home

As I am typing these words, I am standing the exact same location as when I wrote my first blog entry.  I am standing in the same apartment in the same spot.  I look around my meager little apartment and nothing has changed since I left it six months ago (Well, besides the house plants.  They will need some t.l.c. to return to their once glory.).  Everything is exactly as I left it.  Now, as I stand here, the only thing that has changed is me.  I apologize for being so Shakespeare-ish, but nothing could've prepared me for what was ahead and nothing can bring me back to the girl that stood in this spot six months ago.  The mystery of adventure and unknown has a way of doing that. 

Since my last entry (only!) six days ago, I said all my "until next time" hugs and got ready to transition from one way of life to another.  It seems like a whirlwind of activity that took place and I cannot believe that I even had any time to sleep in between.  Although I know they won't be the last "until next time" hugs, the closing of one chapter in life produces lots of pensive thinking.  While trying to enjoy every minute of the last few day with those who have become my "adopted" family and friends, the heart knows to ache for the ending of something so indescribable.  It is indescribable for many reasons, but I will not get ahead of myself.

To end the last days of my adventure in Israel, I was thankful (yet, pensive for the ending...) for some great moments.  Those great moments left a sweet savor in my mind.  From a "Goodbye Celebration" Party, the beach at sunset at Caesarea, going up to Rosh Hanikra, going down to Tel Dor, eating my last shawarma and devouring all the fresh passion fruit and mango my tummy could handle, the ending of the adventure proved full.  All of that last bit of adventure was an overload to me, but I am glad for experiencing it.  Those last days held the "last" of many things.

Goodbye Celebration Party

A peek into what a car ride looks like with eight passengers in a small Israeli vehicle!

 Tel Dor

The view from Rosh Hanikra looking South down the Israeli coast.  Rosh Hanikra is the Northern most point before Lebanon.

The beach and aqueduct at Caesarea 

 

When I woke up on the morning of my departure, I rolled over and looked out the window. Yep, it was sunny again.  Just like every other day I lived there.  Sunny. Always sunny.  I never had to wonder what the weather was going to be like.  I looked at my suitcases laying on the ground and thought about what this day held and what it meant.  In life, anyone can give you advice on what to do or not what to do.  They can tell you about what an experience is going to be like, why to try something, why you should give a person a second chance, why it's a good idea to save your money, and why not to wear a spandex romper.  Opinions of others can give us insight and direction for a positive or negative way to think or live.  But NOTHING can prepare us for the moment when we experience whatever "it" is for ourselves. 

The life adventure I had in Israel made Israel a new home for me.  I cannot describe it in words, but it did.  A home is where you feel safe and welcome.  Home is where you feel accepted and you can let your guard down.  Home is where people like you.  Israel will forever be a home to me.  The memories, friendships, and lessons I learned there have made it that way.  I learned to love a people, their customs and culture as if they were my own.  My heart beat with all the fellow Israeli's when terrorism threatened our lives.  I mourned and grieved the loss of the innocent during Operation Protective Edge.  I will never forget the sound of the Code Red Siren, feeling the power of rocket and Iron Dome explosions, and running for my life to a real bomb shelter.  How can this make it my home, you may ask?  Well, here is a question for you: How can it not?  I grew in grace for others and had to face areas of my own selfishness.  I fell in love with people who I look at as if they were my own flesh and blood.  Daily, I as I taught, I watched four children grow in their love for learning.  I saw them gain confidence and value (and awesome cursive skills).  The sweet savor of experiences made an unlikely and unique adventure feel like home.  Israel will always be my "other home", as it is filled with family, friends, loved ones, strangers, foods, and customs that I can proudly say I love.  That is the best I can do when trying to describe the indescribable.

When I got on the plane to leave for my other, other home,  I tried to figure out my navigational/directional bearings.  When living in Israel, I lived in Savyon.  Savyon is less than ten miles from the airport.  I thought that if I could figure out where I was maybe I could see my Israeli home one more time during take-off.  That idea was well and good until the plane began down the runway.  At that moment, I looked out the window at the land that I had fallen in love with.  As the plane gained speed, my heart filled with a brokenness that I can only liken to a loss of someone or something irreplaceable.  The indescribable of how Israel affected my heart began to well up in my eyes (Warning: transparent, raw emotion to follow).  Even now, as I type, the memory of that same feeling is producing those same emotions.  I didn't care what others thought as I sat in 33A and cried.  Though my tears, I watched Israel get smaller.  No one plans to cry, it just happens.  I can't describe why I cried, I just did because of all that I was watching go.

 The last moment of Israeli sun....

 Check out the looooong line I had to wait in.  Just kidding, I'm the one at counter with no line.

Arriving to my other, other home, I knew a new adventure awaited me.  I don't know what that will be.....but when do we??  I do not look at my time in Israel as being over.  It is not over because a piece of it will be forever with me.  Life adventures are never over.  They are forever woven into the stories of our lives.  My story continued and continues on as I embraced my family and friends back at my other, other home.  While it all seems a little surreal, I can't help but be grateful for the people, memories, moments, and "homes" I have in two countries.  

