FEBRUARY 10, 2009
Well…I almost hesitate to start writing because I write TOO MUCH! My good friend Kenneth told me he isn’t going to read all that…too many words! I agree!
It is cold and raining and was hailing this morning on our way to school. Fortunately, we had the truck last night, so we had to keys to drive to school! The rain really didn’t deter very many students—I don’t think I had any absences at all…they really do have good attendance.
Today after school was my first experience tutoring a student…he is an 8th grader whose parents came to me the night of parent visitation and asked if I would tutor him. He is so cute and just was so full of personality—as I would mention a particular part of speech, he’d say, “Oh yeah …I know all about those…” Too funny…I think Kristen and I are going to try to work together with him.
That made me late, so I didn’t know if I’d be walking home in the blowing rain or not—thank the Lord I didn’t have to! And it was really raining and blowing at the end of the day. Darrell and Eula were still there—Eula plays the keyboard and she was playing so Tameka could practice on the bass guitar. Tameka wants to learn to play, so they were playing in a room down by the offices. Trish (another teacher needing a ride home) and I waited while they played a bit—and I just sat there and wondered once again at Eula and Darrell. Sweet Christian pastor and piano-playing wife—willing to be way out of a comfort zone to minister to whomever needs help. I’ll share more about them when I come home…
We all got home, got in our jams, fixed dinner and are settling in for the night. No adventures today! Weather is not good for traveling…but perfect for snuggling in with a good book or whatever. Joy and Elaine are watching TV; Mary is napping; I’m going to read or something. The big news is the election today in Israel…I’m anxious to see the outcome. I’ve been blessed to have newspapers brought to me…Mr. Jamal brought me today’s paper.
Hope everyone is well…I surely do miss everyone…I enjoy the emails so very much…thanks for your prayers and interest…please continue to pray for my family and me and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth

FEBRUARY 9, 2009
New adventures today—when I got to school, I was asked to take Eric, one of the young teachers, to the Dr….he is sick…so I took off with Eric to the clinic—same one I had my physical…the Dr. said he has “inner ear” and gave him an injection and meds…then we walked a couple of doors down and got him a sandwich and some candy and stuff. He’s the nicest young man—plays the guitar and leads us in worship—and does that for the church on the Mount of Olives on Sunday mornings.
Every new adventure in the car makes me feel better about venturing out…so tonight, we have the truck. Joy and I want to go eat, so we may just go by ourselves…although she doesn’t really know the way, and I for sure don’t!
School—the high school teachers meet every Monday afternoon and Thursday morning…we have an agenda…and we get news every meeting. There is no PA system in the building—no way to pass on information except by word of mouth or papers delivered to each person.
Melissa made the neatest tee shirts for the yearbook staff—five girls. We are the Jerusalem School Yellow Jackets—our colors are black and gold. So the girls got shirts that are black and have a little yellow jacket logo with their name under it. Then on the back she put Yearbook Staff. They are really nice, and the girls were so pleased with them. Thank you Melissa!
The yearbook…very different…the seniors each get a page. They can write whatever they would like (appropriate) about themselves—sort of a good-bye- message to their families, teachers and friends. Then they can gather a group of pictures for a collage. They actually have 2 pages. So we worked on their stories in class today. They have to have them by Saturday, so I set a deadline for Thursday…remember we don’t have school on Friday.
Today I had duty down by the kindergarten elevators—and asked this young girl for a pass…oops! She’s a teacher! I’m not sure she even understands that that is a compliment! Those little kindergarten children are so absolutely adorable. My roommate Elaine teaches first grade, and she said that very few of her students have all their front teeth…and with those big smiles and big brown eyes and black hair—they are so cute.
We just got home from another adventure. Joy and I were going to eat and invited Kristen…we were just going a little ways to some place called George’s. But just as we were leaving in the truck, Bethany came in and we invited her to go too…she’s a whiz at every place in Jerusalem…her sister and brother-in-law live here…he studies at Hebrew University…so she knows how to go everywhere. Now understand, I am still driving! She directed us and we whizzed across Jerusalem…and ate at Focaccio’s (my 3rd time!) and it was just wonderful. Then they went next door and got coffee at their favorite place and I picked up a newspaper across the street—we zoomed on home. Just amazing that this is really Jerusalem…and I’m just driving all around…not that I would do that by myself.
I wish I could explain everything—the restaurant is on a street that goes down past the place to go in to Ben Yehuda—a wide sort of place with trees in the middle and coffee shops and other shops and people everywhere…all on stone pavements and streets—everything looks old…and most of it is very old…but all buildings are constructed with Jerusalem white stone…there are red tile roofs everywhere, but even in the midst of the city—everything is that white stone. It’s just the most unusual place—maybe I can get pictures that will adequately show what I mean. But I don’t think so…the atmosphere—seems like it’s—I can’t think of words. I’ll think on it and try to come up with better descriptive terms.
I keep thinking about Bro. Joe....several times he said to me about being on a mission and being a missionary, and I corrected him every time saying I'M A TEACHER! ..and I've never even been on a mission trip! Except for the youth one to the Navaho Reservation with Bill Dye in 1988... Bro. Joe is right...this is a mission but I am teaching school! Honestly, I can't think of anyone more unlikely to be a missionary than me...just wondering what will be the outcome. One of my favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11—he does have plans for us and they are good plans…even though we may never know His purposes in all the places that He allows us to go and the experiences we have. I just know with all my heart that He is worthy of our trust—more worthy than we can comprehend even in the midst of difficult times. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. Be encouraged to continue to trust Him.
All that is good that comes from this experience the glory goes to God the Father and Jesus the Son through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Please continue to pray—tomorrow is election day in Israel. Thank you for your prayers for my family—please continue to pray for us and for Jerusalem School.
Love you
Beth

