JUNE 8, 2009
Thank You Lord for a safe and pleasant trip home! I arrived safely in Houston and was met my Melissa, Maegan, my sister Sue and friends Kenneth and Linda Broussard. I was very very very happy to see their sweet faces. We went by Brenda/John’s home (my niece/nephew) where my little dog Honey was very excited to see me! Then Brenda, Sue, Melissa, Maegan and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at La Mexicana! YUMMY!

I arrived at my home and had wonderful visitors—Trent, Kenneth, Linda, Madeline, Ron, John, Sheliah—and phone calls and plans for more visitors today. My FOUR monster suitcases are all open with “stuff” all over the living room…I may just leave it there for however long…I CAN! I am so glad to be in my little home in Port Arthur, TX!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To all of you who have prayed for me and my family and Jerusalem School. God truly answered your prayers in so many ways. I am anxious to share my stories of the people and places and experiences that God has blessed me with knowing and seeing and having…(Not sure that sentence is correct—this English teacher is retired—finally, so my skills may deteriorate quickly!)

I love you
Beth

JUNE 6

JUNE 6, 2009
D-Day—even for me…departure date! I am sitting in the Ben Gurion Airport at Tel Aviv…I am checked in and enjoying a cup of coffee before I go to my gate. I am rejoicing that I am leaving—even as I know I will miss the wonderful people God has blessed me with knowing. What an incredible experience I have had. I pray with all my heart that God will enable me to share these stories and joys with each of you in a way that gives Him all the glory and power for granting me this privilege of serving Him in this country.

Today was the last day at school—and I helped Mr. John get the tassels, honor cords, report cards, etc ready to hand out to the seniors. Erin and I listened and edited the speech the young lady who is the valedictorian will give tomorrow at graduation. Then later Adam, Bethany, Trish, Austin, Katie, Kristen, Elaine and I enjoyed one last meal at Golden Chicken…yummy! Kristen and Elaine helped me load FOUR monster suitcases into the back of the truck…we took pictures with Christy and Erin and I loaded in the back with my carry-on luggage, backpack and purse. Kristen drove and Elaine was the navigator as we winged our way out of Jerusalem and on to Highway 1 to Tel Aviv. We arrived at the airport in ample time…Elaine helped me load the FOUR monster suitcases & carry-on luggage on to the cart and even went all the way in to the airport to the place to get in line! I was so early there was no one there, so I had to sit about 15 minutes…THEN the questioning began…But I was early and there were few people…so it was okay. They xrayed, etc…and then sent me over to the security square…and I had to lift each of those MONSTER FOUR pieces of luggage up on a counter…for them to open, rearrange, sniff and run some sort of device through…and my back pack and my carry-on…BUT they did it and released me…and I went to the Delta line. I had to pay $200 extra for each of the TWO extra pieces of luggage…but I was so happy to do that because I am coming to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Hooray!

I will miss so many of the people…they have touched my life in incredible ways. I have email addresses and plans to see some of them…Two of the boys will be in Austin in June; one girl is going to school in New Hampshire and I hope she will be in my home during spring break next year…and of course, my friends Wilma, Christy, Erin and Crissie plan to be in Houston in September…so all that is great.

I am so grateful for all of you who have read my blog and supported me with prayers and encouraging comments and emails. I really really needed all those good words and prayer from my family and friends in my life in the USA. REALLY—more than words can adequately express. I love each of you and pray that God blesses your life as you have blessed mine. To Him be the glory…
Beth

MAY 29, 2009
Happy 15th Birthday Maegan! You have been a joy and a delight all the days of your 15 years. I hope you have a very happy day. I pray God blesses your life as you continue to seek Him and walk in His ways. I look forward to seeing your sweet face in a few short days…
I love you—
Nan

MAY 26, 2009
Happy Birthday to my niece Brenda! And to my good friend Madeline! And on Friday, May 29, Maegan will be 15 years old! And Nan is sending wishes from across the sea for a wonderful day for that sweet girl.

We’ve had some really busy days and some very interesting experiences. After visiting Hezekiah’s tunnel, we enjoyed a fun meal at Spagghetime’s with Kristen, Eric, Kayla, Erin and Christy. Kristen and Eric had been on a fun trip with the 7th and 8th graders to Tiberias—so they needed a good meal with adult conversation!

I helped Erin and Christy with the wedding shower for Eric and Kayla…Eric is Erin’s brother—and they are all from Dalton, Georgia—same place as Wilma. We had a wonderful time—Mustafa helped us order some delicious food for the party—sfeha…and yes, I can say it! I’m learning a few words in Arabic! So proud!

Everyone came—Ross, Margaret, Shane, Sarah, Simi, Sara, Bryan, Kristen, Jamal and his wife, Mustafa, Ghassan and Norma—and we ate and laughed and enjoyed watching this precious young couple open beautiful presents. They will be living here next year and working in the school and also teaching English in Ramallah.

On Monday, Eula and Darrell invited Mary, Elaine, Bethany, Adam and me to eat at THE TENT—a restaurant in Bethlehem. We left early because Adam had a package to drop off at Bethlehem School (a part of our school) and because Eula was wanting to go to this little shop to get gifts to bring home. The shop owners were telling us that their business is really bad because they’ve closed Bethlehem to tour buses. And we saw none…and not that many people were out. So that’s not good.

I’ve heard about this restaurant since I’ve been here, but haven’t had the opportunity to go eat. It is so unique—literally is under a huge tent—with sides that roll up. The hills of Bethlehem are right outside the tent—so we sat and watched the hills where there are sheep and shepherds while we ate. We sat on sofa-like seats around a large table…and they bring all this wonderful food—pita with all sorts (at least 8 or 9) of salads and hummus and cabbage…then they bring the mixed grill kebabs—lamb, beef and chicken… with French fries…it is all so delicious.

Then today after school I treated Mary to a manicure—she leaves Thursday night. We rode the bus in to the city, got the manicure and then ate at a wonderful Thai place…then we went to the Old City and met Eula and Katie. Eula was buying the rest of her gifts…we enjoyed it so much. We’ve done some shopping at this place that has all sorts of gifts, and we went tonight so Mary could get something. The owner is so friendly—and he got us chairs and served us tea and we sat and talked a while…this is very common in the Arabic culture. They are very, very hospitable—I’ve been served tea in many places… just seem to want to entertain you and talk with you. I’ve bought some gifts at this other place that is right down the way from Jaffe Gate—and the man is so nice. He makes his own jewelry, and tonight, he was making jewelry and Mary and I were sitting in there waiting on Eula and Katie…so we visited with him a good while. He is my favorite shop owner…so nice…and across the lane is our favorite tee-shirt shop. The shirts are so neat—and are 20 shekels—which is about $5…so please…if you want a tee-shirt, let me know!

The seniors arrived home safely Monday morning at 6 a.m….so they were at school today…and my favorite one, Fayez, brought me a box of chocolates from Italy. He is just the neatest young man… I wish all of you could meet him. He was in Austin/San Antonio last summer…but I don’t know when he will be back in the states. All the seniors had a really good time—they toured Rome and I don’t know where else—what a senior trip!

We have school on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday—and then three days of finals—Mon, Tues, Wed. next week—then work Thursday getting grades, cleaning offices, rooms, etc…and it is OVER! We have to help this Friday (May 29) with kindergarten graduation—and we have a School Banquet Saturday night…we give awards, eat and then they have a dance…I think…I’m a little vague, because I don’t really know what is going to happen. Communication is a little slow…usually a few hours before it is needed!!!

I appreciate your emails and comments and prayers…please pray for Sandra & Leo’s friend Walt Irwin—he’s in MD with leukemia…and please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love,
Beth

MAY 22, 2009
Christy and I just had the most incredible experience…I wish so much so many of you could be here to experience some of the things I have. We went through Hezekiah’s tunnel—it’s the real deal. I think it was dug around 800 BC. We walked through this very very narrow tunnel with water flowing. Initially the water was up about thigh-level on us, but as we kept walking it went down to knee or ankle high the rest of the time. A completely enclosed tunnel—sometimes we had to lower our heads and sometimes it was very high. It was so narrow at places I had to turn a bit sideways to get through. NO LIGHT at all. She used a flashlight and I used the light on my phone. The water is from the Siloam Pool. It took almost 45 minutes to walk through…I think. I was amazed at myself for being there (I know Maegan is too—she knows Nan is not too much for risky things!) and doing it. I have to say it was a bit claustrophobic. But I just kept thinking about those people digging through to the springs—while they were surrounded by Sennacherib (sp?)’s army with no chance for survival without water from the springs. And I was in the tunnel where they dug all those hundreds of years ago. Amazing experience!

We drove to the Garden of Gethsemane but could not find a place to park…there were so many people and cars—parked in places that made it impossible to pass. We will go another day…we left and enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Aroma’s sitting outside in the beautiful weather.

I am invited to a pizza/movie party tonight…isn’t that fun! School tomorrow… and then on Sunday I am helping Erin give a shower/party for her brother Eric and his fiancée Kayla—so that will be fun too.

Maegan is dancing in her last dance recital this week end—Taylor’s Studio is having their big show and she is dancing in a hip-hop, ballet and jazz number. She will be easy to spot—the prettiest girl there! (Is this grandmother prejudiced???) She has been in dance recitals every year since she was three—and her mom has sewed, glued and stitched many beautiful costumes. Maegan has decided to not take dancing anymore, so she is happy that this is the last one. We have some wonderful memories to treasure and excitement about the future for this
precious young girl. Thank you for your prayers for her.

Thank you for your support and kind words and prayers—please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

MAY 19, 2009
Thank you Darlene and my sweet sister Sue for your comments—I appreciate your writing exactly what I would have to say. I am passionate about my love for Jesus Christ—and Him alone. And I’ve been thrilled and blessed to be in the land where He walked and taught and died and ROSE to life in order to give us life. Hallelujah!

Tonight was a little going away fun time together for Mary…and for Wilma. Wilma leaves tomorrow night—and I am really going to miss her. She has been a huge blessing in my life—she plans to come to Texas in September with her friend Crissie—who is speaking Sept. 12/13 at Lakewood Church. Wilma plans to come early and visit me—and hopefully, be able to meet all of you.

