As you can tell, I've had a little bit of "excitement" this month in Israel. Like I mentioned in a previous blog, I spent some time at Yad Vashem on Thursday, March 4th. While this was a special day for me, one incident clouds my memories of that day. I made a stupid "tourist" mistake, tripped on some stairs, and caught myself with my right arm.
While not a dramatic trip/fall (don't worry--none of you missed seeing anything spectacular!!), I am still experiencing complications from that split second reaction. For the first two weeks, I didn't think too much about it and continued to do my assigned shifts. But, this prevented my arm from healing, and I got to the point where I could not finish my shifts on account of the pain. On March 17th, my supervisor insisted I get x-rays to make sure nothing was broken.
That afternoon was a circus! Although my health insurance is with the "normal" company for Christ Church volunteers, we found out the hard way that they have switched their coverage somewhat, and the normal places don't accept the new insurance. To make a long story somewhat shorter, Jane and I spent over 4 hours out and at least half that time on the phone trying to sort this out. Guess I was the guinea pig for figuring out the new health insurance workings; hopefully, it will simplify the process for others. Anyway, after a myriad of phone calls, a doctor approved by the insurance was able to swing by and refer me to the emergency clinic; then we could proceed with x-rays.
As I expected, nothing is broken; it's just the chronic nerve injury/pain flaring up once again and continuing to use that arm was not helping. I was instructed to try resting my right arm in a sling for two weeks and see if that would help. I think this is probably the best course of action, as rest is what has helped in the past. It has been a challenge trying to work one-handed, though.
I have been placed on the breakfast kitchen shift indefinitely as that is where I can contribute the most. The first couple days were mentally exhausting as I had to really think about what I could/couldn't do, rethink how to do some things with only my left hand, and then look for things I could do. After the first week, work got easier as some new habits/patterns had developed.
There are some things I absolutely cannot figure out how to do one-handed . . . opening cans (both with a can opener and the flip-top types), washing dishes, carrying anything and opening a door :-), spreading butter on bread, etc. Gratefully, most of my fellow volunteers have been quite understanding, encouraging, and willing to help. Also, this isn't the first time I've had real difficulties with my right arm, so I have some practice eating and writing left-handed. Those activities aren't so challenging, if you can believe that.
This Thursday is expected to be my first day out of the sling again, so we will see if 2 weeks of rest was the magic answer. I am a little apprehensive but determined to be wise and not do too much too fast.
In order to make two weeks of wearing a sling more fun, many of my friends added their signatures! :-) I have English, Hebrew, Russian, and German on my sling!!
Other than this medical adventure, I don't have much new news to share. Last Monday afternoon, I went for a lovely walk in Yemin Moshe (the oldest neighborhood outside Jerusalem's Old City walls) and discovered a beautiful park. It was so quiet up above the streets of the Old City, and since it is spring here in Israel, the grass was a luscious green and many flowers were blooming. It was a peaceful, restful afternoon, and I am sure I will be back to that shady bench many more times!
The road down into/through Yemin Moshe
Looking back across at the Old City walls--the people help convey size and scale.
An interesting bird in the park . . .
Lastly, a random picture out my second-floor bedroom window of some sort of parade passing by this morning . . .
I am looking forward to an exciting week. Passover (or Pesach in Hebrew) begins tomorrow night. A volunteer outing to the desert by the Dead Sea is planned for us. The plan is to leave around 1pm and return a little after midnight (that should make breakfast shift on Tuesday exciting!). Then, there are special church services planned for Thursday evening (after which will be a meditative walk to Gethsemane), Friday afternoon, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning. I am excited that my work schedule will allow me to go to all of these! I consider myself truly blessed to be able to celebrate Passover, Easter, and all the events of Holy Week here in Jerusalem this year!
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