Internet man came...put us in a new "box" and we hopefully will be on line for good! I surely do hope so...I was blessed to be able to talk to Maegan and Melissa on Skype...my roommate Mary gave me a headset, and I could hear them like they were in the next room! Isn't that just amazing...Port Neches to Jerusalem!

Thanks again for your prayers and interest and ask that you continue to pray for my family and friends...and for Jerusalem School...
love you
Beth

FEBRUARY 9, 2009
I forgot to mention the excitement in the apartment Thursday night—I GOT A PACKAGE! It was such fun—Sheliah and Dee (and the guys) sent me a goodie box! It had two canisters of chips—sour cream and plain; Hot Tamale candies, TWO boxes of Joe’s favorite: popcorn w/caramel and nuts; 3 packages of gum; some wonderful handcream and a bar of the best, most luxurious soap—it was so great…we shared the popcorn and chips…and I enjoyed the soap today. THEN this afternoon I got a text from Adam that I had some mail! He is supposed to bring it by this evening—so I am so excited about that!
Our internet guy is also supposed to show up this evening…we’ll see…
None of my plans for this Sunday worked out—Elaine and I were going to go to a Baptist Church in Jerusalem, but she didn’t feel well this morning. So only Joy went to church—she goes to Christ Church (Anglican) in the Old City and has for a good while. This is her 3rd year to be here—and her visa was denied, so she is going home March 31. She lives in Virginia. Mary is leaving early also—she is getting married and is leaving for home May 15…so by the end of the year, only Elaine and I will be here in this four-bedroom apartment. Elaine is planning to stay until July 4—then she is going to Sweden to spend some time with her sons—one in Sweden and the other in Germany. But she will only be gone about a month, and she plans to return here to teach. But her visa expires in October, so that may present a problem.
So today I’ve done some cleaning and reading—but eventually, I was HUNGRY! That is a problem…no place to go and no way to go…so Elaine and I got dressed, walked down the hill to the bus stop—past the checkpoint and rode the bus to a café behind Jafars (our grocery store). The café is called Goodies—and it is a bit similar to a McDonald’s—I had a Palestinian hamburger and it was delicious—Swiss cheese, grilled onions and all…French fries like McDonald’s…a nice meal. I took a picture of the neighborhood while we were in there…and sent it to Melissa—hopefully, she can put it on the blog.

