MAY 26, 2009
Happy Birthday to my niece Brenda! And to my good friend Madeline! And on Friday, May 29, Maegan will be 15 years old! And Nan is sending wishes from across the sea for a wonderful day for that sweet girl.

We’ve had some really busy days and some very interesting experiences. After visiting Hezekiah’s tunnel, we enjoyed a fun meal at Spagghetime’s with Kristen, Eric, Kayla, Erin and Christy. Kristen and Eric had been on a fun trip with the 7th and 8th graders to Tiberias—so they needed a good meal with adult conversation!

I helped Erin and Christy with the wedding shower for Eric and Kayla…Eric is Erin’s brother—and they are all from Dalton, Georgia—same place as Wilma. We had a wonderful time—Mustafa helped us order some delicious food for the party—sfeha…and yes, I can say it! I’m learning a few words in Arabic! So proud!

Everyone came—Ross, Margaret, Shane, Sarah, Simi, Sara, Bryan, Kristen, Jamal and his wife, Mustafa, Ghassan and Norma—and we ate and laughed and enjoyed watching this precious young couple open beautiful presents. They will be living here next year and working in the school and also teaching English in Ramallah.

On Monday, Eula and Darrell invited Mary, Elaine, Bethany, Adam and me to eat at THE TENT—a restaurant in Bethlehem. We left early because Adam had a package to drop off at Bethlehem School (a part of our school) and because Eula was wanting to go to this little shop to get gifts to bring home. The shop owners were telling us that their business is really bad because they’ve closed Bethlehem to tour buses. And we saw none…and not that many people were out. So that’s not good.

I’ve heard about this restaurant since I’ve been here, but haven’t had the opportunity to go eat. It is so unique—literally is under a huge tent—with sides that roll up. The hills of Bethlehem are right outside the tent—so we sat and watched the hills where there are sheep and shepherds while we ate. We sat on sofa-like seats around a large table…and they bring all this wonderful food—pita with all sorts (at least 8 or 9) of salads and hummus and cabbage…then they bring the mixed grill kebabs—lamb, beef and chicken… with French fries…it is all so delicious.

Then today after school I treated Mary to a manicure—she leaves Thursday night. We rode the bus in to the city, got the manicure and then ate at a wonderful Thai place…then we went to the Old City and met Eula and Katie. Eula was buying the rest of her gifts…we enjoyed it so much. We’ve done some shopping at this place that has all sorts of gifts, and we went tonight so Mary could get something. The owner is so friendly—and he got us chairs and served us tea and we sat and talked a while…this is very common in the Arabic culture. They are very, very hospitable—I’ve been served tea in many places… just seem to want to entertain you and talk with you. I’ve bought some gifts at this other place that is right down the way from Jaffe Gate—and the man is so nice. He makes his own jewelry, and tonight, he was making jewelry and Mary and I were sitting in there waiting on Eula and Katie…so we visited with him a good while. He is my favorite shop owner…so nice…and across the lane is our favorite tee-shirt shop. The shirts are so neat—and are 20 shekels—which is about $5…so please…if you want a tee-shirt, let me know!

The seniors arrived home safely Monday morning at 6 a.m….so they were at school today…and my favorite one, Fayez, brought me a box of chocolates from Italy. He is just the neatest young man… I wish all of you could meet him. He was in Austin/San Antonio last summer…but I don’t know when he will be back in the states. All the seniors had a really good time—they toured Rome and I don’t know where else—what a senior trip!

We have school on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday—and then three days of finals—Mon, Tues, Wed. next week—then work Thursday getting grades, cleaning offices, rooms, etc…and it is OVER! We have to help this Friday (May 29) with kindergarten graduation—and we have a School Banquet Saturday night…we give awards, eat and then they have a dance…I think…I’m a little vague, because I don’t really know what is going to happen. Communication is a little slow…usually a few hours before it is needed!!!

I appreciate your emails and comments and prayers…please pray for Sandra & Leo’s friend Walt Irwin—he’s in MD with leukemia…and please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School.
Love,
Beth