FEBRUARY 7, 2009
Thursday evening I began to feel rather ill…my head was stuffy and my throat really hurt. My friend Wilma (across the hall) has a mini-med mart of stuff from the states—she had Alkaseltzer+ and Chloroseptic…so I doctored…still pretty stuffy Friday, but I was not going to let illness steal a day from me…Kristen and I had I made big plans…we were going to take a taxi to Jerusalem Mall and shop and eat and maybe even see a movie…things didn’t exactly pan out that way—but God did bless us with some memories!
She lives in the apartment building across the road from me, so we met outside and started down the road—the weather was nice and we were enjoying our walk. Suddenly, Kristen was tumbling down the road—over and over…she slipped on a rock (there are an abundance of those protruding out of the road) and just fell and fell. When I got to her, she had the wind knocked out of her—she was able to dust herself off and check for broken bones and get up. She has a sore shoulder, knee and some gravel burns, but otherwise, she survived the fall.
My roommate Joy gave me the phone number of the taxi she uses—so when we got just past the checkpoint at the top of the hill (as opposed to the one at the bottom where all the cars are) we called—and in just a few minutes, this car drove up. He did not speak English; he had no idea where Jerusalem Mall was; he had to call someone and let me explain to them where we wanted to go. We got in the car anyway. That was a mistake. He took off—and as we passed Highway 1—Kristen said, “I think that is the way to the mall.” But she wasn’t sure, and I was completely lost…so we rode on. We were in the taxi over an hour—it takes less than 15 minutes to get to the mall…he stopped every other car and asked for directions—they kept saying, “Yah-Yah—that way…” and we drove in circles. We went through the section called the German Colony—it looked so interesting—lots of people and shops and coffee places and unique buildings…but we were ensconced in the back seat of this taxi—that honestly hadn’t been cleaned since it came out of the factory. Finally, we rounded a bend and he said, “Aha—and something else in Arabic.” He started laughing; Kristen started laughing, so I just joined the crazy crowd and laughed too. Then he pulled up in the parking lot (that was mostly empty) to this huge stadium—we said, “NO—this is not it…it is over there!” FINALLY, we got to the mall at 12:20.
We enjoyed the stores and shopped and ate—and then we went into Office Depot. We both bought school supplies—and as we left, they were shutting the metal gates—it was 2:30, and the mall was CLOSING…Shabbat (Sabbath) …every store in the mall closes at 3:00—so we had to make haste and try to find our way out of the huge place before they banged the doors down on us. People were scurrying everywhere—lots and lots of Jewish people were buying food at specialty shops and people were buying fresh flowers, etc. It seemed almost like a holiday atmosphere—but much more hurried and bustling about. It was the most amazing thing…I was just mesmerized by all the activity—hurrying and hustling for a day of rest!
We scurried up the escalator to the entrance where our taxi driver had FINALLY let us out (only 2 ½ hours earlier)…only to discover that we had to go down 2 levels to catch a taxi…so once again through the bustling crowds to the escalator and finally got to the outside entrance to see rows and rows of taxis—I was reminded of Maegan and I in London—help help—we need a taxi! So we walked up to the first one available and told him we were going to Beit Hanini—and he said NO—he wouldn’t take us there. So we asked what to do and he motioned to an outside row of drivers—so we went to one on the outside row—and he said NO…a little disconcerting for us! I’m thinking we may need to call one of our teacher friends—who might have keys to one of our two vehicles who might be home to come rescue us! Isn’t that just amazing that they refused us a ride! We are obviously two American women with shopping bags—but they would not take us to Beit Hanini—and in truth, we don’t even live there—we live even closer to the West Bank Wall and Ramallah—which we didn’t tell either of them.
We went to another one, and he agreed, but said it would be 60 shekels—way too expensive…and then before we got in, we explained that we really needed to be dropped off at the checkpoint at Dahalia—he almost didn’t go, but said, “Oh well…it will be more expensive…” But he did take us to the checkpoint, we got out and trudged up the SERIOUS HILL…and I dare any of you to think it isn’t serious. Even my San Francisco girl would agree that it is a serious hill. We had all of our bags—so we had to take a few rests on the way up. We arrived safely home full of laughter about the one-hour taxi ride! An all-day adventure for 2 ½ hours of shopping!
School today—and it went well—we have only six periods on Saturday—no electives…and we mostly give quizzes on Saturday. So it was an easy, pleasant day.
We had the 3rd session of the Beth Moore Bible Study—about 6 or 7 ladies—all Americans…but it was so so good. However, my head and throat were not feeling well at all…so I decided I would take the truck to the pharmacy and get some medicine. This was about 2:30—so when I called Adam to check about the truck, he said he needed it at 3, so could I go in the Peugeo…I said ok, even though I knew I could go to the pharmacy in 30 minutes—it’s closer than my house to Bruce’s.
