Flying By

With this week I am already beyond the “halfway point” of my planned trip here in Israel. I have been here about five weeks now and I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. There is so much I have yet to see and explore. Without a doubt, I plan to come back again in the future (hopefully the near future) to do more traveling and site seeing around this area and beyond. Although I haven’t done as much traveling around the country as I originally anticipated, I am making up for it by developing some truly wonderful friendships both with locals and fellow travelers here in Nazareth. I am so thankful for the way God brings blessings and learning into my life daily.

Among many great memories of the last couple of weeks, a highlight was eating two dinners at two separate households on one evening (by my mistake – of course). I was leading tours at the village and a friend at work asked if I wanted to come over for lunch at his house. His wife (who also helped train me for leading tours) was going to cook a delicious meal and they were excited for me to meet their two young sons as well. Of course I didn’t hesitate in accepting the invitation. As the day progressed, again the friend confirmed plans for lunch and said he would text me when he was outside with his car. The hours continued to roll on by, and as it got later in the afternoon, I thought to myself (as I continued to get hungrier and hungrier),  “I guess people just eat lunch late here like they tend to do in Spain.” Finally, at 4:30, I got the text to run outside and catch my ride. By the time we started to eat, it was obvious they had meant dinner and not lunch. The food was fantastic and we had a wonderful time visiting, however, I had to cut the evening a bit short because I had previously accepted a prior dinner invitation at another household for the same evening! My hosts dropped me back off at the hospital and within minutes I was off to the next meal. Needless to say, I was considerably stuffed by the end of the night, but all was delicious, and to me, the scenario was quite entertaining.

I continue to love life as a tour guide and English teacher. This week I also helped represent the Village at the 17^th International Mediterranean Tourism Exhibition. It was a blast to get to know co-workers better as we spent two very long days in Tel Aviv for the event. We bonded over a love for the Swedish band Abba and laughing at some of the more “interesting” visitors to our booth.

On Thursday I took the day off and traveled by myself to Akko on the northern coast of Israel. Akko, also known as Acre, is a gorgeous little port town and has some of the best preserved medieval structures in the country. I had fun meeting new people and spent the day leisurely taking in the sites and relaxing by the sea. I did my best to practice my Arabic, which often surprises people, and allows for fun conversation (apparently it’s not common for a blonde haired, blue eyed girl to pursue this endeavor). I’m also trying to learn a little Hebrew, but I find Arabic a bit more fun to use.

It's hard not to look life a goof when you're taking pictures of yourself by yourself. 

I seem to find myself in small claustrophobic places here in Israel

yum fish

More sights on the bus ride there. Gorgeous area. 

This weekend has been sufficiently relaxing as I recover from the busy schedule of the previous week. One of my roommates, Monty, who is a doctor from Scotland, has been cooped up in our flat for the last couple of days with a severe foot infection (she learned the hard way not to wear flip flops through rainy Jerusalem). I have enjoyed keeping her company here and there and learning some hilarious Scottish lingo. Tomorrow I will attend an Arabic church service with co-workers and then I’m invited to spend lunch (actually lunch this time I hope) with their family. I still continue to pray about extending my trip here and wonder if it’s not a good idea. For those of you who don’t yet know, I have also accepted a job in Lima which I plan to start early this spring. This blog should be continuing through that adventure as well! I’ll be sure to keep you updated with plans and new trips!

Miss you all! Thank you for the many emails and keep em’ coming!

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8