Mary leaves on May 29—she is so excited…as she well should be! She’s getting married July 17—so she has a lot to be excited about. Sarah, Katie, Eula, Wilma, Mary and I went to dinner and enjoyed a wonderful salad—called Village Salad—all kinds of good things in it. Then on the way home we made our routine stop at Jafar’s for groceries, etc. The family of Mr. Mustafa, who has an office next to mine and teaches science at the school, owns these stores…and he is the nicest guy. I’ve enjoyed conversations with him about Arab customs and family traditions. He and his wife have 3 little children—and I’ve tried to convince him to bring them to America for vacation!

My Blackberry did a “hard shut-down” for some unknown reason, and I lost everything on it—my phone numbers, my email contacts, my pictures…etc. I have to say I about shut down too! I called Melissa—and tried to get it going again, but finally had to use my Israeli phone to call Verizon—and they were able to get me back on, but all the information, etc. is gone…into cyberspace, I guess! I had an “attitude-adjustment seminar”—took a nap—and of course, put all things in to perspective!

Please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School. I am so grateful for your words of encouragement and prayers.
Love
Beth

MAY 17, 2009
Please pray for my friend Kenneth Broussard—he’s in the hospital in Houston AGAIN! His heart is having a hard time keeping up with him.

God blessed me so richly with the past few days…Ross gave Wilma and me permission to be off Saturday and gave us the use of a school vehicle…the Peugeot—with no air conditioning, but nonetheless a great little car. So we drove to Tiberias Friday and stayed in a bed/breakfast overlooking the Sea of Galilee. We sat on the deck and looked out at the mountains and across the sea to Engev—and the whole sea where Jesus walked and talked and they fished and lived near here. It is my favorite place in Israel…he preached the Sermon on the Mount near here—and met the disciples here after he arose…and they had fish for breakfast on this shore. It’s such a real place—no extras added by man. I would love for each of you to be able to visit this place.

We met Yousef/Christine, etc. at the River Jordan at 10:00—and witnessed a very meaningful baptism—I bought a video (the place videos each large group event) because I know James Moore and Bro. Joe and others will want to watch. Yousef baptized his twin children—Allan and Julie who are 13. And his brother-in-law Osama baptized his little girl Nancy who is 9. There is much more to tell about this baptism, but I’ll wait until I can talk in person.

Then we all went to the Jordan Park up north about 20 miles and spent the rest of the day there. They cooked ke-babs and we had salads and garlic-toasted pita…and homemade desserts. We had a marvelous time with all the church members—a really large group and so so so interesting…and very nice to us.

HOWEVER…for the first time it was hot—very hot…stifling hot…no wind and about 90 degrees…whew! I’m not very good in that hot! AND then we headed home—3 hour drive in a very HOT car…and wind blowing through but it was hot too! We were like people in desert—no water and no water stops! It was Shabbat—so nothing was open. We finally found a little store about 1 hour from Jerusalem and stopped for water…but we were a pitiful sight! Dusty, sun-burned and swollen feet! We laughed at ourselves—and were very grateful to get home, take a shower and get those feet up!

I don’t know words to express the joy of being in Tiberias overnight and then spending the day with that church group. Christine and I stood by the River Jordan and prayed for our friends the Basses—she is praying in Arabic, but my spirit just fills with joy knowing that we are in one accord…even though I don’t know the words she is saying. Truly, the spiritual bond in the family of God is the most amazing thing…crosses all barriers—language, culture, etc.

Thank you for your emails and prayers…only 3 weeks, and I pray I will be able to board the Delta bird and fly home…please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School. We have 13 more days including finals—pray we finish the school year in a God-honoring manner.

Love
Beth

Austin, Katie, Mary Kristen, Bethany & I eating at a really neat place in the Old City called Amigos Emil. Fun.

May 13, 2009

MAY 13, 2009
Today is my sister Sue’s birthday…Happy Birthday to the best sister ever. I have a wonderful sister and a wonderful brother…I am very, very blessed.

We had a wonderful church service tonight…just a small group and we each shared a favorite scripture. Then we sang scripture songs—like the one from Psalm 63 “Your loving-kindness is better than life…” It was really nice to join with brothers and sisters in Christ and rejoice and praise Jesus together. We will all be going separate ways in a few weeks—and many of us may never see each other again…but in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, there is a unity that is so precious and comforting. I am very grateful to know this part of the family of God.

After church, Mary, Kristen, Eula and I went to Aroma's on French Hill and enjoyed treats, coffee and fun fellowshipping...after stopping by Jafar's on the way home, we parked the truck and headed home...

I was also blessed to enjoy a long conversation today with a fellow co-worker who told me about the engagement process for young men and women in the Arab culture. My co-worker is such a nice young man—he has taught me many things and I’m grateful for the privilege of knowing him. I’ve invited him, his wife and three children to come to America sometime—so we can roll out the red carpet for them!

The seniors leave for their trip to Italy tomorrow—they will be gone 10 days…so that means no senior classes. BUT Trish is going on the trip, so I’m going to take one of her classes—seventh graders! So that will keep me moving—probably a bit faster than I’d like!

I’m hoping to be able to go in to the Old City tomorrow with Austin and Katie. They are going to take me to an area where I can buy some gifts…then I’m looking forward to joining Yousef and Christine in Tiberias for the baptism and then to Golan Heights for church-fellowship on Saturday. What joy that will be.

Thank you for your encouraging words—I pray all is well with each of you. Please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School. The seven-year-old daughter of Mr. Baseem, one of the teachers at our school, died last Sunday. She had been quite ill for several months—they had taken her to several hospitals…but she was just too ill. Please pray for this family in the loss of this precious child.

Love
Beth

May 11, 2009

MAY 11, 2009
Thanks for the comments…you are right Bro. Joe! Busted! It’s too funny how fast news travels. Even across oceans and more oceans and even more oceans…am I that far? It feels like it.

I do pray everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day—I got to talk to my girls and my grand-girl…and my sister, so that was a good day for me. I’m so grateful for special, set-aside days that enable us to gather and have sweet memories for a lifetime. We are really blessed to have many years of sweet memories on Mother’s Day.

School is a little hectic these days—seems everyone is thinking it is over, and “surely you don’t mean for us to do work,” and surely not the seniors too! We’ll hang in and get to the finals on June 1, 2, and 3. Then they have graduation on June 7.

Jerusalem is also a little hectic this week—the Pope is making a visit and the streets are tied up or closed off…some of our teachers live in the Old City and couldn’t get out today…or on the Mount of Olives. The Pope’s Jerusalem residence is on the Mount of Olives…I’ve been told that, and I assume it is true…

I had a real treat Saturday night…I got to go to Ramallah with two friends. The city is so huge—buildings all over the hills and so many people. My friend was driving, and I was very glad…I couldn’t have done it! The streets are narrow and were teeming with people and all sorts of activity. It was so alive and pulsating. We parked and shopped some…we were looking for cake decorating tips, so we stopped in a couple of little home stores and finally found what we wanted. But as we walked, we passed a store called Stars and Bucks… yep…with the green Starbucks logo and all. It was so funny—so we went in and they had mugs and tee shirts and sweatshirts! So we made some purchases…I know my girls are going to like that. We intended to come back and have coffee, but after we ate it was too late. We ate at a Mexican restaurant — nachos and quesadillas…and it was very good. We had pico de gallo…and everything. We had such a good time—the music was playing just like the guys who walk around playing in the Mexican restaurants in Texas. The atmosphere was just super…lots of people…and we ate and laughed and talked. So nice…I’m looking forward to La Suprema every Thursday night—make plans everyone!

Sunday was a stay-at-home day for me. I am working on a scope-sequence curriculum guide for English for the school…and I finished 7th, 8th, and 9th. I will try to finish in the next week or so…for sure in 25 days! Because that will be June 6…and I am planning to get on the Delta bird and fly out on that day —the Lord willing.

I think I am going to get to go to Haifa on Saturday—and join with Yousef and Christine’s church group to go to Tiberias…they are baptizing…and having a big church fellowship. My friend Wilma and I plan to go either Friday night or Saturday morning.

We all got to enjoy pictures of Maegan and her friend Steven going to the 9th grade prom…according to her grandmother, she was the prettiest girl! Her hair was gorgeous, her make-up was perfect, her little black dress was just perfect and she had on black, sequined Converse tennis shoes! And she looked darling—take my word for it…from an old-fashioned grandmother …the tennis shoes were great!

I’ve had wonderful cards—my friend Madeline sent me a biggie—4 pages hand-written! And my friends Bobbie and Colleen both wrote me little updates! And my friend Dee has sent me many cards—and I love getting each one. Thank you for remembering me…and for praying. Wednesday (May 13) is my sister’s birthday—so I’ll have to wish her a happy day via the email!
Please continue to pray for Sue’s recovery, for Sandra’s hand-healing, for little Baby Bass and others who are having health issues…please pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

May 8, 2009

MAY 8, 2009
School always seems to move fast in May—and it’s true here also. We’re all busy with progress reports for the mid-nine-week grade. The students in my classes have been reciting poetry—“The Road Not Taken” for the 9th graders/ that one and “Mending Wall” for the 11th graders/ and “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” for the 12th graders. I truly enjoy hearing all those poems from students—some of them really got dramatic with their presentations!

I am very grateful for the comments to the blog—and yes, Brother Joe! I am a detail person—unfortunately, it’s usually too much detail! And my daughters often say, “Mom…get on with the story!”

