One last comment

About the previous story I passed on... here is more info on the woman who was killed. She was a British bible translator.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/24/jerusalem-victim-british-bible-translator

Getting ready to leave

These have been very special days as I get ready to leave Nazareth and reflect on all that has happened in the last few months. I am busy enjoying wonderful ;last times with friends and making plans to visit everyone in the near future (I'll be a very busy woman if I can make it all the way across the U.S. and back to Nazareth, and then U.K.-  but I plan on making it happen!).

With the recent bomb in Jerusalem, security at the airport should be higher than usual and I'm making sure to prepare myself for the likeliness that I'll get special attention as I travel by myself. Apparently, young, single, American women get the most hassle from airport security when they leave Israel and spending the last three months in an all Arab town won't help my case any. Please pray for safe travels and I look forward to posting more reflections when I get back to the States!

As I was writing this brief post, my friend Philip (in the picture below) came into the back room at the Village and told me that a woman on his tour shared with him that the woman killed last week in the bomb was a friend of hers who was on her way to pick her (the woman on the tour) up from the airport. The story was very incredible to hear as she explained more about the heart of the woman and the impact her life and faith had on so many. At her memorial, apparently not a single person spoke of "getting revenge" or anger towards any specific group or person responsible for the bombing. This is a huge testimony to the power of forgiveness and the peace that results from it. Just thought I would pass the story on!

See many of you soon! =)

Last few beautiful days here!

I drank out of this spring!

Hiking Mt. Arbel with Philip and Betsy and Betsy's parents.

So very high up...

Springtime in the Galilee!

With less than two weeks left here in Nazareth, I am savoring every minute, and I have to admit that I don’t plan to spend much of it by the computer. I will, however, give a quick recap of my recent travels and time here in the Galilee.

Where to begin?? I had a wonderful trip last week and spent a total of six and half days away from Nazareth. Two of my flat mates and I (hilarious lassies from the U.K. who have influenced me already with various catchy phrases and “flat” is one perfect example) headed to southern Israel. Our first stop was Jerusalem where we parted ways for a day as they headed to the West Bank (I’ve already been) and I enjoyed more time exploring and picking up a few souvenirs. After two days we made our way to Beer Sheva to see mutual medical student friends and enjoyed a very relaxing Shabatt in the warmer weather before heading even further south to Eilat. From Eilat we crossed the border and hopped in a cab straight away to Wadi Musa, the town outside of Petra. As you can tell from the itinerary, this trip was definitely “go go go.”

Although I absolutely loved seeing more of Jerusalem, my time in Jordan was by far the highlight of the excursion. Jordan’s landscape (the southern par that we saw) was breathtaking. Being in Jordan felt more like I was truly in the Middle East as the culture is much less diversified and it seems a lot less western. From the border, Petra is about a two hours’ drive away and we had plenty of time to see the vast desert before arriving in Wadi Musa. After a lovely picnic dinner on the roof of our hostel, we went to sleep excited about the next day’s exploration of one of the great wonders of the world. It’s usually not recommended to spend just one day at Petra, but we thought that getting there at 7am would make a bit of a difference. Despite spending over eight hours at the park, we could have easily filled two more days with exploring. Everything about Petra is HUGE. This ancient city was completely breathtaking and awe inspiring. Miles of cityscape has been preserved for thousands of years and it’s unreal to be able to walk through everything and imagine the history that has taken place in centuries past. Lucky for us, this time of year is the best time to travel to Petra because the weather is less intense and we were spared the hot heat of the desert. After our very full day of hiking, we made our way back to the border and spent a few hours in Eilat (a great town on the Red Sea) before catching a night bus back to the Galilee. Needless to say, by the end of this trip I was completely exhausted.

Since the trip I have continued working on loving every moment of my days left here in Nazareth. I moved out of the hospital last week and now I’m at my friend’s house in the Old City of Nazareth. It’s such a treat to stay with her and we’re both making the most of our time here in Israel before having to head back home (she leaves for Canada in May). My days are filled with hikes and spending time with friends all over the city. I am still volunteering and teaching English during the week but have cut back my hours considerably. I can’t believe how fast time has flown. This trip has had more of an impact on my life than I can even now begin to comprehend. I’m looking forward to some time at home in the northwest next month where I can talk more about the journey and describe in better detail some of the adventures from the last few months. It won’t be long before I move to South America and this reality has still yet to sink in. Looking forward to catching up with everyone! Thank you for your prayers of safety!

View from Beer Sheva balcony. In the distance is Gaza. 

A rare purple Iris on Mt. Gilboa

A great way to end a hike: Enjoying delicious snacks at a local farm

Nazareth Village activity 

Back from an incredible trip!

Just got back from an amazing whirlwind of a trip to Jerusalem, Beer Sheva, and Jordan. It was a fantastic experience and I was particularly thrilled with Jordan. I will write more soon and can't believe i only have a couple weeks here in Israel. It will be so sad to depart but Peru is waiting!

Very beautiful Dome of the Rock

Fun times in Jerusalem

It was close to snowing and we were a bit cold. Megan opted for a "traditional" Bedouin head covering and made us all laugh quite a bit. 

Checking out the Garden Tomb

 This has been such a great guide book. Thanks Aunt Ellen and Uncle Brian!

Lots and lots of camels in Jordan.

Petra was breathtaking and I'll make sure and post more pictures of the trip soon! 

Off to Jordan and beyond!

Hi there family and friends!

I just wanted to say a quick "hello" before I head off on a week long trip to Jordan! It should be an adventure.  Some of the trip I'll be by myself and some of it I'll be with friends. I'm looking forward to some wonderful new "memories" ahead. I'll be stopping in Jerusalem once more and seeing friends again in southern Israel before crossing the border to visit Jordan. I look forward to writing about the trip when I get back. Enjoy Mardi Gras! =)

Around the Galilee

New baby lamb at the Village!

On the Sea of Galilee today with friend Christine

St. Peter's Church (the supposed site of a lot of biblical moments involving fish...) 

Ancient synagogue in Capernum

The Jordan River. Very pretty!

pizza Arabic style for lunch. yum. 

nasty muskrats (?) that live in the Jordan. eww. 

Kanafe, an Arabic dessert and deliciousss