Then we went by Jafars for a few things, walked across the street to the chicken place, picked up chicken for Mary and waited for the bus. We had just gotten on, when we were stopped by a roadblock of IDF officers in a van. They came on the bus and collected passports (not mine nor Elaine’s) and got off…the bus had to pull over and wait…and wait…and wait…then they stopped another bus, so the drivers chatted while we waited. No big deal to us—we were in no hurry, had no one waiting on us, nothing to do, no meal to prepare for a family, or job to get to…but the other people on the bus most likely did. Once again, I could see the anger and resentment in their faces—old men and old women, young men and teen agers—so helpless to do anything except hand them the passport and wait. OF COURSE, I understand why they are doing it. I just can see that the relational aspects of the divisiveness are greater than mere words can describe.
Finally, they gave us their passports—walked to the driver and handed all of them to him…so each one had to come forward and get his…then we moved on. The bus we were on goes past the checkpoint, so he dropped us off and we trudged and trudged and trudged…we walked further to avoid the smoke and smell of a burning dumpster. MERCY…all this walking is killing me! Actually, I think it is doing just the opposite—I know it is good for me. I just like to fuss about it.
ALSO…I had heard about this movie “Slumdog Millionaire” set in India that is out now—the girls across the hall went last week to see it. So I was very very surprised today as I was leaving Jafars to see it ON THE SHELF FOR SALE! The guy told us the other day that they also have “Marley and Me”—amazing.
Thanks again for your interest and prayers—please continue to pray for my family and for us here at Jerusalem School. I miss all of you so much…Harold had written an email—and mentioned how great things are at church—and how grateful he is to be a part of the fellowship at FBC Groves—and I agree—and I miss all that so very, very much. We have a loving, wonderful group of people at FBC who love the Lord and love one another—I miss you and especially my precious SS class ladies…I look forward to seeing everyone—if not in March, in June…I know that is a short time, but right now it seems a long time away!
Love you
Beth

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

FEBRUARY 5, 2009 Life is different…to say the least…in this beautiful city…today we had parent teacher conferences. The parents were to call the school and schedule a time from 3 to 7 p.m. So we have been at school since 7:30 this morning…with only cookies and snacks! My friend Kenneth would never have gone for that! Got to have some sustenance! I had seven or eight parents…all very nice…of course, I haven’t issued any grades yet. So it may be a different story when that happens. They were all so nice—and so interested in their children doing the right thing and being polite, etc. When I was finished, I got a ride home with Darrell—and he took Austin and Katie to their apartment also. They are the newest couple from the states here to work with these kids—and something else. I think I’ve told you that I am working with Austin quite a bit—he has a degree in computer engineering and is teaching English 11B (that is juniors) So he is in new territory…just the nicest young man…they have been in Jordan for the last year working with ministries there to teach English as a second language. I am so amazed every day at the things people do just because they love the Lord and are willing to get out of their comfort zones and STAY out! The staying part is beyond my understanding! But I am definitely out of my comfort zone! That “no tissue in the toilet” rule is # one on my list! And walking and climbing stairs—and we clean our own rooms at school—sweep, empty the trash and rearrange the desks! Not that it is any big deal—just so different! I think of Delores Green so much—and all those ladies at the HS who were always walking around cleaning and picking up…no such thing here! I was able to get on Skype this evening and called Sandra and Melissa and Lois—it is so wonderful to hear voices! The disconnection from everything familiar is difficult! Melissa is so sick with the flu—says she may go to school tomorrow—I hope she stays in bed and gets well!!! Four of my students are going to some kind of conference in Jerusalem…I’m not sure exactly what it is because I can’t understand what they are saying—but they will stay in the city until Tuesday…and attend lectures by people from all over the world. They are very bright and so interested in learning everything. The father of one of the boys came tonight and we had a really good visit—he has two older children—one daughter is in her last year in college at San Francisco State…then she wants to stay in the states and get her MBA. His son is in medical school in Romania…and this son wants to go to Berkeley. That is so interesting to me… I am blessed to be here teaching and getting to know these people. But I am really being blessed to be able to help some of the younger teachers…my experience having student teachers is really helping. Trish and Kristen are teaching middle school English—and Trish is a math teacher and Kristen is a history teacher—and both have limited experience—so we’re having fun creating lesson plans and doing handouts for their kids. Tonight Trish sent the parents of one of her 8th graders to me to ask for tutoring…so I’m supposed to meet with him on Tuesday and Thursday for one hour after school…that will be interesting. I am not sure I can do that for very long. By the end of the day WITH ALL THOSE STAIRS I am pretty done in. I just keep wishing you could see everything…the school, the neighborhood, the children, the life…I had a conference with the mother of one of my senior boys. She was telling me what an enjoyable young man he is, and I agree. I told her I had seen him all the time with his little brother in hand after school…and I see a lot of that…big teen age boys holding their little siblings’ hands and walking and laughing with them. Their families are really close…and important to them. So many fathers were there tonight—of course moms too…but mostly it was fathers or both parents. Tomorrow Kristen and I have plans…we are going to call a taxi and go to Jerusalem Mall…we are going to eat and maybe see a movie…and of course, might do a little shopping. She and her roommates (Trish and Bethany) were supposed to go to IKEA—which is near Tel Aviv, but the other two decided they didn’t want to go. And I wanted to go to the mall…when I say I need some things, usually I mean I want some things…NOT SO! I need some things…so hope that all works out…we don’t either one know where it is exactly. My roommate Joy has a number she calls for a taxi—now we hope the driver will be willing to come get us at the check point—and then hopefully speak enough English to get us there…and then we have to get back! And before dark…so it will be an adventure. School on Saturday…and the ladies Beth Moore Bible study afterwards…and then church Saturday night. I think I told you I didn’t get my visa—no big deal. Since I am planning to come home anyway…I can go out and come back in. Ross said the laws change and no one knows—a new law went into effect in January…affecting volunteers. He will appeal, but it may not work. We still don’t have our internet—we all are hoping he will come soon…we get on out in our little laundry room—that is cold and small…but worth it! So I’m going to post this little bit of news and get off the internet. I wrote some of you last night about a friend of Mary’s. She is a teacher in Bethlehem school. Mary received an email from her Tuesday night and said, “she was in England—had to leave unexpectedly to attend a conference…and she had left her purse w/money, passport, phone, etc. in it in a cab. And asked her to please wire her some money to this address at a hotel in England.” And it was the friend’s email address…but Mary thought it seemed strange—so she tried calling her. Sure enough she is in Bethlehem…someone has hacked into her email and sent that email to everyone on her email list! So if you get a plea for money from me…send it to 2816 Delta! I appreciate all the emails and prayers and interest in this adventure the Lord has led me on. Please pray for my girls—Melissa, Maegan and Holly—and my family and us here…we truly need prayer to fulfill the purpose for which God has called us. Beth