I am especially grateful for the compliment from my anonymous commenter. And also for the encouragement to continue to learn about the situation in this country—I do know there are people who cannot travel about in this country. I’ve been privileged to talk with several of my students who are in that situation. I am very blessed to have spent this time in Jerusalem and to have formed lasting relationships with some incredibly wonderful people. I pray that all that I have experienced will be used according to the purposes of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your prayers, emails, cards and encouraging words. I pray this Mother’s Day is a blessing to each of you…I will miss being with my family. We have some really special memories from times spent on Mother’s Day. My daughters, Melissa and Holly, and my granddaughter Maegan are the source of great joy in my life…I thank God every day for the blessings of those girls.
Please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

May 4, 2009

MAY 4, 2009
We had a wonderful time in Haifa. Wilma, Christy, Erin and I picked up our rental car (a super duper speedster we named Blue Bullet!) and headed out of Jerusalem about 2:30 Saturday afternoon. Driving in to Haifa is absolutely amazing—the view of the Mediterranean Sea as you drive down in to the city is so gorgeous. I’m sure people who live there take that view for granted, but we really enjoyed it. We stayed at The Colony Hotel—and it was so great. It is a boutique hotel—in a 103 year old building that has been completely refurbished—located on the street that leads to the Ba’Hai Gardens—which are so beautiful that you must look them up on the internet. The décor in the hotel was so tastefully done. We had adjoining rooms with big high beds and lots of pillows—and we were on the front side with big windows that opened out on to the area in front of the hotel. The area is called The German Colony & is a big tourist area of the city. People were walking everywhere—and there were many restaurants with outdoor seating and twinkling lights…Yousef, Christine, their 3 children Allan, Julie and Lina and Jack and Linda came to the hotel and we all walked to this absolutely wonderful restaurant. We went in and down to a room…and were seated around a long table…some of us were on the sofas around the table and some on small hassocks all around. And the food—the best Arab food I’ve had…we had hummous, salads, chicken, delicious hamburger meat cooked with tomatoes and seasoned just perfectly and much more—we had this lemon drink with mint that I’ve had before…but not this delicious. It was thicker and so good. We relaxed and enjoyed our time talking and laughing and eating! Just great…

They invited us to tour the recording studio…so Wilma and I went with them while Christy & Erin stayed around the hotel and enjoyed dessert, etc. at the restaurants. We were absolutely overwhelmed at the recording studio facilities—a radio station, recording room, room to film TV sets—such as Jack teaching, etc.—and much more. The ministry of that recording studio is just incredible. I know I shouldn’t be surprised, but sometimes what God has done in people’s lives just knocks me over. Actually, Yousef and Christine are incredible—so sweet, humble and fun to be with. We went up to their home and enjoyed tea and brownies with them—and another American couple from Seattle joined us. They had been there before—helped with the building of the church. He is a retired engineer—I think…really nice and fun couple.

Sunday we planned to relax and sleep later than usual, but we discovered that our beautiful room on the front with the open windows made us really close to the street traffic! It was a busy place…but we managed to rest and then enjoy a huge breakfast. I have been blessed to enjoy so many of these delicious breakfasts that I hope I will continue to have them when I come home. They had a large array of cheeses, olives, cucumber w/dill, diced tomatoes /cucumbers, yogurt w/granola & honey, cereal, freshly baked breads, boiled eggs, egg casserole and real pancakes with the trimmings.

We packed up, checked out and headed for the tourist information center…we wanted to go to Elijah’s cave—and we learned that there is a traditional site and a site that has been designated as the cave…it has all sorts of paraphernalia, etc…so we opted for the traditional site. The young girls took over the driving on Sunday…so we found our way through villages and up a mountain to the Carmelite Monastery. We would have liked to go in, but it is closed on Sunday. However, it is so beautiful up on that mountain…so we parked the car and hiked…yep, my family is not believing that I hiked, but I did. We walked around a winding road and looked down at the valley…I think it is the Valley of Jezreel, but I may be wrong. I do know that I was on Mount Carmel where Elijah confronted the Baal prophets…all in 1 Kings 18 (I think)… and it was an experience that I don’t know if I have words for. I kept thinking about how it says that when the rain cloud came, Ahab and his men in chariots began racing down the mountain and Elijah was empowered to run faster than they did…I could somehow just see this short, feisty man with his arms pumping and his legs spinning tearing down that mountain. There are many places that are vertical stone slabs embedded in the mountainside, so I think it would have been difficult to maneuver a chariot down…but that is just my imagination! There are huge boulders and multiple olive trees—with their gnarled trunks. We also saw these little animals that are so darling—hyrax—never heard of them before, but they are funny little brown furry animals with big brown eyes about the size of a small rabbit.

Being there on that mountain was really a very special experience for me….for all of us. Erin, Christy and Wilma have all been teaching here in Jerusalem for 3 years…and they had not been there…so it was really nice for all of us.

We headed back in to the city to a mall! We enjoyed a delicious meal and a couple of hours of shopping…then we headed for the hotel—so Jack & Linda could meet us and take us to church. We got a little lost—quite a bit lost actually, and ended up being late…but they met us and we got to New Covenant Church. The service was so wonderful (do I use this word too much??? ) Of course, the music is just great—Yousef is a very talented guitarist, his brother-in-law Osama is a fabulous keyboard player—then they have a drummer, another guitar player and 4 ladies singing with them. Of course, the words were Arabic, but praise music is praise music…and it was wonderful (oops!)

Yousef preached about the delights of God’s Word—and reminded us of the joys of the Word. We listened through a translator on a head set.

Linda and Jack led us from the church to the edge of town so we wouldn’t get lost, and we headed back to Jerusalem. Because of some high way problems, we were a bit later than we wanted…but it was well worth it.

I returned the car today and said Thank You Lord—once again…He has blessed me with life-changing experiences. I pray that I can share all he has done with each of you in a way that will deepen your relationship with Him as He has done with me. His grace is so completely amazing—that He would allow me to be so blessed.

However, today at school, I was questioning the blessings—two parent conferences and a plea for help from Shane with one of my classes! It’s springtime and children everywhere and of all ages are ready to be free of the constraints of the classroom! One of the dads with whom I met was so very nice and appreciative of the work we do with the kids. That’s always a blessing.

My friend Sandra broke her right hand! Please pray for her healing—and for all of those who are missing hearing her play beautiful music. I thank you for your emails and comments and most of all for your prayers. Please continue to pray for me, my family, and Jerusalem School…the high school finals are June 1, 2, 3…and then I plan to leave June 6. I have realized that as much as I look forward to coming home, I will shed tears when I say good bye to the people I’ve met here at Jerusalem School—especially the kids. Five of the students will be in Austin & San Antonio in June…and I plan to go see them…hope to take a caravan of whoever else would go with me. I want everyone to meet them. I also learned that two of my ninth graders will be going to New Hampshire (or Vermont?) to a conference called Seeds of Peace…students from all over the world gather and discuss ways they can be part of spreading peace in the world. Isn’t that something!
Love
Beth

MAY 1!

MAY 1, 2009
It’s May!! And it is a beautiful day in Jerusalem. The sun is shining and the air is cool. Just perfect! I’ve enjoyed a whole day at the apartment—spiffing things up a bit for our party tonight. We are having a party to honor Mary—she is getting married this summer. The girls (13) are all coming to eat pizza, cheesecake (made by Elaine—yummy!), and watch a movie. We have all given recipes to Erin, and she has made Mary a recipe book—she’s very creative, so I’m anxious to see it. I have the candles burning all over the living room! My SS class sent me a Tyler candle, and it dominates!

Tomorrow after school, Wilma, Christy, Erin and I are going to Haifa and spending the night. We plan to have dinner with Christine/Yousef Dakwar and Jack/Linda Park. Yousef pastors the New Covenant Church in Haifa—so we plan to go to church Sunday night and drive home afterwards. We hope to go to Mount Carmel on Sunday.

My friend Wilma leaves on May 19, so I’m not looking forward to that! She is going early because her granddaughter is graduating from high school. She has been such a blessing to my life—so cheerful and fun and congenial. She is wonderful with the kids—she teaches 3rd grade, and they love her. She loves the Lord, and He uses her generous, obedient heart in His ministry. Her plans are to be in Texas in September…her friend Chrissie Shaheen is going to be speaking at Lakewood Church, so Wilma and Christy both plan to be with her—hopefully we’ll get to see them then.

Melissa has emailed me about the closings and cancellations of places and events because of the danger of the swine flu. I do pray each of you takes special care of yourselves. I called my friend Glen Provost and got the scoop on this new outbreak. He reminded me to constantly wash my hands—because that is the most common means of spreading germs…so I’ve spread that word!

I got good news from Melissa about Maegan—she was named to the Academic All-District Athletic team…and she got fitted for a letter jacket. Great Maegan! She has some big events coming up—9th grade prom, recital and her 15th birthday! All in May—and Nan will be enjoying them vicariously from across the sea!

Last night Mary, Elaine, Wilma and I watched a movie at our apartment—while all the rest of the group gathered on Shane’s roof and had a really grand time. They strung lights across the roof—he has a perfect place to have people over. Most people use their roofs to entertain—they are very nice…ours is not as nice as others because it has pipes, etc. It’s so beautiful up there at night—so high and the lights just seem to go on and on all over the hills of Jerusalem. They barbecued and ate and laughed and had a really good time. They initially planned to join together to share pictures from their Jordan trip, but it blossomed into a real party. They invited all of us, but we “oldies” chose to watch a movie in our jams in our warm apartment!

I do pray all is well with each of you—I appreciate your emails and comments and prayers—please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School. My sister is still recuperating from surgery—and is experiencing quite a bit of pain. Also, her house got water—first time since she’s lived in Houston—since 1967. So she is still at Brenda and John’s. Thanks for your prayers for her—please continue. I hope to see everyone June 7—10:15 a.m.!
Love,
Beth

April 27, 2009

APRIL 27, 2009
School is moving the time faster—we are down to a few weeks and all sorts of activities during those weeks. One of my junior girls asked me today if there is a university close to where I live…and I told her about Lamar University—and told her to get on the internet, find it and come live with me! Of course that won’t happen, but I do love these kids so much. I am definitely going to miss all the people I’ve met here.

