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
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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
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
Sunday, April 12, 2009
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
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
Friday, April 10, 2009
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
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
Monday, April 6, 2009
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
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
Saturday, April 4, 2009
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
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
Thursday, April 2, 2009
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
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
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