February 1, 2009

FEBRUARY 1, 2009 The train trip to Tel Aviv did not work out. Wilma called early and said she was not well…and neither was Mary…so that was all fine with me. I was a bit uneasy about going anyway—I don’t have my passport because Ross took it to get my visa…I will have it back in the morning. So everything worked out just fine. I have enjoyed a wonderful day at the apartment. Elaine and Joy went in to the city to church—they attended Christ Church which meets at the Old City. Joy goes there almost every Sunday—and really loves it. She was talking this afternoon about the community she feels there—that when they tell her they will pray for her, she feels they are so sincere. Elaine goes with her sometimes, but she also attends a Baptist church in Jerusalem somewhere. I want to go with them one Sunday. Mary and I have been home the entire day…it is cold and raining off and on. I went up to the roof to rescue my laundry I had put on the line up there Thursday afternoon…it was soaking wet and the jeans were blown off and covered with little white soot stuff from the stucco…I think I’ll just use the dry racks we have on our “verandah”—where we hang other things…at least until the weather is better. I am sitting here in my room looking out over the mountains that surround us—with buildings everywhere. It is so beautiful…and has such an aura about it—I really do love it. I wish so much for others to experience the life here. I keep thinking of the words Jesus spoke about the city, “Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered your children together even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not!” He loves us still just that much…amazing grace. I received a package today! Big event! I was so thrilled…the first days I was here, I dreamed day and night about that wonderful furry robe I have at home that was hanging on the knob in my bathroom…I could picture it and feel how warm it is…of course, I seldom wear it in Port Arthur, but I wanted it so badly here! So Melissa mailed it and a new set of Cuddle Duds and the charger to her camera…and it got here today! The box was in perfect condition and all was in there. I am so very grateful…and have had the robe on constantly! Sometimes we have hot water for showers, but mostly not…and if we turn the switch on for the hot water (which I did early this morning), we lose electricity and have to go down to the basement and flip the breaker! So my shower this afternoon was a bit chilly! Nonetheless, the big green Gap furry robe is here! Thank you Lord! Tomorrow we start a new semester—so that should be interesting. I am anxious to get on with the classes…I’ll be blogging again later in the week. I do hope and pray each of you are doing well…please please send the emails…I love hearing the news about your lives and your families… Love you…Beth