The below pictures are of some of the beauty that greeted me back at my other, other home.  There is nothing quite like it.

Hypericum Berries and wild Himalayan Blackberries

Homecoming moments with Aunty!

Final and on-going thoughts on life in general



A Little Bit of Heart, Land, Sea, and Air

My heart is forever being changed as I live in Israel. I am seeing and experiencing sights, sounds, and places that I had no previous knowledge of.  I am enjoying, loving, and living life, even under some very "unfavorable" conditions.  When I moved here, I said (mostly to myself) that I was going to try every opportunity presented to me.  In regard to trying every opportunity presented, this is what I tell my students here:  When given the opportunity to participate in a particular event, depending on your choice regarding that event, you will respond in one of the following three ways.

  

1. "I'm glad I tried ____________, but I don't think I'll ever do it again."

2. "I'm glad I tried ____________.  If the opportunity presents itself,
I will definitely do it again."

3. "I wish I would've done____________when I had the chance."

 

I don't want to hear myself say #3.  Too many times in life, it is easier to say "no" because it is more comfortable to stay in our own little comfort zone.  Too many times fear keeps us from experiencing life for all that it is. Fear comes in many shapes and sizes and has many names: panic, failure, dismay, insecurity, rejection, loneliness, vulnerability, comparison, envy, jealousy, etc.....Not to live in a place of hypocrisy, but I have said "no" many times.  There are seasons in life where "no" is okay and even required.  But as an acquaintance just recently said, the best way to conquer fear is to face it.  While within that statement, I'm sure cliché was birthed (and we've all heard it before), it is true and always a good reminder. With all this "living life motivational writing", I suppose I should come clean about two events: I did turn down the opportunity to try Brain Stew and riding a mechanical, over-sized dinosaur.  But I have yet to regret those two decisions.
 

As with all new experiences or opportunities, some are not presented as being a choice.  Some of those experiences just happen, whether we choose them or not. Those are the ones that affect and shape the heart in a special way.The following includes some of  my most recent experiences.  Some I said "yes!" to and others just happened to be a part of life.....
 

 A Little Bit of Heart

As the Gaza War/Operation Protective Edge has just come to an "end", I have thought about how it has affected my heart and the hearts of many.  Like most situations that have International coverage, there is accusation and blame (and even celebration) from all sides, voices, and countries. Who did what right?  Was the brutality necessary? Why did ________ happen?  Who won?

There will always be complainers, skeptics, and naysayers. Usually, they are not the ones who stood in the "line of fire" or lived under the gun.  They are not the ones running for their lives.  They are not the ones grieving their lost loved ones.  They are not the ones who live with sirens and explosions during their family meals.  They can't be. If they were, their thoughts would be different.  When faced with friends, neighbors, and countrymen who have died in the line of fire, a choice is presented: a softening of care for all mankind or bitterness that is filled with resentment.  Given the reasons for the above choices, it really is a challenging choice.  Each circumstance is different.  The further any person is away from that "line of fire", the cloudier the line gets.  Hence the plight of the skeptic and naysayer.....

The following link portrays the heart of a soldier.  He served in Gaza:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&list=UUawNWlihdgaycQpO3zi-jYg&v=9zP2SATPIS0
 

In my heart, I am happy and relieved for the break in the intense fighting.  I am not happy or relieved for the loss of lives of soldiers and innocent blood shed, on both sides of the Gaza/Israel border.  I see it as if the war was just put on "pause".  You know, like when you're watching a video and you pause if for a few seconds/minutes to go and do/get something.....see, as long as Hamas remains armed, its weapons represent the strongest and most violent veto of peace and security for Israeli's and the innocent civilians of Gaza alike.  It's like the war is "paused".  Unless Hamas is disarmed and its methods for manipulation are stopped, it has been wholly apparent that there will be no peace for Israeli's or innocent civilians of Gaza.

My heart is saddened to hear that Hamas is celebrating the "victory" over Israel.  They believe they won.  To understand this, one must begin to think backward.  To understand this victory is to go against what is considered the norm.  Why, you ask?  It is because the ultimate goal and vision of  Islamic extremists is to conquer death by earthly martyrdom.  Their tangible, earthly victories (deaths) amount to conquering eternal death by dying for ones faith.   As stated in the above paragraph, the further any person is away the line of fire, the cloudier the line gets.  Because of  that cloudy line, Israel came out of this war/operation with a spotted international reputation. Israel is described as a murderer of civilians, hungry for destruction.  This may or may not sound irrational to you.  But to comprehend, one must understand that the Islamic extremist goal is martyrdom.  Hamas' all important achievements have been attained by means of violence, death, and destruction. That is why Hamas is celebrating; ultimate martyrdom occurred, international portrayal of  "murderous" Israel was obtained, and they were NOT disarmed.  Hamas (or any radical Islamic terrorist group) is gladly ready for the next battle.



