February 1, 2009

FEBRUARY 1, 2009 The train trip to Tel Aviv did not work out. Wilma called early and said she was not well…and neither was Mary…so that was all fine with me. I was a bit uneasy about going anyway—I don’t have my passport because Ross took it to get my visa…I will have it back in the morning. So everything worked out just fine. I have enjoyed a wonderful day at the apartment. Elaine and Joy went in to the city to church—they attended Christ Church which meets at the Old City. Joy goes there almost every Sunday—and really loves it. She was talking this afternoon about the community she feels there—that when they tell her they will pray for her, she feels they are so sincere. Elaine goes with her sometimes, but she also attends a Baptist church in Jerusalem somewhere. I want to go with them one Sunday. Mary and I have been home the entire day…it is cold and raining off and on. I went up to the roof to rescue my laundry I had put on the line up there Thursday afternoon…it was soaking wet and the jeans were blown off and covered with little white soot stuff from the stucco…I think I’ll just use the dry racks we have on our “verandah”—where we hang other things…at least until the weather is better. I am sitting here in my room looking out over the mountains that surround us—with buildings everywhere. It is so beautiful…and has such an aura about it—I really do love it. I wish so much for others to experience the life here. I keep thinking of the words Jesus spoke about the city, “Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered your children together even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not!” He loves us still just that much…amazing grace. I received a package today! Big event! I was so thrilled…the first days I was here, I dreamed day and night about that wonderful furry robe I have at home that was hanging on the knob in my bathroom…I could picture it and feel how warm it is…of course, I seldom wear it in Port Arthur, but I wanted it so badly here! So Melissa mailed it and a new set of Cuddle Duds and the charger to her camera…and it got here today! The box was in perfect condition and all was in there. I am so very grateful…and have had the robe on constantly! Sometimes we have hot water for showers, but mostly not…and if we turn the switch on for the hot water (which I did early this morning), we lose electricity and have to go down to the basement and flip the breaker! So my shower this afternoon was a bit chilly! Nonetheless, the big green Gap furry robe is here! Thank you Lord! Tomorrow we start a new semester—so that should be interesting. I am anxious to get on with the classes…I’ll be blogging again later in the week. I do hope and pray each of you are doing well…please please send the emails…I love hearing the news about your lives and your families… Love you…Beth