We had a really good experience Sunday. Wilma, Kristen and I went to Masada and the Dead Sea. Masada is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Jerusalem …& it is so very interesting. I didn’t really know much about it beyond the story of the siege by the Romans in 73 AD. You ride a cable car up the mountain—then the place is really huge. We actually only went to a little over half of it—we went to the Northern Palace that Herod built. Rooms with columns, little circular indentions for water, long divided places that were used for storage rooms. The stone rooms and the artifacts were just amazing to me. I enjoy all that historical information and those sights so much, so I bought a book with pictures. We could see the places where the Romans had their camps all around the base of the mountain. It is very high—tour buses looked like matchbox cars from the viewpoint.
The Dead Sea Resort is about a 15- minute drive from Masada…so we spent the afternoon there. Kristen had never been there, so she went in. We met some friends of Wilma’s who live about 20 minutes away, and she spent some time with them. We had a covered area, so I enjoyed the cool breeze and a good book. It was really so pleasant. Kristen is a really good photographer—so she was so happy to see the sea and the Jordanian and Judean mountains. That sea is a deep, deep turquoise—and the tan mountains beside the sea are just so beautiful. The sea does change colors at different places—sometimes an emerald green and sometimes a beautiful bluish color. It is completely fascinating.

Today Wilma and I went in to the city because she had a dentist appointment. We met Erin and Christy for dinner at a really great Thai restaurant. The food was super good…then we did a little shopping, came home and I’m getting ready for tomorrow’s classes.

We are planning a bridal shower-party for my roommate Mary on Friday night. Her wedding is planned for July 17. She has requested each of us share our best recipes—so those of you who have my email, please send me your favorite recipe. Erin is going to make a book for her. We are going to have pizza, Greek salad and cheese cake—and watch a movie!

We are also planning a trip to Haifa this week-end…hope to leave here on Sat. after school and take Christine/Yousef Dakwar and Jack/Linda Park to dinner Sat. evening…then on Sunday, we’re going to Mount Carmel and enjoy the day…then we hope to stay for church Sunday night and drive home afterwards—we’ll be late getting back in to Jerusalem…and have school the next day. But we’ll enjoy the time with all of them in Haifa.

Please continue to pray for us—my sister is continuing to do well. Thank you for your prayers and emails and comments. Please pray for me, my girls and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

April 22, 2009

APRIL 22, 2009
I just got word from my niece Brenda about my sister Sue. She was in the surgery for over two hours. The Dr. cleaned the carotid artery out, and she did fine. 90% blocked as expected. Brenda can see her when she’s awake enough. She’s on limited visiting schedule today & tonight—only 20 min at a time every 4 hours. Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for her. I am so grateful to the Lord that she did okay. Please continue to pray that all goes well with her recuperation. Holly is going to be in Houston this week end, so that will help with the recovery!

We’re having really beautiful weather—one more day until the week end! Hooray! Hope all of you are enjoying the first days of spring and looking forward to the summer months as much as I am!

I appreciate your sweet comments and emails. Please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
LoveBeth

APRIL 21, 2009

APRIL 21, 2009 - Word of warning: this is LONG!
I just got word that my sister has 90% blockage in her left carotid artery—and will have surgery at Methodist Hospital Wednesday. Please be in prayer for her that all goes well. She will be in the hospital until Friday.

My internet has been out since before we left for Istanbul, so I am just now reading all the comments. Ashley—I am so happy to hear from you. I do pray all is well with you, and I am looking forward to seeing you and sharing some good talks this summer. And thanks Ronda for sharing the blog address with Glenn—I am so grateful for people who are reading and sharing this experience with me. I do miss my family and friends and life—and I do look forward to being home June 7.

Thank you wonderful Sunday School class! I got the package and had so much fun opening everything! You are just the best group of women—so fun and thoughtful and generous…I look forward to seeing you in June! They sent me a Tyler candle, a travel tin candle, soap, cashews, Animal Cookies, gum, poppycock, gummie fish, InTouch magazine, butterfly postits, hand sanitizer, tissues, Tootsie Roll pops, bubblegum, Starburst, strawberry twizzlers, showercap, salted peanuts, sunflower kernels, hand cream, Peeps and Ice Breakers! It is fun every time I look at all that stuff! Thank you!

Before I share my Istanbul experience with you, I have to tell you about the field trip we had on Thursday. We met at the school at 7:00—two groups: 7th, 8th, & 9th went to one place—and they had quite an experience. They were climbing up to these waterfalls when a torrential downpour came—along with hail! So they were all completely soaked—but the kids were just laughing and thinking that was okay! I was with the 10-12 graders and we went to a place called Canada Center. We went on chartered buses—Shane, Mustafa, Erin and I were with this group. The place has a large ice arena, a bowling alley, a huge, huge swimming pool (we did not swim), and a place to play pool…along with places to get snacks and eat. There is a large soccer field also. It was wonderful. Most of the kids had never ice skated before, so that was the most fun. They all had a smile on their faces from the time they got there until we got home. They were so so so much fun—laughing and cutting up together. I just love being with them. We had not one bit of trouble—which made the whole day just that much better. On the way home, I got to talk with one of the senior boys, Fayez. He is so mature and respectful and knowledgeable. Of course, the bus ride was almost 4 hours up and 4 hours home, so we all got to talk a lot! It was just great—one of my best days here.
We got home that evening about 7:00, and a group of 9 left at 8:00 for a trip to Petra—and in to Amman, Jordan. Austin, Katie, Mary, Adam, Trish, Erin, Shane, Sarah and their little girl Simone…all packed everything for a 4-day trip in a backpack and rode the bus to Elat. They had a great time—Mary said they rode donkeys up this incline—800+ steps…and when you looked over the edge, the deep ravine was right there…and the donkey went precariously close! I’m glad I wasn’t there—all of you know I’m way too big of a sissy for that! They got home about 4 Monday.

Wilma, Kristen and I had a really wonderful time in Istanbul, Turkey. We had an easy flight and stayed at the Crystal Hotel located in Taksim. We were close to Istiklal Street—and after we put our things in our room, we walked over to Taksim Square and then to Istiklal Street. Erin made us a travel guide that was absolutely wonderful.

I was really amazed at the city—the river, the old buildings, the sounds and smells were just like what I’ve seen in movies. We all really liked being there—it seemed so free and enjoyable. We walked at least one million miles by Monday, but it was so interesting everywhere that we didn’t mind. We stayed on Istiklal Street until pretty late Friday night—there was just a sea of people—and down the middle there is a trolley track—and cars, motorcycles, taxis, vans, etc. motor down there along with the trolley—there are shops and shops and shops—all kinds of Turkish items and other stores also. We bought Turkish Delight—it is very good. We ate delicious food at one of many places that had food that looked and smelled so wonderful—too much to describe… but not like any food I’ve ever had. We found the place that had “sliders”—wet hamburgers, but we didn’t eat them. There are vendors selling roasted chestnuts and roasted corn-on-the-cob…and breads, etc…all creating the most interesting smells.
Saturday morning after a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we headed to the metro…even with Erin’s great directions, we were funny trying to figure out what kind of coin fit with what station! We went to the Blue Mosque—just so huge and beautiful beyond words. We were able to go in and take pictures—Kristen has a really good camera and got some really good pictures. The grounds all around the city are filled with beautiful flowers—we had many photo-ops because of the beauty of the flower gardens. There is a multitude of tulips of varied colors—just gorgeous. The city itself is very, very clean. We even saw a man with a huge vacuum attached to a truck vacuuming the bricks around Taksim Square—they are set in dirt, but they are kept so clean, you don’t know it. (I thought of my friends Dee and Sheliah—you would have loved seeing that man!) We walked from the Blue Mosque over to the Hagia Sophia—it is beautiful also. All of these places have such historical significance—and it is available on the internet, so I won’t write all about them. But the city itself was once Constantinople—and many events have occurred there. We walked down the street to the Basilica Cisterns—that was so interesting also…these cisterns were built by the Romans—but through the centuries, they were covered up and the city was built on top of them. In the last century, the people discovered they could knock a hole in the floors of their homes and find water and fish…so they excavated them. There are huge designed columns—and even two huge columns with medusas on them—one is on her side. It really is such an enigma. We ate at a restaurant across the street from the Basilica Cisterns—and sat on couches—outside…just so fun. The weather every day was absolutely beautiful. We got back on the tram and went 3 more stops to the GRAND BAZAAR! Imagine everything you’ve seen in movies—the vendors, the crowds, the lane between the booths, the sound of the little flutes—all of it. It was just like that—only add the smells of the seasoned foods and people beyond number. There is an outside bazaar and one inside—with rows and rows—jewelry, purses, & knock-off brands—I almost bought a big yellow Jimmy Chou bag for $50—but I didn’t! It was quite an experience.
We rode the tram to Eminon station and took a 2-hour ferry ride on the Bosphorous River—so very nice—seeing all the buildings and hotels and homes along the river. The architecture alone is simply fascinating—such a mixture.
After the ferry ride, we took a taxi to Ortakoy—an area full of shops and restaurants all right on the river. We had a wonderful meal—laughing and talking and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere. One little bit of info JUST FOR MELISSA AND HOLLY: Napa Auto Parts: Ortakoy! We were out late that night, but up ready for Sunday!
We headed to Topkapi Palace and toured the grounds—I was reminded a bit of the castles Maegan and I visited in England—but this place is so huge and buildings so spread out. I really enjoyed the rooms with the jewels—an 86-carat diamond with 45 huge diamonds around it. It was discovered (1400’s?) in a rubbish heap—a street peddler found it and sold it to a jeweler—an argument erupted about it, so the Sultan was consulted—and it eventually was put on his turban and also for a ring. It seems each relic or place has an interesting history about it.
That afternoon, we took the tram to Cevahir—the largest shopping mall in Europe. We enjoyed seeing all the sights—an amusement park complete with a roller coaster is in it…along with floors of stores and eating places. We went in to every Starbucks we saw (and there are many all over the city—3 on Istiklal Street) to try to find a mug with Istanbul on it—but never did find one. Kristen came home early—but Wilma and I shopped until we were ready to drop!
Monday morning we packed and ventured out on Istiklal Street again to pick up some Beyoglu (bay-you-lu) chocolate—yummy…the travel bus picked us up at the hotel at 12:30—and the ride to the airport was very adventuresome! The bus actually knocked over a vending cart—a very erratic bus driver! We arrived home about 9:00—very grateful for a wonderful experience. Interestingly, on the sharoot we took to Jerusalem, we met 2 men from Michigan. One had been preaching in ORANGE, TX last week! At 3 churches—one was the Family Center--& he didn’t remember the names of the others.
I was blessed today to receive a great letter from Joyce Pedigo and a card from Betty Guidry--who had knee surgery Monday--please pray for her recuperation...and please remember to pray for my sister Sue, my friend Janet, my family and all of us here at Jerusalem School. Thank you for your love and words of encouragement.
Love
Beth

APRIL 15, 2009
Tax day in the USA…not a fun day! Hope all is well with everyone. Please pray for my friend Janet Cleaveland—she has shingles—on her face and around her eyes. So sorry about all that Jan…

Tomorrow (Thursday) we are going on a field trip! I’ve been thinking all along we would go in school buses, but I learned this afternoon that it is a chartered bus! So hey—let’s go! The group is divided—7th, 8th, 9th graders are going to Banais (?)—and 10th,11th, 12th graders are going to Canada Center. I’m going to Canada Center—they have ice skating and other activities for the students. I think it is quite far up north—close to the border of Lebanon? We meet at the school at 7 a.m. and we will return about 7 p.m.—12 hours! I’m looking forward to being with the kids in a fun setting. Erin, Shane, Mustafa and I are the sponsors of this group. FUN!

