One year!!

It is hard to believe this milestone has arrived: January 14th marked one year since I arrived in Israel and at Christ Church!!! In many ways, this past years has flown by, while in others, it has really seemed long. (Isn't that always the story with time??) I still consider myself so blessed and privileged to be able to be serving here; it's truly a unique experience and a dream come true.

To celebrate the occasion, we all went out for dessert one evening following dinner. I was touched--every single volunteer (except the one scheduled to work at reception) was able to come, plus some staff as well. It was a very special evening among friends. Thought I'd share some pictures from that night with all of you . . .

Yonatan and Elisa
John, Shirley, Aaron
Rebecca, Nathan, Joe
Sarah, Shane, Elsa
Nick and James
Tal

I had to take this picture . . . John is a big fan of bread; true to form, he ordered focaccia. :-)
I treated myself to hot chocolate cake (it was delicious!!); being the nice person I am, I shared. :-)

As I take a moment and look back, here are some of the highlights from the past year . . .

My first (of many) visits to the Western Wall--a rainy Monday, January 18th
Definitely watching the Super Bowl with John and Aaron!! (about 4:30am February 8th; this picture was taken shortly before Peyton Manning's 4th quarter interception that sealed the Saints' win. There was still hope at this point . . .)
The Christ Church Purim party, with the story of Esther retold pirate style (February 28th)
This was a really special day--we spent the afternoon on the shores of the Dead Sea, then had a Pesach meal in the desert. (March 29th)
The first week in April was Holy Week and brought so many special moments. The Maundy Thursday walk from Christ Church down through the Kidron Valley and up to Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives was certainly one of them. (April 1st, looking at the Temple Mount and Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives)
Easter morning sunrise over Jerusalem (April 4th)
Going to a live performance of Handel's Messiah with a choir, live orchestra, and harpsichord--May 11th. (Did I mention all the songs were sung in Hebrew?!)
A special baptism in the Jordan, May 17th
Paul and Jane's departure in July. Now, before anybody interprets this to mean their departure is one of the highlights of the year, let me clarify!!!! That is not what I mean at all! :-) Rather, it's one of the memorable times of the year--we had a special farewell party and this last Shabbat dinner with them. (July 9th)
Obviously, the bookend to Paul and Jane's farewell would be Christine's arrival and commissioning. (July 9th)
Yom Kippur (September 18th) --the streets were absolutely deserted as it is a nation-wide holy day. It is a day to repent and pray.
Sukkot (the Feast of Booths)--it was a festive week and sukkot popped up everywhere!
My visit to Beit Bracha in November (sunrise over the Sea of Galilee, November 19th)
The drive in the Golan that afternoon
Thanksgiving dinner with Amish from Pennsylvania (November 25th)
The volunteer Thanksgiving dinner table
Hanukkah in December (fiery hanukiah at Western Wall, December 8th)
Spending Christmas Day with the Eime family
And my trip to Tel Aviv at the beginning of January (Tel Aviv, old Jaffa, and the Mediterranean Sea from the Shalom Tower, January 3rd)
At the Diaspora Museum, January 4th

There are so many other highlights and memories I could have included here, but the post would be way, way too long. And then there are poignant memories from this past year that are not recorded in pictures--the shocking attack on Kay and Kristine in December, numerous special conversations with other volunteers and staff, many moments of new realizations and growing, etc. It's a year I will never forget. Probably the toughest year of my life, but also probably the absolutely best year of my life.

One big lesson I've learned from the past year here--one never knows what the future holds. Ever. We think we might have a pretty good idea, but usually we don't. And I'm not sure any of us would really want to. So many times, I know I've thought I wish I could know what will happen in the future, but usually I'm wondering about a specific question mark. If we really knew everything the coming year holds for us, we'd probably panic and worry about something on the schedule for next December. :-) That would rob us of enjoying this day and its particular attributes.

So, this post has been a little more introspective than most, but if I could leave you with one thought, let me encourage you to enjoy this day. Yes, it will have its fair share of problems, but it will also have its special moments (big and small) as well. Live it to the fullest. We aren't guaranteed tomorrow, and we have no idea what will happen two months down the road (let alone two days down the road). The present is the gift we are given to enjoy and get the most from it.

Have a wonderful day!!!