The below account is a representation of ANY story that could happen to people experiencing terrorist attack or activity. Some parts are not easy watch, but the account is real and sheds a personal, heartfelt, and truthful perspective on living in Israel.  His story has touched my heart.  Even in trial, stress, and challenge it shows the heart of the Israeli nation. 

 

A Little Bit of Land

My first, picked-right-from-the-tree pomegranate.

Climbing Big Bambú at The Israel Museum in Jerusalem.  This structure was built by American artists and brothers, Doug and Mike Starn.  An architectural design was not used when this artistic structure was built. Over 10,000 bamboo poles and 80,000 meters of climbing rope were used.  It took seven weeks, 350 hours, and 25 rock climbers to complete it.  Big Bambú is 17-meters high and is built entirely of bamboo. The artists chose to name their Jerusalem installation 5,000 Arms to Hold You.

Some other yummy fruit from Israel: bananas and fresh figs 

 

 Emmanuel teaching me(/telling me what I'm doing wrong) how to make falafel from scratch.

 Breakfast of champions: Shakshuka. 

 Shaksuka is a dish with eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. It's super-tasty.

 Riding in luxury on the Israeli Public Transit. 

Actually, on second thought, it's only the headrest that's luxurious.

Despite his attempted, undercover operation with the sunglasses, I could still see his beer.....that he was drinking on the Public Transit Bus. 

Walking through a Moshav, my friend and I came upon this date grove. It is fresh date season in Israel and these are almost ready to harvest.  What a unique and special sight.

Israel is where I learned what "tramp" or "tramping" is.  Basically, tramping is hitchhiking or bumming a ride.  If a person is "tramping" they stand on the edge of the road, where crazy Israeli drivers are zipping by, and point toward the lane.  Although you are getting in the car with a stranger, it is not like hitchhiking in America.  It is a normal occurrence to see Israeli's tramping.  While we were outside of Tiberias, Olivia and I tramped with a local.  To our great fortune, for the entire ride we got to experience a dazzling (and loud) selection of Queen's greatest hits. 

 

A Little Bit of Sea

 

Enjoying the beach by the Sea of Galilee.  This beach is reminds me of the beaches we have back in my home state.  We have this same type of "sand".  The water was a perfect temperature for swimming.  There was a nice breeze that helped with humidity.  The lifeguard even gave me and my friend a ride on his paddleboard. While relaxing and enjoying the view, this little ditty came to mind:

 

Ode to the Speedo

So tight and so small

Covers nothing at all

Tall or bald

Little boy or Papa

My eyes! I've been left so appalled! 

 

Black or bright stripes

Or the hip-hugging types

It's quite an impression you've left

 

So, for the rest of my life

(and I don't have to think twice)

I've had all my Speedo-views to suffice  

 

 

rebel

 

Mama J. and I travelled up to the Sea of Galilee to take a boat tour.  It was pretty surreal to be floating on a body of water that I have studied and read so much about.  While I didn't see Jesus walking on water during the tour, it was pretty awesome to know that it was where He did. 

This was probably my favorite outing since I've been here.  My friend and I rented a canoe and paddled down the Jordan River.  It felt like an Amazon adventure.  The water was some-what clear, schools of fish were visible, and birds were all around.  It reminded me of the ride at Disneyland where you get on a Riverboat (I think there's a ride like that, it's been a long time) and float down a winding river.  Except this was even better and there were no mechanical Hippo's or Alligators.

 

A little bit of Air 

When given the opportunity to Skydive in Israel, the only logical answer is yes.  I was filled with pure excitement for this jump.  This wasn't my first jump, so I knew what to expect.  The only thing that made this different is that I have no idea what anyone is saying. That only poses a slight challenge....okay, that's not entirely true, I can speak a little Hebrew and my instructor spoke decent enough English. 

 

After I suited up, I entered a small plane.  After all the "jumpers" file in, they quickly shut the door and start the engine.  Within a few short moments, the plane is airborne. We climb higher and higher until the world and the clouds are so small.  When we reach the height for when we are to jump, they open the door to the plane.  A loud and powerful blast of wind enters.  One at a time, we take our turn.  When I am up, I dangle my body outside of the plane as my instructor prepares to exit.   That is an indescribable moment.  Then, the instructor propels us both out (we're tandem) and we begin to free fall to the ground.  We reach about 120 MPH.   There is nothing like it.  At some point, the parachute opens and the remainder of the ride is smooth and quiet.  I was able to see ancient ruins from the air and the beautiful coast of Israel.

 

So, from the three choice responses listed above, I choose a whole-hearted, 100%, without a doubt:

2. I am glad I am living in Israel.  If given the opportunity all over again, I would definitely do it!

 

P.S. Please don't let my weakness of  "no"  stop you.  Here is the recipe for Seasoned Brains.  Don't forget the fresh sheep brains and to remove the thin membrane of the brain under water!

 

Info found on:

http://mfa.gov.il 

http://www.ynetnews.com