Then Friday Wilma, Kristen and I plan to meet the taxi at 5:30 a.m. to get to the Hyatt to meet the Sharoot to take us to the airport in Tel Aviv where we board the plane at 10:15 for Istanbul, Turkey. All new experience for all of us! Erin has made us our own personal travel guide—with directions for the best transportation –and wonderful historical places to see—plus the largest mall in Europe is in Istanbul! Imagine that! A complete amusement park is there…

I really have no news, but I would like to comment on the comments! Darlene, you are my hero! Thank you so much for focusing on exactly what I believe is important: JESUS! He is the one we love, and we know that He is the one who willingly laid down His life for each of us to have that personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus the Son through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us. I am so completely grateful for that truth…and I am so grateful to be living in Jerusalem at this time. In seeing the places that I have read about in the scriptures and doing the things I have done, the truth of it all—that man had no way to bridge that chasm between him and God until God made a way by sacrificing His own Son—just seems so clear. The love that emanates from that truth fills my heart with such gratitude and an overwhelming desire to tell people about how much Jesus loves them.

I may not be using the right terms and labels, but when I write on this blog, my heart is to share the joys of this experience with my family and friends who are not here and may never be here. I am going to continue to do that.

I do know that the anonymous commenters…there are now TWO...work with me. Every person with whom I work has been nice to me, so I can’t understand why they keep reading my blog and making comments without speaking to me. I have no idea how my blog address became available to anyone at the school, so that may be why they remain anonymous.

Thank you so much for your emails and comments and letters—Madeline wrote me a FOUR-page letter including a scanned picture of our little Gamma Phi Nu group! And Jewel Lois wrote me an encouraging email to keep on writing! And of course, sweet Darlene, my sister’s good friend, just encourages me so much. And tonight Melissa posted a short video clip of HONEY! It is so darling…I miss my little dog! AND I got three cards: two from Colleen Scates and one from Donna Voight…my wonderful Sunday School sisters! Thank ya’ll so much! I look forward to joining you in SS in June.

I am grateful for the words from each of you. I miss being home—and look forward to seeing you in June—the Lord willing. I read this morning in James about saying, “I’m going here or there…” when really I don’t know—my life is like a vapor—so I’m praying “The Lord willing, I will be home June 7!” btw—51 days! But who’s counting!
Please pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

Easter Sunday in Jerusalem

APRIL 12, 2009
If anyone had told me one year ago today that I would be where I am and do what I’ve done on Easter 2009, I would never have believed it. This has been a most blessed and wonderful day.

We (12 of us) met the taxi van at the school at 5:15 a.m.—and he drove us right to the Garden Tomb. There was already a long line, but we were admitted shortly and were able to have wonderful seats on long bench-type seats. The garden is just beautiful—flowers, trees, birds—just really idyllic. The worship team from King of Kings Church led us in praise and worship songs…I could hardly stand it! I know Guy Burnaman would have been simply transported to the heavenlies! We sang “Worthy is the Lamb”—and other wonderful songs. The Garden Tomb association is British, so all the speakers were British men. They read scripture and a man named Victor Jack gave a really wonderful sermon. Then we sang—probably about 10 songs with scripture and the sermon in between. Victor Jack reminded me so much of Ian Thomas, a British Bible teacher Joe and I loved so many years ago.

As we sang and worshiped and listened to scripture facing the empty tomb, the sun was rising over the wall—the day was just perfect. We all had on our minds the women who “got up early and went to the tomb—only to find it EMPTY!” Of course, I was weeping again—such amazing grace that I am here on this wonderful Resurrection Day—sharing it with all those people. I am very grateful for the blessings the Lord has given me.

It was over about 7:30—and we (all except Eula and Lisa) walked over to Jaffe Street and had a delicious, leisurely breakfast—sitting outside at Café Hillel—enjoying the morning and the group. My roommate Elaine stayed with Shane/Sarah Scott’s little girl so they could join us. Also with us were Wilma, Christy, Kristen, Trish, Bethany, Katie and Mary.

We left there and walked to the Old City. By the time the day was over (home about 5:00), I promise you I have walked miles and miles—that’s the part I would never have believed I would do. The Old City requires much walking! And I’ve just been able to do it…not without some slowness and a bit of whining!

Austin brought Lisa and joined us—and Katie and Austin speak really good Arabic, so they helped us do some shopping—Katie helped me get a bag that was at first 150 shekels, and she managed to get him down to 60 shekels! We stopped to eat falafel—and then we went to the Temple Mount—it is only open certain times to non-Muslims. It is a huge expanse with a stoned area—a huge mosque is there—will hold 100,000 people. There are shelves w/little spaces for the men’s shoes…we could not see in there.

Opposite the mosque are steps up to the Dome of the Rock—the large golden dome that is in every picture you see of Jerusalem. The beauty is just so difficult to describe. The tiles all around are all shades of blue/gold, etc…and it is so huge. The designs and colors are so completely beautiful.

Of course, no one could go in there either. Most of us had never been up there before, so it was quite an experience also.

When we left, Mary, Wilma and I decided to go to Mamilla Wall and got an iced coffee—walked some more…and then walked to Damascus Gate and got a taxi home. Completely physically spent!

I pray each of you has had a blessed, praise-the-Lord Easter Day! The resurrection of Jesus is the source and joy of our salvation. I rejoice in the truth of a risen Lord.

Please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School. Thanks for all the comments, emails and prayers. I look forward to sharing so many wonderful stories with each of you.
Love
Beth

Good Friday in Jerusalem

APRIL 10, 2009
Today is Good Friday—and I am blessed to be in Jerusalem. It’s a beautiful sunny day—somehow I always connected this day with rain, wind and cold …and maybe it was because the timing may be different. But today was really nice.

I went to the Garden Tomb—it is right beside the Arab bus station, and I had seen the sign but never gone in. What a huge blessing I have been missing. It is just so beautiful and serene and a wonderful place to worship. My roommate Mary had told me that she goes there often to just sit on the benches and meditate and listen to music and pray…and it is perfect for all that. There are long benches all around—some sections have groups of benches so tour groups can gather together.

There is another place called the Church of the Holy Sepulcher that some consider the place where Jesus was buried.

At the Garden Tomb, there is a skull hewn out in rock—naturally hewn. Then a short distance away is the tomb—in the stone there is a round stone that looks like it might have been that big stone…it is in the stone, not separate from it. The tomb is closed today because it is Good Friday. But I was there from 2 or so until almost 5…and I realized that it was about the time they were taking Jesus off the cross and carrying Him across to the tomb. I was just completely overwhelmed to think about it all. It is just so visibly clear—and makes all of the truth of what happened so meaningful. I called Bro. Joe because I remember seeing a picture of him at this place and hearing him talk about how meaningful it was to him. He thought something was wrong with me because I was so overcome with being there! He just rejoiced with me and prayed with me on the phone. I sat there until I was really cool—and needed to go home…I hope to be able to go there often.

I was thinking about Joseph (of Arimethea) who owned the tomb. I’ve never read any more about him—I wonder what happened to him after the Resurrection.

I left here about 11:30 this morning and went to Jamil’s in the Old City and had my hair colored…I took my own stuff…but I surely do miss Sheliah …there’s no one quite like Sheliah…& not just with hair!

Then I found a little restaurant in the Old City and had a delicious meal…I wish all of you could eat some of what I’ve been eating…this was grilled chicken with some kind of seasoning…and a Greek salad…just yummy. Then I headed on over to the Garden Tomb.

On Sunday morning at 6:00, there will be a sunrise service. The worship team from King of Kings church is leading it…so we all plan to go. The man at the Garden Tomb said to come early…so we’ll all get up early and be there. What a wonderful time that should be. I’ll let you know.

Melissa and Maegan arrived in San Francisco last night to enjoy a visit with Holly and Dana over the Easter holidays…I love when they are all together having a good time. I don’t know if I told you, but Maegan won 1st place in the two-mile run at the district track meet—running on JV …and she won 2nd place in the mile! What a girl! Nan surely would liked to have been there cheering for her! I look forward to seeing all those fun things when I’m home.

Wilma, Kristen and I have booked a trip to Istanbul, Turkey for the 4-day holiday next week end. Please pray for us as we go on that adventure.

Hope all is well with each of you…please pray for the girls and the rest of my family…and for me and Jerusalem School. I am thanking God for the blessings of being in Jerusalem during these days. I do continue to look forward to being home…hopefully on June 7…I hope to be in my pew at FBC Groves on June 14! Seems like years since I was there!
Love
Beth

Palm Sunday

APRIL 6, 2009
As you all know, Sunday was Palm Sunday—the day that Jesus rode a donkey in to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. I was incredibly blessed to follow that same path walking with throngs of people of all nationalities. Most had big palm branches or small olive branches like I had. Some groups had musical instruments—and played as we walked. It was very meaningful …mostly I walked along and could hardly talk just trying to take it all in.

