Hope you're all well. We're doing fine here in the Holy Land.

Unfortunately we had bad news last week when Eliyahu Asheri from our neighbouring community, Itamar, was kidnapped and murdered. He was in my son's class in school, and was one of my pupils. It seems that the world has gone crazy! I really feel also for the family of the kidnapped soldier – the worst must be the uncertainty of his fate. We should all put him into our prayers! His name is Gilad ben (son of) Aviva.

The summer holidays have now begun. Although it seems like a long time, I can see the time going really fast! Last year we didn't have a proper holiday, as we were in Northern Samaria, in Homesh, and there were loads of demonstrations all summer long. I hope that this year will be a little quieter, and that we will be able to enjoy it to its full.

The swimming pool has opened, which means that my kids practically live there! Seven of them swim like fishes, while the second youngest loves being in the water in the kiddies' pool. My youngest (at present!) hates water, but I hope that she'll overcome this in the coming months.

The youth are on a trek today from Elon Moreh – the Skalli outpost (slated for destruction by our government)

to Shilo – the site of the Tabernacle. My kids went on it. It's a wonderful opportunity to walk the Land of Israel, and to experience bonding with the Land. The aim is to show that we feel free to walk all over the country. There are a lot of people who went – mainly youth, but also adults.

I'm hoping to start a remedial English teaching course in October, and then a second year of Diagnostic studies. That will give me two new directions within my profession, which is always a good thing. I'm not sure how I'll manage with a new baby etc., but I'm sure that Hashem will help! It's so important to continue to develop professionally, and it also gives my grey cells a good workout!

Three outposts around here are due to be demolished, unless this government wakes up and realises that it has more important things to do at the moment (Kassam rockets, kidnaps etc…). It seems absurd that these outposts are the obstacle to peace!! My husband used to work on the Skalli outpost, and we are very connected to it even now. It's a beautiful place, and is even built on State lands. I fervently hope and pray that logic will overrun this madness!!

Anyway, this is just an update on things here! Please keep in touch!