4 This is what the  Lord  of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem:  5 “Build homes, and   plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce .  6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away!  7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the  Lord  for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:4-7 (emphasis added) Banana Tree with a budding flower  Dean eating a Surinam cherry off our bush       Two years ago we were beginning to settle into our new home. We had arranged the furniture, hung the pictures, and decorated the best we could. We were trying to establish 'home' in a place that still felt so foreign and unfamiliar. Our yard was completely bare besides some grass. I...