We were blessed to have one of the Arab teachers to be our guide—Rula. She was just wonderful—a very gregarious, pretty lady who knew so many people. We (Austin, Katie, Eula, Lisa, Kristen, Trish, me) met her at her church, which is a large Catholic Church down the street from our school—she had a taxi van come pick us up—and she knew just where to take us. We walked down the backside of Mount of Olives—on the road coming from Bethany—and there were children selling palm branches & olive branches—so we all got one. We walked a good ways, and then she told us to wait…and when her church group came by, we joined in the crowd. We were walking down a road with all these people—some of whom were singing with musical instruments—I even saw a violin among the group. Someone would be carrying a speaker, so we could hear the music. Mostly it was singing, “Hosanna” or “Jerusalem”—in different dialects and languages. The area is all Arab, so there were people above us watching as we walked along—hundreds upon hundreds of people snaking our way toward Jerusalem. As we walked, we looked out at the city of Jerusalem all spread out before us…so beautiful …and so much like it must have been when He rode in on the donkey. I was so filled with gratitude that I could be there and see how it must have been and feel the excitement and joy of that crowd. I believe it was very similar to that 2000 years ago—everyone so happy to see Jesus…and then at the end of the week, the same crowd turning against Him.

The walk was quite a ways—it took over 2 hours—I have pictures as we walked along and made the climbs and then walked down—and then we arrived at the Mount of Olives, and the walk narrowed to steps leading down in to the Old City. We went in to the Lions’ Gate—and went to a patio with so many people…then we went back out the gate and stood/sat on either side of the walkway out to watch a parade of “scouts.” Rula had been telling us we needed to stay to see the scouts, but I couldn’t figure out what ever she was talking about—well, it was scout troops—several of them played bagpipes! It was just amazing—these people playing bagpipes—and we spotted two of our students in different groups. They were so cute—we were jumping around getting pictures. That parade was quite long—went out on to streets of Jerusalem.

It was late when it was over, so we all walked (a long way!) to Spaghetime’s and enjoyed a meal—ended up being 12 of us to eat. We were all very, very tired but had a great day. I am very blessed to have been in Jerusalem on that day.

I appreciate your prayers and emails. Please continue to pray for my friend Wilma—she is still having health problems. Also, please pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

APRIL 4, 2009
Great day today—good news about my friend Kenneth. He had a pace maker /defrib(?) done in Houston yesterday…and he is doing very well. I woke up and had 5 emails from people letting me know! How wonderful is that! The Lord blessed us all with a good answer…please continue to pray for Kenneth and Linda…as he recuperates.

Then today after school—we get out at 12:40 on Saturday—we went to Aroma’s for coffee, salads or sandwiches…my junior group. Ginan, Khaled, Bashar, Cathren, Yasmeen, Zeina, Manar, and Misoon…we went in a taxi that is really a van. He picked us up at the school and Yasmeen and I were in the front. He took off across our neighborhood and I was telling him he could not get out this way…he just kept going. The street beside the West Bank Wall has been made into a one-way…you can only go up. Not this guy…he went barreling down the hill on a single-lane one-way street…and then turned onto another one! Bless us—we made it down…and then he drove so fast…but we got there. We sat outside and had a great time—were there about 2 hours or more. We laughed and talked—Bashar is a big movie/TV person…and Yasmeen, Misoon, Zeina, Manar and I are all big book people…so we talked books and TV! They are such fun and so very likeable. I am so blessed to teach them. Yasmeen’s mom took me home—and drove me by the clinic they own—her dad is a doctor, and they have a clinic in Shoufat—a neighborhood not far from ours. Her mom is really pretty and so nice.

My friend Wilma is having health problems—and I am asking that you pray for her.

She and I are planning a trip to Antalya, Turkey during our 4-day break the week-end after Easter. Kristen and Trish may go also…we’ll see…

Tomorrow is our day to do the walk into Jerusalem from Mount of Olives, so I’ll write after that.
Thanks for your prayers and emails…please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School
Love
Beth

APRIL 2, 2009
Yesterday was April Fool’s...and my wonderful junior kids really pulled a good one on me. I was on guard with the 9th graders because I expected something from them…but those juniors really were slick! And the ring leader was Bashar—he laughed and laughed…as did every one of the kids…until they almost couldn’t laugh anymore. It was so good to see him—and all of them—laughing, I didn’t even mind the trick. Bashar’s mom was killed in an automobile accident last week. He’s been at school every day…all the kids are so supportive of him. Please continue to pray for him, his little brother Fadi and his whole family as they grieve their loss.

The week is over—and it seemed to move really fast. We had some sort of activity every night, so that makes life move a bit faster than normal. Tuesday night Wilma, Mary and I had dinner and shopped a bit—I wanted a lamp and a few things for my new room. It is so so so nice—I have a candle burning and it feels so comfortable in here.

Then last night we were invited to eat with Darrell and Eula—the retired pastor and his wife who work at the school. Their daughter, Lisa Lee, who lives in Houston came to visit—she came in Monday and really had a difficult time getting in. She was over an hour going from one person to another to a little room, etc. for interrogation—but she finally was released to come in. They haven’t seen their family since last August, so they are all rejoicing. Mary, Wilma, Elaine and I were invited to eat with them—and it was so wonderful. Home-cooked meal! We all sat around the table and laughed and talked school and joined hands and prayed for issues facing so many at school and then looked at pictures of Lisa’s loghouse and beautiful acreage and longhorns! Yep, she and her husband have longhorns—and she had on TEXAS Longhorn stuff. She had pictures of her dog with his UT hat, etc…boy! I really like her! She’s a really lovely person. She has been pressed into duty—tutoring yesterday and today all day…so fair warning, if you come for a visit, you get to help at school!

Tonight is girls’ movie night at Wilma’s…Mary is tutoring and Elaine is having a family-–Mom and girls—over to watch a movie…

We have plans to meet on Sunday to go to the walk from Mount of Olives to the Old City…we leave at 2:30 and it takes about 2 or so hours to walk—we will be where Jesus rode the donkey in to Jerusalem and the people were singing and praising—Palm Sunday. I am really looking forward to that.

I’ve made plans again to go with my junior kids to Aroma’s at French Hill for coffee and sandwiches after school on Saturday. I really hope that all works out. One of them brought me a book of poetry she had written when she was in the seventh grade—and in school in America. It was so precious—and made me just really want to get to know all of them so much more. They are really extraordinary kids.

Today was 9-weeks exam in English—my 9A and 11A students did just really well. I haven’t looked at the 12B papers yet—but hopefully, they did too. Shane made all the exams—and he did a great job with mine. They were all essay, so I have a large amount of grading to do.

Thanks for the emails—I love hearing all about what is happening. I appreciate your prayers—for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

MARCH 30, 2009
A new experience in Jerusalem for me today…and one I hope I don’t repeat. First, I am still not feeling great, so everything that is difficult seems magnified. My voice is really bad…and that takes a toll on me! Somehow one of my ninth graders managed to break off the cable cord to the TV—so our days of watching Macbeth and Julius Caesar have come to a screeching halt. I don’t know how to get it fixed, so that will be a project for tomorrow.

Then this afternoon right before school was out, Adam came to my office and asked me if I would do him a favor. Adam does everything for everyone, so no way I would turn him down. He needed someone to take Trish and 3 girls to a Bible Study after school…and since I drive the Peugot (5-speed), he asked me. I agreed—not knowing where we were going. I put my backpack in the back of the car, and the 3 girls and a young 19 yr old boy who is a mission intern here—actually from Austin, TX—rode with me. So we take off for the Mount of Olives—I have never driven there…but he assures me I won’t have any problems getting home. We arrive, and they all get out—and they take my backpack with them—by mistake. The Lord blessed me because before I put it back there, I took my Israeli phone out just in case I needed it on the way home. And boy did I need it. I got completely, totally, hopelessly lost and found myself headed for Tel Aviv in the midst of a decidedly Jewish neighborhood and in an area I had never seen—now Jerusalem has very few street signs—and those are in Hebrew. So I’m lost—and traffic is terrible, terrible. In my opinion, everyone here drives like what I’ve heard New York City cab drivers drive—every man for himself and very fast. Then I looked at the gas gauge, and it was on empty! So I called Adam—he said the gauge doesn’t work and I have plenty of gas. But he can’t help me because I have no idea where I am, nor do I know of any way to explain where I am. I just kept driving—turning here and there—and I know that some people might not agree, but I am telling you that the Lord got me home. All of a sudden, I saw a sign for Beit Hanina—and I managed to cross over and get on it—then there was a sign for Ramallah—and I crossed over to it…and there I was on the road to our neighborhood. Of course, during this time, Mary, Elaine and Wilma and Bethany and Adam were praying for me! It was a bit unnerving! Trish brought my backpack home later, so all is well again!

I am in my new room tonight—and it seems so spacious and nice. I am very grateful for it…and hope to get a new bedspread and a lamp to make it look even nicer.

I’ve heard news of Pastor Yousef’s sermon on Sunday morning—I surely would like to have heard it—but I hear it was very convicting. I’ve had 2 emails today about it. He said some Christians are LLC. Little risk, little responsibility Christians. And if they are challenged to take a risk and take on a little more responsibility, they leave to another "club" where they can get what they want with giving little in return. It’s just so easy to fall into the trap of thinking personal peace and affluence are our primary reasons for living. Thank the Lord He jars us out of our complacency with powerful messages like that. I struggle so much with thinking that this is just a short-term commitment and that I can do this one day at a time—and I mark off the days on my calendar knowing that in June I can go home and nest in my big blue easy chair! I do hope to rest—but I so much want the Lord to bless me with ministry of His choosing!

I’ve also had wonderful words about Sunday School—22 ladies—and as many men were there Sunday. I’m so grateful…Karen is a wonderful, called teacher and God is blessing her desire to serve Him. Praise the Lord!

I hope to get to Haifa to see Yousef and Christine in the next month or so. Now that I know the process of renting a car, I hope to able to venture out more often.

