday — when Jewish families read the Book of Esther and kids wear costumes — the church set up a Zoom call so the children could put on their Purim costumes and connect from their safe rooms.
That’s a whole new level of “let us not neglect meeting together.”
Concrete walls. Costumes. Community.
Faith finds a way.
Instead, we were in the mamad — the reinforced safe room in the apartment.
We spent nearly two hours there in the morning, then in and out throughout the day as sirens sounded.
But church still happened.
Because Purim is Monday — when Jewish families read the Book of Esther and kids wear costumes — the church set up a Zoom call so the children could put on their Purim costumes and connect from their safe rooms.
That’s a whole new level of “let us not neglect meeting together.”
Concrete walls. Costumes. Community.
Faith finds a way.
What I'm Seeing
Since I arrived on February 17th, there has been steady talk of an expected war.
It was in conversations at church. In Pilates classes. Around dinner tables. People knew something might be coming. But what struck me was this — it wasn’t spoken with fear.
Instead, I heard humor. I saw resilience.
A 78-year-old woman in Jen’s Pilates class mentioned casually that she has her “go-bag” ready — smiling as she said how much she loves living in Jerusalem. Moms with young kids swapped ideas about how to keep children entertained during shelter time. There was seriousness, yes. But also steadiness.
Then the sirens went off this morning.
Later, as alerts continued, little Yahley stood in the apartment singing “Our God is an Awesome God” with full hand motions while sirens echoed outside.
Tonight we watched The David Movie. Watching David face giants while missiles are flying overhead feels different. The themes land deeper. Faith over fear. God’s faithfulness in uncertain days.
Peace that passes understanding is not just a verse. I am watching it lived out — in children, in grandmothers, in a city that refuses to panic.
And somehow, it's in my own heart too.
It was in conversations at church. In Pilates classes. Around dinner tables. People knew something might be coming. But what struck me was this — it wasn’t spoken with fear.
Instead, I heard humor. I saw resilience.
A 78-year-old woman in Jen’s Pilates class mentioned casually that she has her “go-bag” ready — smiling as she said how much she loves living in Jerusalem. Moms with young kids swapped ideas about how to keep children entertained during shelter time. There was seriousness, yes. But also steadiness.
Then the sirens went off this morning.
Later, as alerts continued, little Yahley stood in the apartment singing “Our God is an Awesome God” with full hand motions while sirens echoed outside.
Tonight we watched The David Movie. Watching David face giants while missiles are flying overhead feels different. The themes land deeper. Faith over fear. God’s faithfulness in uncertain days.
Peace that passes understanding is not just a verse. I am watching it lived out — in children, in grandmothers, in a city that refuses to panic.
And somehow, it's in my own heart too.
Waiting & Watching
I don’t know how long I’ll be here.
But tonight I am grateful.
History is unfolding outside.
Inside, there is coffee. Singing. Scripture. Family. And peace.
— Mimsie In Israel
But tonight I am grateful.
History is unfolding outside.
Inside, there is coffee. Singing. Scripture. Family. And peace.
— Mimsie In Israel
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9 Comments
Alice, what a beautiful testimony and one that brings peace in such a tumultuous time. We are praying for you, your families, and for Israel.
Praying for you guys! I know you’re helping keep their spirits up.
That’ll preach friend. Thank you for sharing. Keep it coming.
n
nCome, Jesus, come.
So proud of your girl and her faith! I love that they’re raising their kids in the word. What a blessing to see those sweet pictures of you with them. We are praying fervently for the safety of Israel and for you. Love you sweet friend!
Alice, Karin and I are praying for you, your family there, and Israel! We visited Israel back in 2020. We were there during Purim and it was so special to see the little children dressed up, one little girl as a bubble bee. Even the adults dressed up. It was special to see that. And now you are there during Purim and war. We are praying... Tom
Wonderful testimony of trust and peace! Praying for Jen and family and Alice and Keith here is the USA.
I’m amazed at Gods providence in having you there. What a comfort for Jen and the boys! Love you all and continuing to pray for peace ❤️
Alice,
nThank you for sharing. I’ve been praying for you and your family the last few days and am glad all are safe.
Teary to know your passion for your people, the people of Israel and the world— that they would know the One true God, and where He has you in this moment in time! Please keep writing. We are praying!