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