Thanks for your interest and emails and prayers—please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

MARCH 29, 2009
We’ve had a really wonderful experience this week end. I rented a car—and it was easy as can be. It was a little 4-door Hyundia—and Wilma, Mary and I took off Saturday afternoon about 3:00 from Jerusalem heading to the Dead Sea to En Gedi Spa and Resort. We were able to get a room there and enjoy a great overnight time. The rooms were sorta like little cottages—it is a very large place with a beautiful swimming pool and large dining room. The meals were included, so we had a delicious dinner and breakfast. We arrived too late to enjoy the pool, and it opened too late this morning. It is still very cool there in the morning.

The sights around were just nearly too much to describe. From our room, we looked out on the Dead Sea and the Jordanian mountains were beyond that...and behind our rooms were the Judean hills. Jordan is on the other side of the Dead Sea, and the mountains are just spectacular—they look pink and purple—and the reflection in that Dead Sea water was just amazing. The water itself is deep green or deep turquoise or deep blue—or parts were brown…depending on when and where you looked. Then on the Israeli side, the mountains were sheer sandstone—so high and full of cliffs and caves. That is the area where David and his men hid from King Saul. They were right behind our room and we got some beautiful pictures of that. With the Jordanian mountains, the Dead Sea and the Judean hills—I can’t really put words to the beauty and grandeur I saw this week end.

With the room, we were given entrance to the En Gedi Spa across the highway. It is right on the Dead Sea…we changed into swim suits and rode the little “train” (?)down to the beach. For those who know me and my water-phobia, you will know how antsy I was about getting in the Dead Sea. Wilma kept saying, “You cannot drown in the Dead Sea.” And I kept hearing the young man in Chicago saying, “NO ONE ever falls off of a Segway”—but I did! Wilma and Mary sunned in beach chairs and I enjoyed a shaded one for a good while. Then I knew I had to get in—so I headed out—Wilma beside me and Mary snapping pictures! Mary got some really good pictures—through the whole process of my getting in! The water was very cold—because it’s too early for warmer water. It is the most amazing thing—you really do float…and there are absolutely no creatures of any kind in that water. And the bottom is flat beds of salt…it is salty and oily too. I got a bit in my eye that stung pretty good, but other than that it really was about the most unusual experience I’ve had. We took pictures of the salt that was coated on everything down there—it looks just like frozen ice. There were two bicycles lying on the beach that were completely covered in salt…been there for some time. The water has receded dramatically, so they may have been in the water at some time.

We really enjoyed a very relaxing time there—and then showered, changed and headed on down the road to the Dead Sea Resort area. There are a number of very large, very nice hotels there—and shops, beach chairs, etc. There were many people down there—almost none at the En Gedi beach where we had been. And the weather was really warm…but at this area, the salt at the bottom of the water was in little balls instead of flat beds—I brought home 3 little balls of salt with me. We ate, got coffee at Aroma’s and headed home. We dropped Mary off with all our stuff, and Wilma and I returned the car. It seemed like we had been on a vacation—even though it was just barely over 24 hours!

We went right by Masada, and we could have done that too today. But I didn’t really feel great—still have a cold and almost no voice—so we just enjoyed the Dead Sea. Elaine has not been to Masada either, so we plan to go one Sunday for the day.

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday—and we plan to join a huge throng of people who traverse the path Jesus took from the Mount of Olives down to the Old City. Wilma has never done that—even though she has been here 3 years—and Mary wants to do it again—and Elaine wants to go and I’m sure there will be others of us. So that will be quite an experience also.

Our roommate Joy is back in the states, so we are three now in the apartment. I do plan to move into Joy’s room—sometime this week. It is larger and has a very nice, large piece of furniture that is a closet with drawers and shelves. I’ve grown so accustomed to my little room with its bright furnishings I am going to miss it. But the larger room will be nice…for the next 69 days—but who’s counting?

My junior students had a really rough week because of their classmate’s mother’s death—I have prayed so much for them—and for Bashar and his little brother and the rest of the family. They are really a close bunch of kids—and I am so blessed to teach them. Having grown up in a small town—and with only 21 people in my graduating class from Groom High School—I really relate to their long-time friendships. Those friends will mean so much to Bashar in the coming months.

The yearbook deadline is Tuesday-March 31—so I do pray that all goes well there. Those girls have really worked—especially Natalie. She is such a mature, capable young girl. I admire her very much.

Erin leaves in the morning for Turkey—and we are hoping and praying she can get back in the country next Friday—and be able to finish the school year. She does plan to go home in June to Atlanta—enroll in school to finish her degree in Middle Eastern studies. She is such a loving, sweet and pretty young girl—the kids all really love her.

Thank you for your interest and patience to read through all my gabbing and send me little comments and emails. I appreciate your love and prayers for me and my family and for Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

MARCH 24 (2)
Adam called me earlier in the evening with very sad news. The mother of one of my students, Bashar, was killed in an automobile accident this afternoon. It was a very bad wreck—nine people were injured. Her car was broadsided and flipped and she died at the scene—is what I understand.

I went with Adam to the family’s home—Bashar had gone to his cousin’s house, so we went there. He is just a wonderful young man. He is one of my junior students that I talk about all the time—just an incredible group of young people. They were every one there—along with several of the senior girls. They all love each other and are so kind to one another. Two of the boys were planning to stay the night with Bashar…and two more were coming early in the morning. Shane was there and told them not to worry about school tomorrow —any of them. So I doubt they will be there. Several of the girls’ moms were friends with this lady also.

His mom was a Christian and his dad is Muslim. While we were with them, Bashar got a call that he could make the decision whether to bury her Christian or Muslim. Either way, the funeral most likely will be tomorrow. Their custom is to bury the next day—the Muslim funeral would be the next morning and then the home is open to visitors for three days.

Bashar has one little brother who is 9 years old. He was with Bashar, but he wanted to go home, so someone took him. His name is Fadi, and he looked so completely lost and alone. My heart hurts for them so much.

The girls were telling me about this woman—she must have been quite extraordinary. She had two PhD’s—and traveled extensively. She was currently working on some big project in Saudi Arabia. Several of the girls talked about what a lovely woman she was.

The girls in the class, Zeina, Misoon, Manar, Ginan and Cathren, and I had made plans to go to the coffee shop Aroma’s Saturday after school…Amir and Khalid were making plans to crash the “party.” I don’t know whether that will work out or not, but I enjoy them so much and hope to be able to spend time with them. You know, the Bible says God is love…and His love fills us and I have seen His love just fill me up for these kids. He is blessing me in allowing me to know them and enjoy them in class.

Please pray for this family—so devastating and such a shock. Death has a way of jerking our perspectives back in place—things that seemed important aren’t so important in the big scheme of life. Please pray that we at Jerusalem School may minister God’s love to them and to the other students as well.
Love
Beth

MARCH 24, 2009
What a great day we had Sunday—we (Wilma, Mary, Kristen and I) rode the train to Tel Aviv…but not without a bit of delay. Wilma called the taxi company at 8:15 and asked for a taxi to take us to the train station—our train was to leave at 9:40, so he was to meet us at 9:00 at the school. He showed up at 9:15; he could not speak or understand any English; he seemed at first not to know where the train station was, but he did know; he drove no faster than 40 mph…very, very slow for a taxi! We arrived at the train station and the guy out front was saying, “Hurry-Hurry”…we all got inside just in time to see the train weaving its way out of the station! The next one was in 2 hours! YIKES! So we walked (hiked uphill) across the highway to Jerusalem Mall and had coffee. The train pulled out at 11:40—at a leisurely pace through beautiful scenery—a pretty stream running down the side of the ravine and caves everywhere. It was a nice scenic ride, but I was a bit nauseous because it wobbled and turned and curved…and on the way back, I held a barf bag all the way! Too slow for me!

BUT when we arrived in Tel Aviv, we got off at the 2nd stop and rode an escalator across the freeway—it was covered, but otherwise open to the elements and high above the cars. It was really a neat experience. It opened straight up into a mall—similar to Jerusalem Mall, but larger. We ate at a nice restaurant—wonderful food. I can’t wait for some of you to come and taste the delicious food—it’s just different.

Kristen took some very good pictures from the observation deck—seeing the city and the sea—really beautiful. Tel Aviv is a much larger and more secular city—the people seemed to me to be more westernized (?) The stores are full of really beautiful things—home furnishings, shoes, jeans, gift shops, bath/body shops, apparel shops for all ages. Wilma and I bought some shoes—sandals that are made to conform to your feet and have a strong sole and support. We have to be really careful about our shoes because of the slick stone floors and steps. I continually pray for safety as I navigate those stairs constantly.

Monday was our day for a vehicle—we now get the Peugot because Darrell /Eula get the truck. It was Joy’s last Monday, so we took her to eat at her favorite restaurant: Askaydina’s. And it was so delicious…it started pouring rain while we were eating, so we had a slippery ride to the grocery store and on home…but we got home safely.

Today we learned that there has been a rash of burglaries in our neighborhood. Kristen’s landlord told them they needed to be sure to lock up and keep their windows closed and locked. Then Austin’s landlord told him the same thing—and said they were targeting buildings that had Christians …and that it is a gang from Beit Hanina…so please make that a matter of prayer—our safety and the protection of everyone’s things. To get into our building requires a key (unless someone doesn’t shut the front door completely). Then to get into our apartment requires a key. We have veranda doors that are also locked—all with double turns…sorta like Fort Knox! And our windows have bars and a metal shade that comes down at night. I feel very safe.
Austin & Katie were blessed to receive a work visa today—very rare. They have 6 months…and then should be able to renew it for five years. We are all so grateful for that—they are a really neat couple.

Thursday night is Joy’s little going-away party—the four of us, Wilma, Kristen and Erin are who she wants to come. She leaves at 8 a.m. Saturday, so around 4 a.m. Sat., Mary & Elaine are going to ride with Adam to take her to Tel Aviv! She is really having a hard time leaving. Plus she is trying to pack and box things and leave things and also, she is leaving a few boxes in case she is able to return in the fall.

