Hello to all my friends and family!! I am still on the face of the earth, though you wouldn't know it by the number of blog posts I've written in the past month . . . sorry! No excuse other than time keeps flying by. I realized the other day that in about 6 weeks, I will have been here in Jerusalem for 6 months--half of my committed time. I cannot believe how fast my time here is going by. And before any of you ask, no, I do not yet know what my plans are. I do need to change my return flight at some point (since it's currently booked for August), but I have not given much thought yet concerning when to change it to. As fast as these first five months have gone, I would not be opposed to staying longer but much needs to be taken into account before coming to a solid decision on this. In the meanwhile, I am still so enjoying my days here--both working in the guest house and soaking in the culture of Jerusalem.
On May 1st, the Christ Church Community held a Spring Fayre. For all you Americans, this is the British version of a "fair." It was so very British in other ways besides the "fay-re" title . . . fish/chips, Union Jacks, music, etc. After a forecast of rain, this Saturday dawned bright and beautiful. The sky is so blue here in Jerusalem! (at least, most of the time) We did get a brief rain shower/spatter in the afternoon, but otherwise, it was a perfect day for a fair.
With so many British people in the Christ Church family, there was no escaping the Union Jacks. These were strung across the courtyard. When I jokingly asked where were the Stars and Stripes, I was told it was an English Fayre, thus, the English flag. I threatened to have a "tea party" of my own and throw out all the tea! :-) But, it was an empty threat, and all in fun!
Here is the Christ Church compound courtyard when the fair was just beginning, decorated with Union Jacks.
A fair just wouldn't be a fair without face painting! Michelle did an absolutely beautiful job.
Those of you who know me well would expect nothing less than having a flower painted on my cheek. Even better, a PURPLE flower!!!
The managers took turns getting wet sponges thrown at them . . . here, it was Aaron's turn! (BTW, I tried my best to throw a sponge accurately left-handed . . . I wasn't so very successful, so I resorted to dumping a cup of water from up close (-: .)
There was a raffle table . . . though this was definitely more of a British game than an Israeli one.
James made fish and chips . . . plate after plate of them. (I was happy with "chips"--otherwise known as French fries--and ketchup.)
Mark made his wonderful coffee shop drinks as always (I am spoiled daily with a hot chocolate from either Mark or Rafi.)
I worked at the raffle table for a couple hours with Harri. It was fun, though I wonder why guys so seldom smile nicely for pictures??? I don't think I'm that difficult to work with . . . :-)
The one and only, lovely Carolina!
I guess an English Fair, oh excuse me, an English Fayre isn't complete without funny hats. Here's Olga taking a turn with one . . .
Andreas later took a turn . . .
John and Ben checking out the silent auction table . . .and John is modeling the other funny hat out that day (Ben is wearing it in one of the earlier pictures).
All in all, it was a very fun day and quite successful. The fair organizers were quite happy with the money that was brought in (it will go to help the poor in Jerusalem), and no major catastrophes!
On May 11th, I celebrated Joseph's 16th birthday by attending a performance of George Frederic Handel's Messiah here in Jerusalem. The twist is, it was all sung in Hebrew! Still, the well-known songs were quite recognizable. I don't think I have ever before listened to Handel's Messiah straight from beginning to end. I was struck by how it is completely Scripture and moves seamlessly from theme to theme. It was made even more enjoyable by the live orchestra and authentic harpsichord. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to attend this unique event!
Quite a few of us went that Tuesday evening, and we girls enjoyed dressing up for an evening out! My comrades were Shane, Andreas (the first), Harri, Friederike, and Yehudith (Teresa also went with us but sat elsewhere).
Looking the other way down "our" row . . . :-)
The choir, orchestra, conductor, and soloists
What made this performance even more special is one of our own was part of the choir! Andreas (the second) joined the tenors in the choir. It was an impressive performance!
On May 17th, we had a volunteers' day out. After a 2 hours' drive (or so) north, we arrived at Yardenit. This is a special place built on the Jordan River to facilitate baptisms. It is special to me as I was baptized there 2 years ago June 10th, and it is more special now as one of the volunteers (and a dear friend of mine) was baptized. It was so special to be there and share this special moment with her!!!
Afterwards, we went to Gan Hashlosha. This is Hebrew for "garden of the three," and it is a national park in Israel boasting a pool of naturally warm water. The colors are absolutely beautiful. Interestingly, Time magazine includes Gan Hashlosha in its top 20 beautiful parks in the world.
At Yardenit, it was typical Galilee weather for this time of year--hot and humid. The air was so heavy! By the time we arrived at Gan Hashlosha, it had cooled off slightly and there was a great breeze! The unfortunate thing was we arrived at 3pm and the park closed at 5pm. So, there was only two hours to swim, barbecue, eat, and pack up.
One of the large, warm pools at Gan Hashlosha . . . the right end of it. (May 17th)
The middle . . .
