Just a quick update

Today marks the halfway point for my time here in Israel. It has been exactly four weeks here and I have loved pretty much every minute, if not every second, of the experience. This last week was wonderful and full of new memories (many of which I'll write more about later). The weekend was particularly fun as I spent Saturday with some medical student friends and hiked a bit around the area north of the Sea of Galilee. We hiked to a HUGE cave and actually went in quite far. Me and a friend were sharing a flashlight and it was a little rough going. I kept thinking of how terrified Krista (my mom) would be if she saw what I was doing. I thought that if I didn't make it out... it sure is a great way to go! haha, just kidding...it was safe (as long as your light worked and you didn't fall).  I have never been in a cave so deep or so small before. Quite an adventure and I tried very hard to not think about earthquakes, critters in the dark, or being claustrophobic. A VERY cool experience all in all.

We stopped by the town of Tzafat  (better known as Safed) on our way home and explored yet another cave and some interesting crusader ruins. Everywhere here seems to have SO much history. Even at a short pit stop on our way up to the cave we happened across some ancient church ruins. I think someone could spend a lifetime here and STILL have so much to learn and explore. We ended the day with a delicious group cooked meal (a common and wonderful occurrence at the hospital compound).

Today was a relaxing Sunday as almost everything is closed in Nazareth. I spent the day enjoying the sunshine and exploring more of the city with a good friend. I'm looking forward to a busy week with work and more travels. On Tuesday and Wednesday I'm headed to Tel Aviv for work and really have no clue what I'll be doing there... I'll be sure to fill you in. All I know is that I'll have to be in costume and will miss Mike Huckabee coming to the village (I'm not too disappointed).

I probably won't stay up for the Super Bowl tonight, but Go Packers!! =)