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