And the left end of it . . . On the far side is a little pool that is quite shallow--the kiddie pool. :-)
I actually didn't do any of the first three. I had caught some sort of "bug" the night before and really didn't feel well. I considered staying home, but wanted to go for my friend, and decided I could handle sitting on the bus, sitting at Yardenit, and sitting at Gan Hashlosha. I was mostly able to handle it, though there were some questionable moments . . :-\ Overall, I was glad I went!
While others went swimming in the beautiful water, I spread out my towel and just rested . . .enjoying the scenery, the breeze, and the company. I had brought a book but didn't get any readying done. Paul and Jane had brought along meat to barbecue as well as Bamba. This is somewhat the Israeli national snack. It is similar in structure and texture to Cheetoes (not the crunchy type, though), but it is peanut butter flavored. The packages they brought that day had chocolate in the middle and after trying one, I found them to taste quite good.
At one point in the afternoon, I tagged along with someone else to a small pool she had found. It was tucked away, quiet and peaceful. I initially just took the first step in, which got my feet and ankles wet. But, the cool water was irresistable, and I took the second step. That caused the water to go up halfway above my knees. Good thing I was wearing capris and not long jeans--they got plenty wet and heavy! But, at least I could say I had been in the water.
The path to the small, quiet pool.
The path led past a noisy but sparkling waterfall.
This picture really doesn't do justice to the beauty and tranquility of this pool. The pool is also bigger than it looks in this picture. One can see the first, moss-covered step I took, the second step is below that one. My partner went all the way in, and the water was up to her shoulders.
Looking back up the path . . . the sound of the water trickling down through the stones was so peaceful.
Wildlife I saw at Gan Hashlosha included fish in the pool of all sizes (1/2 inch up to 8 or 9 inches), this crab hiding in a nook just above the water line . . .
And some lizards like this one . . . I was more than happy to keep my distance from them!!
One of the hardest things here at Christ Church is the fact that volunteers come and go all the time. I ran into this 10 days after I got here--a couple from the UK returned home. We had hit it off immediately, and their leaving was so difficult. I considered simply keeping my distance from everybody else, but that is impossible. We're all here because of similar hearts and interests, we live and work together, and we are all sharing this same unique experience to which nobody back home can really relate. Everybody becomes a good friend, and it's so hard to have to say goodbye.
This picture was taken when Andreas (the first) finished his last shift here at Christ Church. Michelle was the cook's assistant that day, and Andreas and I had been on the breakfast shift. I found Andreas easy to work with--we had lots of fun together but also serious moments. :-) As that shift wound down, I realized how much I would miss working with him.
May 21st
And, this picture ended up being special with Michelle as well as she left Christ Church today. Ack! Do these partings and goodbyes ever get easier? I get some teasing around here for the tears I have cried over saying goodbye, guess my job can be "official mourner."
We also got this picture taken of the three of us (Michelle, Andreas, and I) and Sasha. Sasha is one of the cooks here; he usually works Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays. He is originally from the Ukraine and speaks Russian, Hebrew, and a little bit of English. He is great fun to have in the kitchen! Sasha usually teases me about my collection of earrings. A friend and I counted one day 3-4 months ago--I brought 85 pairs of earrings with me!!! And now, that total is up to 91. Guess everybody has their collections. :-)
And now a few simply fun pictures . . .
Musa is the other cook who was here when I arrived. He and I have a few standing "inside" jokes, and it is fun to work with him as well. I love his sweet potatoes! (May 1st)
Definitely some posing going on!!! Michelle, James, Jason, and John at Yardenit. (May 17th)
Yom Yerushalayim (or Jerusalem Day) was May 12th. This is a national holiday celebrating the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967 after the 6-day war in June of that year. Interestingly, that event marked the first time the Jewish people controlled Jerusalem since the Roman destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. The day is marked by state ceremonies, memorial services, parades, singing/dancing, etc. I saw lots of Israeli flags being waved! For more information, look at widipedia's entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_Day.
That evening, many fireworks were set off. I took these pictures from my bedroom window! It reminded me of our American July 4th celebrations, and the booms were so loud, my grandma would have loved them!!
One last picture . . . I took this the evening we walked back after the performance of Messiah. It was about 11pm, and the evening light show at the Tower of David was going on. The colors were beautiful against the night sky.
Well, speaking of 11pm, that's what time it is now! Definitely bed time, but I was determined to finish this up tonight and not make you wait any longer to hear from me. Obviously, I stay busy and am so enjoying my time here. I hope you all are doing well!!
Along the western city wall itself were some pastel lights, intended to convey an urban-rustic look.
This snow scene was my favorite part of the light presentation. They made it look like snow was actually sticking in, and piling up on, the tree.
This pool scene was my friend's favorite part. It was very clever how they made it look like waterfalls were coming down through the gaps in the stone city wall.
Visible in between the rows of lights is a very famous Jewish graveyard established on the Mount of Olives.
This picture was "painted" with light against the western city wall. The trees lend some sense of size and scale.
This fascinating view was found along Saint James Street. This is a completely artificial window--just light projected against a normally blank limestone wall. What makes it particularly eye-catching is that the people inside the "window" are actually moving, appearing as though they really are enjoying a family dinner.