My first time to drive the Peugeo…5-speed gear shift…so I took off…got in a long line for the check point at 2:40—and for at least 15 minutes, we did not move…of course, I wasn’t in a rush, but those people around me were…it really is so very frustrating for them…they all start holding down on their horns, which someone said tonight, “The IDF officers just slow down even more when they hear all that horn racket…” I don’t know if that’s true or not, or if there was a problem, or maybe it was SHIFT CHANGE TIME! You know—like in the hospitals when they change shifts, you can’t find a nurse for anything! Who knows—but I was in line for 35 minutes…my leg was numb holding down on the clutch!
Finally got to the pharmacy, parked (almost on the sidewalk—they do that all he time) and went in. The lady was really nice and helped me stock up on some lozenges, contact solution, etc…When I left, I stopped at the chicken place and picked up 3 chicken breasts for my roommates…scurried home, ate, took some medicine and went to sleep.
I woke up and felt pretty good, so I went with the group to church. I sat there during “church” just wishing I had a camera—and then I realized I had a PEN—even better for me…so I wrote all I was seeing and experiencing…and am going to share it with you.
We are at Dr. Theo and Marge’s home—very large, nice apartment…they are life-long missionaries…have pastored or been on the mission field all their lives. He is actually a medical doctor, but he is the elementary principal at Jerusalem School…their daughter is Sarah (absolutely beautiful girl), the wife of Shane, my principal. Dr. Theo and Marge are having visa problems, and may have to leave in March—as is my roommate Joy (another story for later).
We all gather in the living room and Eric brings his guitar and we sing praise songs for a while…and as we were singing, I was writing this descriptive piece…
“here I sit at ‘church’…on the sofa are Adam, Bethany (precious young couple who met here and date) and Katie and Austin…and they are all four just singing praises to God—and loving Him with heartfelt expressions on their faces…then in the corner is handsome Eric standing leading us with his guitar—he’s a wonderful worship leader…singing and praising…and on the loveseat beside him are Frosty (a teacher at the Bethlehem School) and Joy—two older saints and they are just rocking with the joy of the love of God in their hearts—praising God…then on the chair is Darrell—so kind and gentle—the pastor/leader—next to him is Amy, a new person who is just quietly reflecting as we are singing…then beside her is Garrett—fairly new believer with his eyes closed just singing and praising. Beside him is Marge—another older saint worshiping and singing—she has given her life to others—has no material possessions—then next to her is Sarah, sweet, tall, thin teacher Miss Sarah—faithfully singing from the depths of her heart—very unassuming person…then on around on another sofa is Trish—young teacher who is serving God with complete abandonment of any material gain…beside her is Tameka—14 year old granddaughter of Dr. Theo/Marge whose mother is serving in Iraq. Beside her is Mary, my roommate, who is always befriending someone in need—she is worshiping in song—then in the corner rocker is Kristen singing with such a beautiful sweet voice—behind the sofa sits sweet Saint Eula—Darrells’s wife—the most giving, helpful, kind person—she’s quiet in her worship. Beside her sits Theo—Marge’s husband—with his head in his hand—so tired every night—beside Dr. Theo is Elaine, my roommate who is quiet in her worship—even as the music goes on…and beside her sits Shane, my principal…he is so tired, his back is hurting, head is hurting and he has a full day tomorrow with our students—they are going to AIS (American International School) to play in an all day basketball/soccer event…then sits me…I am so amazed to be included in this wonderfully diverse group of genuine servants of God—to the world this gathering would look like nothing…but in the eyes of the Lord, His children are gathered around a simple room singing and worshiping and praising Him with our whole hearts.”
Remember when we studied Job, we saw that Satan believes that no one serves God except for what he gets from Him…well, I can tell you that as I looked around that room and saw the expressions of love and worship and felt the Spirit of God bring peace to our hearts, I wanted to shout like Debbie Lawson did, “Go God!” This is what He wants from us—genuine, heart-felt worship… and what do we get? Huge blessings of peace and a certain sense of His presence and joy and contentment deep in our hearts that no one or no thing could ever provide. I am so blessed to be on the fringes of such a group of God.
Just for clarity, we all have feet of clay—and there are all sorts of inter-personal problems…we are just people…but I’m seeing a different kind of commitment to the Lord from these people. And it is really inspirational to me…I just want to pass it on!
ONE big disappointment…Mary, Bethany, Trish and I were supposed to go to the spa at the Dead Sea…for the day tomorrow…but they decided tonight that we will plan to go next Sunday…Trish didn’t feel well, Mary has a bad headache, and Bethany had many things to do…and oh yes, I’m sorta sick! So I may go with Elaine in to Jerusalem to a Baptist Church that she attends sometimes on Sunday…not to worry…I’m NOT getting in a taxi with a driver that does not know where he is going! Or I may stay home and rest, grade and recuperate…I’ll let you know
Thanks for your prayers and interest…please continue to pray for my family and their needs—and for Jerusalem School and all the needs here.
Love you
Beth