Special times, special people

Copyright 2011 Tal Silver (www.talsilver.com)

Cameras have been out a lot lately; I suspect that's largely due to the fact that last week was Christine's last week of work here at Christ Church. So instead of a touristy-type post, I thought I'd upload some of these pictures and give you a glimpse into my extended "Israel family." Each person is so special.

These two pictures are not from the last week, but I still wanted to share them. This is Shabbat dinner on Friday, February 11th. I was honored to be able to light the candles and say the Hebrew blessing (this is the job of the woman of the house). Never mind the fact that the first match broke and the second burned out before I could get the second candle lit. It wasn't the smoothest lighting ever! :-)
Our distinguished John Arnold led the evening's gathering

This is almost all the Christ Church volunteers (only missing two) on our field trip to Mini Israel February 24th. It was a lovely, warm, spring day.

And no post of special people would be complete without some pictures of the Eimes. This evening I had dinner with them--barbecued hamburgers and roasted marshmallows! (February 23rd)
Back at the Eime house five days later to celebrate John's birthday

This is Rafi, our gentle and compassionate coffee shop manager. A friend had my camera this morning and was taking random photos of people--they are so fun to have! This is a bit of an odd photo--it's Rafi waving to the camera. :-)

And then lots of pictures got taken at lunch . . . These are all from last Thursday, March 3rd, Christine's last official day. (These are only a few of the pictures taken!)

Rafi, Sasha, John, myself, Aya . . . I think John was trying to unlock his memory??! What else would you use a big iron key for? Maybe simply to entertain the lunch table . . .
Two very good friends--Olga (originally from Russia) and Shane (Australia)
Nick (from Nebraska), Christine (our wonderful manager from Australia/New Zealand), and Nathan (from Oxford)
Christine and I in our office . . .
Friends, coworkers, team mates, and sisters in the Lord
Christine has worked at the Guest House for roughly 8 months and filled both the housekeeper and manager roles for the majority of her time. She truly poured her heart and soul into her responsibilities and into those serving beside her. We are all sorry to see her go--she has been a special friend to each one of us vollies. We decided how better to thank her and send her off than with a party? Tamar and Mark did a masterful job on the food, and Saturday evening was a really fun celebration!

Nick lighting the candles to set the mood . . .
Our Christ Church sweethearts--Tamar and Mark
Some of my wonderful fellow volunteers: Sarah (Germany), Nathan (Oxford), Tobias (Sweden), and George (southern US)
Christine and Gwen (our new manager, from Scotland)
The post-party volunteer table
An English-looking Aussie so thoughtfully washing the dishes afterwards . . . Thank you Shane!!!Christine and our mascot, Bob. Bob lives around the corner and has his meals with us in the dining room. He is truly a Christ Church treasure!

And one last picture in honor of Christine . . . It has truly been an honor and pleasure serving here in Jerusalem with her. She has been an "iron sharpening iron" friend who has constantly encouraged me to dig deeper and fly higher. I am so grateful to have worked alongside her the past eight months, and my life will likely display her fingerprints for a long time. Christine, you are truly a woman of God--may He bless you abundantly and reward you richly for your commitment to serving Him wherever He places you! You will always be in my heart.

A Sunday afternoon walk . . .

Last Sunday, I had a day off. I didn't quite make congregation in the morning as it conflicted with my sleep schedule :-). (But before you all think I'm a complete slacker I did make an evening service!!). It was a beautiful spring day in Jerusalem--blue skies, bright sun, and warm but not hot. I went for a walk in west Jerusalem after lunch, and it was quite enjoyable. My path took me through Liberty Bell Park and then through a quiet, residential neighborhood. Thought I'd share some of the views with all of you . . .


Liberty Bell Park (or Gan Hapa'amon in Hebrew) Apparently, this park and its impressive replica of the Liberty Bell was dedicated in honor of the 200th anniversary of America's declaration of independence. If you look closely at the playground equipment, you will see bell designs.I really want to come back to this park in the later spring when these bushes have leafed out--can you imagine how beautiful this walkway must be?
And here it is--the Liberty Bell in Jerusalem, Israel!! Now, I can say I've seen the Liberty Bell, although I've never been to Philadelphia. :-)
Although not clearly visible in this picture, there even is a crack in it.

After the park, I walked down Jabotinsky Avenue . . .
The street led me to and past the President's Residence. It is quite surprising--although the property is seriously fenced, entry requires much screening, and there are security guards on the street, this home is positioned right in the middle of a normal neighborhood. Along the fence, tulips were blooming. They looked so cheerful and springy!
This view caught my eye for its combination of trees. The evergreen trees are quite noticeable and recognizable. The shorter, grayer trees are olive trees, and on the left horizon, palm trees are visible. I don't know about all of you, but I definitely don't see these three together in Colorado!

And here's a little touch of American history . . . these are actual streets in Jerusalem!

My walk eventually took me to the King David hotel. This first picture is actually a miniature replica of the King David, but I wasn't anywhere to be able to take this type of picture of the actual building. And, this model is quite identical to the actual building. The King David hotel is one of Jerusalem's most famous hotels; it was opened in 1931. It frequently hosts visiting dignitaries, heads of state, and celebrities.
The entrance
Wow--the beautiful lobby of the King David!
Looking back at the entrance door and reception desks
A glimpse into the reading room

It was such an enjoyable Sunday afternoon--I loved the sunshine and the fresh air!

Apologies to all of you, my friends and family, for such a long silence in between blog posts. I will try and do some more posting to catch you up. February was busy and demanded a lot of my thought and attention, I will explain why in a later post . . .

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!!!