Erin (young girl who has been here 3 years and lives across the hall with Wilma—from Georgia) is leaving Monday to go out of the country to Turkey …she will stay 5 days—she has to be out of the country before the visa expires and stay out until after the last day. She is packing assuming she will not be able to get back in. We are praying she can get back in. She teaches 5 classes—at the high school level. So please make that a prayer request also.

I read a poem this morning by Elizabeth Barrett Browning that has been on my mind all day—I really like it.
The earth is crammed with heaven
And in every common bush is God-
And those who see it, take off their shoes-
The rest sit and pick blackberries.
I believe the Lord is with us—all the time, everywhere and in all circumstances and that He opens our eyes to beauty, blessings, and joys in so many ways. So often, I, like the rest, focus on trivial things like picking blackberries and miss the awesomeness of the presence of God in the most common bushes. I am seeing the most beautiful sight outside my apartment window—the sky is just the strangest color and the hills beyond make a scene that is eerily beautiful. God told us to be still and know that He is God—in rest and repentance and quietness and trust is our salvation. I thank Him for the privilege of being here, and I pray that He blesses each of us with a clear, magnificent revelation of who He is.

Just wanted to share as a word of encouragement—I appreciate your interest and prayers for me and my family and Jerusalem School. I’ve been really concerned about Shane, my principal. He has really been down the last week —some difficult situations at school, etc. And he has such great plans and enthusiasm—and what he wants to do is great, but it will take time. Please include him in your prayers…Several needs in this blog—our safety, Erin coming back in the country, Shane, the school, me and my family. Love ya’ll
Beth

MARCH 19, 2009
Thanks so much for the encouraging emails—Janet, you really said just the nicest things in your comment, and I appreciate you and your words.

Thursday is like Friday in the states—no school tomorrow, so everyone enjoys this day. After school today Kristen and I went to Mamilla Mall—she had ordered a necklace and it was ready to be picked up. It was her first time to drive there—and of course, I’ve never driven there…so we were pioneers! She went straight to it, parked that truck in a tiny spot in the parking garage, and we laughed and had a good time. Then tonight we had Kristen and Brian/Sara over to watch the movie FIREPROOF…and we really enjoyed that. Tomorrow night Brian and Sara have invited us over for dinner…so that will be fun also. Joy is busy packing—after being here 3 years, she has quite a job ahead of her. She leaves March 28—next Saturday.

Not much news—so I’ll write again after the week end. Hope everyone is doing well—please pray for my friend Kenneth—he’s having a CAT scan Friday—just surely do want that guy to be up and running on all cylinders.

Thanks for your prayers and encouraging words—please continue to pray for my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

MARCH 18, 2009
You know how a cortisone shot makes you feel better? I had a huge cortisone shot the week of March 9-14—a visit with my precious loved ones, and I am still feeling the effects of that healthy time! The last 3 days have gone so fast—I have been busy and I have slept a minimum of 10 hours every night—so they have really gone fast. I know that many of you are praying for me, and I am so grateful and ask that you continue. I do pray for my health—and ask that you pray also. I was really glad to see my students—and they have been so nice to me and seemed glad I was back. One of my junior girls has been accepted to Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire for next year—and I am so proud of her. She is just an incredible girl, and I would love all of my family and friends to get to meet her.

I have had a problem with two comments on my blog and have prayed about a response. I think you can read the comments if you would like to. An offense was taken because I used the word Israel in the title of the blog. Until I came here, I didn’t know that Arabs called this country Palestine or the Holy Land. My daughter made my blog, for which I was very grateful, for me to be able to communicate with my family, friends, church family and others. It is a personal blog.

Then this anonymous person is offended because I shopped at a mall that was built over ground that was taken at the cost of Arab lives, and he/she included very detailed information that I had absolutely no way of knowing.

I am here to teach students at this school out of a sincere desire to see them be successful in higher learning institutions. I am learning every day about the culture, and I am making a genuinely sincere effort to learn and avoid offenses. Rather than sending anonymous comments that are hurtful, I would appreciate an honest comment that is helpful.

Everyone who knows me understands that my being here is not my natural self. The only explanation is guidance and strength from God. Without sounding like a martyr, (because I’m not!) I long for my comfortable home, my time with Melissa, Maegan, Holly and my family and friends…so I am surely not here to cause offense. And if I have done so, it is out of ignorance.

I have no idea who reads this blog—obviously someone who doesn’t know me at all. My purpose in writing is to tell my story as I am experiencing it while I am living in this country. Several of my good friends told me they don’t read it because I write too much!! Chatty Kathy! That’s the truth!

Tonight at Bible Study we watched Max Lucado’s film RESURRECTION. It is really wonderful. Tomorrow night we are planning to have movie night in our apartment and watch FIREPROOF…so that will be fun.

I appreciate your interest and prayers for me…and I love the emails! Thanks for loving me. Please continue to pray for my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

MARCH 15, 2009
Just a quick word tonight to let you know that I am safely back in Jerusalem in my little apartment. I am very very grateful for the wonderful week at home—so blessed to spend time with my loved ones and accomplish every task I needed to do.
Melissa took me to Houston to the airport Saturday and we went right in, parked and were in line at Intercontinental when one of the staff people said you are supposed to be at Hobby! It was less than 2 hours before take off and pouring rain and Melissa and I didn’t really know how to get going out of the airport and headed down south. Sandra was praying—and I was hyperventilating! And we made it. Melissa drove up, we dumped out the luggage and I got straight in line…had no problems whatsoever. Then when we got to Atlanta—what a wonderful airline Delta is and a wonderful airport Atlanta is—people everywhere helping you and telling you where to go…I was in line to get my boarding pass and thought about my make up bag—I had left in my bathroom drawer. So I ran to the duty free store…and bought new make up—all Clinique…then went back to the gate to wait and wait and looked in my backpack and there it was…the orange make up kit. I was just in an addled state. So I need prayers that I will maintain my little bit of sanity!
Today when I arrived in Tel Aviv, Wilma and Erin had volunteered to come get me. They had been shopping in Modiin—great city and new mall…and they surprised me by coming to get me. I had on black track pants w/a white stripe, black turtleneck, white cotton jacket, black tennis shoes…and Wilma was dressed in exactly the same thing. We laughed and laughed. And took pictures. I am going to send to Melissa and hope she can put one on the blog. When I came in the apartment, everyone was so excited and nice…so that made me feel good. It’s late and I’ve been traveling 18 hours and need to get to bed…just wanted to share that I’m home!
Thanks for your prayers…please continue to pray for me and my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

MARCH 7, 2009
I’ve looked forward to writing this date for such a long time—finally tomorrow is almost here!
Just wanted to tell you about our day yesterday. Wilma and I headed out about 10—with Erin. We parked at Mamilla Mall underground parking…and strolled and shopped. The weather was absolutely perfect…and the scenery just so beautiful. As you walk along, the city is all around—built on sides of mountains…all those white stone buildings. It is just so beautiful. We bought a couple of things—and then headed to Focaccio’s Restaurant. It is one of a few that does not close for Sabbath—so we could meet at 2:00. We had a surprise birthday party for Mary, my roommate, and had a wonderful group—Shane, Sarah, Simone, Darrell & Eula, Austin & Katie, Kristen, Adam & Bethany, Trish, Elaine, Joy, Wilma, Erin and me…We all came from different directions—Joy and Mary rode a taxi together…and were the last to arrive. Mary was completely shocked—she had no idea there would be a group. The four of us were supposed to eat for her birthday…so it was great. The food is pretty mixed—and very delicious—but not Arab. We were there over 2 hours—laughing and eating and telling funny stories. They all were saying afterwards how good it was to get together like that—just to enjoy each other. So we hope to plan other get-togethers to just relax and take away the stress.

I got to buy two newspapers and enjoy reading them last night. There was a terrible incident on Thursday—a man driving a bulldozer flipped a police car into a bus of girls who were dressed in costumes and were on their way to a hospital to visit patients. The policemen were injured; none of the girls was hurt; several bystanders had to be treated for shock; they shot the driver of the bulldozer—he was an Arab man from Beit Hanina—the neighborhood down the road from us.

Today was Saturday school—and the seniors were to go on some sort of trip to visit Bethlehem University…it seems most of them skipped! So they are in a bit of trouble! They have senior privileges—which means they can leave the school for lunch…of course only 2 of the girls have cars, so they all walk somewhere to eat. Now that the checkpoint is gone, several new restaurants have opened in our neighborhood, so I guess they go there. Last Thursday, they were almost 10 minutes late back to school, so they lost their privileges for this next week! No telling what will be the consequence for missing the field trip.

However, my day was nice—only had to have two classes—and we had quizzes in both of them. I sat with a couple of classes that were missing teachers…so I was busy, but not with seniors! We have no substitute teachers, so when one of us is missing, another teacher has to cover for that missing teacher. It is a real problem.

I’ve been blessed to be in on a wonderful secret…Adam bought Bethany an engagement ring and is going to propose this week end…he had told me when we went to the basketball tournament a couple of weeks ago. Her mother is here visiting from the states. Bethany’s sister/husband also live here—they attend Hebrew University, so she is staying with them. They have all gone to Netanya and Tiberias for the week end—where the beach is. He came to our apartment Friday a.m. to show us the ring. He is so cute—29 yrs. old…he is the new principal for the elementary level…just took over for Dr. Theo who had to leave. they both are very committed to the Lord and to missions—she spent last year in Russia teaching in an American school…and has led several tour groups here in Israel through the years. She just called Mary to tell us about it…so they are engaged!

Trish’s parents are coming next week end (March 14)…they live in St. Louis—and have never been here. And Darrell/Eula’s daughter is coming for Easter …and Wilma’s daughters are supposed to come for Easter. So that’s fun looking forward to company.

Joy, my roommate, will be leaving March 28…her visa expired and was not renewed. Then Mary leaves May 15—she is getting married.

Wilma and I (and her daughters if they get to come) are trying to plan an excursion during the Easter breaks—we have two 4 day breaks…one for Easter and one for the Orthodox Easter.

Thanks for your prayers and interest. I’m looking forward to a few days in Texas. Please continue to pray for my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth