FEBRUARY 19, 2009
Thursday—thank you Lord! We get a day off! I could really get used to days off...that is my favorite thing here.
I heard something interesting tonight…Because of visa issues, we are needing teachers to come for March, April, May…so tonight Wilma told me that Ross will pay for the flight and provide housing if someone feels led to come teach for these last three months. We need a 4th grade teacher—and of course, there might be other spots also. Marge teaches 4th grade, and we know they are leaving because of the visa denial. Actually, they are leaving February 28, so that is how soon that teacher spot is open.
I am in the country with a tourist visa—which is good for 3 months. I came in January—will go home in March—then return for part of March, April, May, until June 6.
I am passing this on by means of the blog—I have no idea who reads it—but DO NOT even give the idea of coming to Jerusalem to teach one single thought without much much much prayer. I am completely convinced—and was before I ever left—that for this season (?) of my life, this is where I am supposed to be. And believe me, the Lord has been faithful and present with me—in a way I’ve never known before. It has been a real struggle to stay focused on the day, to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit to do in me what I could not do myself. Maegan knows my best verse is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”…all things has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I’ll be able to share more when I am home, but not one single day could I have made without the empowerment of God’s Spirit…I know that is how we should live all the time—and I am learning. I guess my ADD is so bad that the Lord had to isolate me to teach me that lesson. And of course, I know I’m nowhere near where He wants me to be…but I am pressing toward the mark with a deep deep desire to live deeper and nearer to Him.
Tonight was the conference at the church on the Mount of Olives. A man named Jamison is the pastor of this church—he teaches at the school in the afternoons…and has young people who are here sorta as mission volunteers helping him at the church. I met his wife Kelli tonight—she looks about 20 years old—darling little thing…they have 4 children: 4, 3, 2 and 6 months! YIKES! They've been here for 10 years.
The conference is called Restoration Workshop—done by a group from Atlanta. We had a little spiral book—and listened to a lady and 2 other ladies and prayed and sang. Then we went upstairs for break and ate.
The food! Oh, it is so yummy—it was falafel—they have platters of stuff that you put on a pita—and he had cauliflower that had been smothered in olive oil, I think…or something…it was delicious. The whole meal was just great...
BIG NEWS…the check point is gone and we can just zoom out as fast as we want with no waiting 20-30 minutes in line to be stopped at the check point and all of our passports reviewed…and they took down this huge cement wall that separated everything on the other side from us…it is just amazing. I’m not doing a good description…but literally they put a wall up and separated a road…so the stuff on the other side we had never seen.
They also said that the Israelis would come now and fix the roads…huge holes and terrible ruts…in paving. They said one day they looked out and this man and his sons were fixing the road—and then they looked and they had placed an old bathtub over the wet cement to keep someone from driving on it…
Now all that is good for us, but the truth is the West Bank Wall closing is hard on these families—it separates them completely. I’ve heard some really sad stories…especially involving kids and their families.
Tomorrow is my first big adventure into the city by myself! I am meeting the ladies from FBC Houston—friend of sister Sue…I’ll let you know how lost I get!
Thank you for your prayers and interest…please continue to pray for my family and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
FEBRUARY 18, 2009
School for 3 days—and tomorrow is Thursday and we have no school on Friday! How wonderful is that! I like it! Saturday is a short day, so I am liking the day on Friday.
Unbeknownst to me, my blackberry quit receiving/sending messages Monday night—so I didn’t have one message all day yesterday—and I was really wallowing in self –pity. I thought, yep, they have forgotten me! But last night Melissa helped me figure out what to do—and it started working again. Hooray!
Dr. Theo, his wife Marge and their granddaughter Tameka (whom they raise) are having to leave the country Feb. 28—they learned this yesterday—so they have 10 days to pack and leave. Their visas were denied. They have been in missions all their lives, and have no home to go to. Sarah (Scott-my principal’s wife) is their daughter—and she said they received numerous emails yesterday afternoon offering them places to stay—so they are going somewhere in the states and get Tameka enrolled in school for the rest of the year.
My roommate Joy is going home March 31 for the same reason—visa denied. And Erin, who lives across the hall with Wilma, is having the same problem and may have to go home also.
The school needs teachers so badly. Today Kristen and Erin were sick—and Mr. Mustafa had an emergency and had to leave—there are no substitutes, so we all just cover classes or Shane takes them. Makes such a hardship on everyone…and the kids don’t get the instruction they need.
This morning I broke the coffee pot, so after school Wilma and I ventured out to find one. We were blessed to get the last one on the shelf at THE HAPPY FAMILY store…THEN…we went to George’s—to eat. We had a huge Greek salad (delicious) and a huge serving of the best Lasagne I’ve ever eaten. It had seasonings I didn’t recognize—except it had a bit of cinnamon, I think. Anyway, we brought home enough for tomorrow night, so I’m a happy person.
Tonight is Bible Study, and it is almost time to go…it is daylight longer here, so that is good. Also they are knocking down the wall in our neighborhood—soon there will be no checkpoint—and all that cement stuff will be gone. That is good for us. But they closed the West Bank Wall—and we lost one teacher who cannot come in now—a first grade teacher. Also several of our students have difficulty now getting to school.
I ask that you please pray—for my family, for Jerusalem School and for all the happenings around us. Thanks for your interest and prayers and emails. I love them!
Love
Beth
School for 3 days—and tomorrow is Thursday and we have no school on Friday! How wonderful is that! I like it! Saturday is a short day, so I am liking the day on Friday.
Unbeknownst to me, my blackberry quit receiving/sending messages Monday night—so I didn’t have one message all day yesterday—and I was really wallowing in self –pity. I thought, yep, they have forgotten me! But last night Melissa helped me figure out what to do—and it started working again. Hooray!
Dr. Theo, his wife Marge and their granddaughter Tameka (whom they raise) are having to leave the country Feb. 28—they learned this yesterday—so they have 10 days to pack and leave. Their visas were denied. They have been in missions all their lives, and have no home to go to. Sarah (Scott-my principal’s wife) is their daughter—and she said they received numerous emails yesterday afternoon offering them places to stay—so they are going somewhere in the states and get Tameka enrolled in school for the rest of the year.
My roommate Joy is going home March 31 for the same reason—visa denied. And Erin, who lives across the hall with Wilma, is having the same problem and may have to go home also.
The school needs teachers so badly. Today Kristen and Erin were sick—and Mr. Mustafa had an emergency and had to leave—there are no substitutes, so we all just cover classes or Shane takes them. Makes such a hardship on everyone…and the kids don’t get the instruction they need.
This morning I broke the coffee pot, so after school Wilma and I ventured out to find one. We were blessed to get the last one on the shelf at THE HAPPY FAMILY store…THEN…we went to George’s—to eat. We had a huge Greek salad (delicious) and a huge serving of the best Lasagne I’ve ever eaten. It had seasonings I didn’t recognize—except it had a bit of cinnamon, I think. Anyway, we brought home enough for tomorrow night, so I’m a happy person.
Tonight is Bible Study, and it is almost time to go…it is daylight longer here, so that is good. Also they are knocking down the wall in our neighborhood—soon there will be no checkpoint—and all that cement stuff will be gone. That is good for us. But they closed the West Bank Wall—and we lost one teacher who cannot come in now—a first grade teacher. Also several of our students have difficulty now getting to school.
I ask that you please pray—for my family, for Jerusalem School and for all the happenings around us. Thanks for your interest and prayers and emails. I love them!
Love
Beth
Monday, February 16, 2009
In the picture you see Kristen, Sarah (Scott), Bethany and Trish..we are exploring in the Old City.
FEBRUARY 16, 2009
Saturday—the Valentine party…actually was a dance…they had a big room,, strobe lights and loud loud loud music! I went because I had told Shane I would come, but I didn’t stay very long. They put on some Palestinian music, and a couple of boys were doing some kind of Palestinian dance…so much to the embarrassment of my girls, I jigged around a little with them…it was sorta like a round country-western dance.
After church, seven of us went in to Aroma’s and had coffee and cookies…it was such fun…
Then Sunday morning I went with the young girls—Kristin, Trish, Bethany and Sarah (Scott—Shane’s wife—he kept their little 3 year old to give her a day out). We had breakfast in the German Colony—at Talbagels…it was simply delicious and so enjoyable to just sit around and enjoy the food and the conversation. Then we strolled and went in the little shops for a while before going to the Old City. We took a tour of The Herodian Quarter—the Wohl Museum of Archeology. It is underneath—all these excavations that are just amazing. The compound consists of six houses, built on a hillside overlooking the Temple Mount (over 2000 years ago). The exhibit itself concentrates on 3 of those houses…in the Herodian Period these were home to some of the wealthiest aristocrats in Jerusalem, apparently from the priestly classes. They are designed in Greco-Roman style—there were numerous storage rooms, reservoirs, ritual baths, ovens and beautiful colorful mosaics…on the floor—like we would have an area rug—there are these mosaics. Many luxury items were found there—tableware, etc. I got a picture of the name of one piece: “Megara Ware”! Are you believing it! The picture is on Trish’s camera as I had forgotten my camera…This whole excavation was discovered by archeologists when the Jewish Quarter was rebuilt following the Six Day War…a definite place to visit WHEN YA’LL COME SEE ME!
Then we went to the Wailing Wall—Kristen and Sarah had not been there. That is definitely an experience we will want to have WHEN YA’LL COME VISIT!
We finally made it back home about 5—a lovely day and beautiful weather. I discovered we had hot water, and immediately jumped in for a shower-donned my jams and was ready for the night…UNTIL Wilma came and said she was taking her friend Chrissie to the airport in Tel Aviv—so I decided to go so she wouldn’t have the drive home by herself at 10:00. I just put on jogging clothes over the jams, went with crocs and no make up—and sure enough, I wished I had dressed. We went to Mod-i-in (?) a city between Jerusalem and tel Aviv that 11 years ago was not there—and has grown into a beautiful modern city…with beautiful apartments and high rises. Chrissie said that it is a place where “yuppies” would live—and we went to the mall…super nice…and so different from Jerusalem…everyone was dressed in regular clothes—like American…and the stores were so nice…it is new also…of course, we only just breezed through and got a yogurt/fruit cup…Chrissie bought a purse and then we went by the home of some of Chrissie's close friends (she lived in Mod-i-in for 3 years). These are Jewish believers--so precious...a family of a 17 yr and 10 yr old daughter and 6 month old son...they come to the states at times and travel and talk...they were just so nice. Then we were on our way to Tel Aviv.
Chrissie is leading a tour group—and they came in last night after having a 4 hour delay. the whole tour will culminate with a big banquet--with Arab and Jewish believers--she has a reconciliation ministry--and God is blessing it so much. So we went in to the airport and met this whole group of people—me and my fine-looking self!
Wilma and I buzzed home in the truck and arrived at 11 p.m.! TOO LATE!
Today was a difficult day at school—we had a meeting after school, and it seems there were problems all over the high school. I was looking for the place to turn in my name badge! I would ask that you pray for Jerusalem School—there are some major difficult issues…the heart of the ministry is so wonderful. Just pray the enemy is not able to distort and pervert and create chaos in the midst of all of us.
We also learned that they are definitely moving the checkpoint—which is good for us…it means we are free! They are closing the wall completely—like where I went in to the West Bank with the yearbook girls—that will be closed. The only way to go in and out will be through Kolonidia (???) and it is a maze for people walking—and quite difficult. We have students who will definitely have a much harder time getting to school—and also, there are teachers who live there. So once again, we surely need prayer for all of those people.
I appreciate your love and interest and emails—keep them coming!
Love
Beth
FEBRUARY 16, 2009
Saturday—the Valentine party…actually was a dance…they had a big room,, strobe lights and loud loud loud music! I went because I had told Shane I would come, but I didn’t stay very long. They put on some Palestinian music, and a couple of boys were doing some kind of Palestinian dance…so much to the embarrassment of my girls, I jigged around a little with them…it was sorta like a round country-western dance.
After church, seven of us went in to Aroma’s and had coffee and cookies…it was such fun…
Then Sunday morning I went with the young girls—Kristin, Trish, Bethany and Sarah (Scott—Shane’s wife—he kept their little 3 year old to give her a day out). We had breakfast in the German Colony—at Talbagels…it was simply delicious and so enjoyable to just sit around and enjoy the food and the conversation. Then we strolled and went in the little shops for a while before going to the Old City. We took a tour of The Herodian Quarter—the Wohl Museum of Archeology. It is underneath—all these excavations that are just amazing. The compound consists of six houses, built on a hillside overlooking the Temple Mount (over 2000 years ago). The exhibit itself concentrates on 3 of those houses…in the Herodian Period these were home to some of the wealthiest aristocrats in Jerusalem, apparently from the priestly classes. They are designed in Greco-Roman style—there were numerous storage rooms, reservoirs, ritual baths, ovens and beautiful colorful mosaics…on the floor—like we would have an area rug—there are these mosaics. Many luxury items were found there—tableware, etc. I got a picture of the name of one piece: “Megara Ware”! Are you believing it! The picture is on Trish’s camera as I had forgotten my camera…This whole excavation was discovered by archeologists when the Jewish Quarter was rebuilt following the Six Day War…a definite place to visit WHEN YA’LL COME SEE ME!
Then we went to the Wailing Wall—Kristen and Sarah had not been there. That is definitely an experience we will want to have WHEN YA’LL COME VISIT!
We finally made it back home about 5—a lovely day and beautiful weather. I discovered we had hot water, and immediately jumped in for a shower-donned my jams and was ready for the night…UNTIL Wilma came and said she was taking her friend Chrissie to the airport in Tel Aviv—so I decided to go so she wouldn’t have the drive home by herself at 10:00. I just put on jogging clothes over the jams, went with crocs and no make up—and sure enough, I wished I had dressed. We went to Mod-i-in (?) a city between Jerusalem and tel Aviv that 11 years ago was not there—and has grown into a beautiful modern city…with beautiful apartments and high rises. Chrissie said that it is a place where “yuppies” would live—and we went to the mall…super nice…and so different from Jerusalem…everyone was dressed in regular clothes—like American…and the stores were so nice…it is new also…of course, we only just breezed through and got a yogurt/fruit cup…Chrissie bought a purse and then we went by the home of some of Chrissie's close friends (she lived in Mod-i-in for 3 years). These are Jewish believers--so precious...a family of a 17 yr and 10 yr old daughter and 6 month old son...they come to the states at times and travel and talk...they were just so nice. Then we were on our way to Tel Aviv.
Chrissie is leading a tour group—and they came in last night after having a 4 hour delay. the whole tour will culminate with a big banquet--with Arab and Jewish believers--she has a reconciliation ministry--and God is blessing it so much. So we went in to the airport and met this whole group of people—me and my fine-looking self!
Wilma and I buzzed home in the truck and arrived at 11 p.m.! TOO LATE!
Today was a difficult day at school—we had a meeting after school, and it seems there were problems all over the high school. I was looking for the place to turn in my name badge! I would ask that you pray for Jerusalem School—there are some major difficult issues…the heart of the ministry is so wonderful. Just pray the enemy is not able to distort and pervert and create chaos in the midst of all of us.
We also learned that they are definitely moving the checkpoint—which is good for us…it means we are free! They are closing the wall completely—like where I went in to the West Bank with the yearbook girls—that will be closed. The only way to go in and out will be through Kolonidia (???) and it is a maze for people walking—and quite difficult. We have students who will definitely have a much harder time getting to school—and also, there are teachers who live there. So once again, we surely need prayer for all of those people.
I appreciate your love and interest and emails—keep them coming!
Love
Beth
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
FEBRUARY 13, 2009
A great day today—and then three pieces of wonderful real mail! Such joy—some how that is a connection that is just so good. Ronda Guillot sent me the best card—it plays Ghostbusters! Says “Long Slime No See” so cute—and a picture of her precious new grandson…I taught Heather and Tyler, the parents, so that is so special to me. And a real handwritten letter—wow! Then Louise and Delbert sent me a fun note—thanks so much…and Sister Sue sent me a great article…on a man named Jim Stephens who came to the West Bank in 1997 to coach basketball…he lived in Ramallah, which is very close to us. I’m going to take it to school tomorrow to see if anyone knows him.
My friend Wilma (I love her—she is just such fun and has been super sweet to me) and I left about 9:30…rode the Arab bus to the bus station…and had a great, great day. We shopped the little shops—just so interesting..in Ben Yehuda…I found a little gift for Maegan—and a couple of jackets for me…and some gift and house stuff…just an absolutely incredibly beautiful day—sunny and nice…I had to duck in a dressing room and take off my silk Cuddle Duds—too warm! We walked and walked…I wish so much for all of you to be with me on days like this. It is just so beautiful—looking out over the city and looking at the hills and at the Mount of Olives—and all around. We ate at Spagetemes (?) the best meal I’ve had since I’ve been here…just delicious—foccacio bread/w dip; goat cheese in little friend patties; pasta w/mushrooms, chicken in wonderful sauce…in a lovely place…just was wonderful. Then we shopped and walked and picked up some more gifts, etc…We stopped at Aromas and had incredible Aroma coffee/something drink and a scrumptious dessert…just leisure time…sat on the deck and looked at the city. Then we went to the Old City to Jamil for haircuts! I got my money’s worth! It’s a little breezy! I MISS YOU SHELIAH! There are 4-5 people who are working—cutting and blowing dry…walk ins…like us…the door opens onto the walkway and people are passing by and everybody is talking…and the music is Christian. Today I recognized “Crucified…laid behind a stone…” but the words were in Arabic. Jamil showed us these little scrolls he had done—with John 3:16 on them and he’d made an acrostic of Valentines..the scrolls were tied with red ribbon and had a little heart on them…they are going to pass them out at church. Wilma said he and his wife have a big ministry…she was in there too with their two beautiful little boys…and Jamil is just going from chair to chair…cutting and blowdrying…along with 2 other guys and a girl…and maybe someone else…can’t remember…
We were there until about 5—then eventually had to take a taxi back home…we got the Peugot and went to the store and a couple of other stores looking for Valentines—she teaches 4th grade and wanted to give them Valentines. None to be found. So we both got candy for the kids—and she got erasers and pencil sharpeners for her kids.
Tomorrow will be a full day…school until 12:40—then we go to see the printer about the yearbook…then the Valentine Party from 3 to 6…I agreed to go to that. Then we have church at 6…so that will be a fulllllllllll day…hopefully, the party will end early enough for us to go home before church…we’ll see.
I am so very grateful for your prayers. I believe with all my heart that God is answering those prayers about my health. I am so well—a little cough, but not much. And the conditions are not conducive to getting well and staying well! I am very grateful for health, and several of you have mentioned to me in emails that you are praying that I will stay well. Thank you very much…
Sunday I have been invited to go with the young girls…not sure where…but Wilma also said we might ride the train to Tel Aviv…if she does that, I really want to go. I want to learn how to do that. She has told me how I will go about catching the bus to go to the airport when I leave in 3 weeks…and I feel fine doing that…of course, it will be easier the second time! I’m hoping someone will pick me up when I come back March 15 because I will have more luggage.
So many things I am learning about. I want to tell everyone about—hopefully I will remember it all…
Please remember to pray for my family—and for Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth
A great day today—and then three pieces of wonderful real mail! Such joy—some how that is a connection that is just so good. Ronda Guillot sent me the best card—it plays Ghostbusters! Says “Long Slime No See” so cute—and a picture of her precious new grandson…I taught Heather and Tyler, the parents, so that is so special to me. And a real handwritten letter—wow! Then Louise and Delbert sent me a fun note—thanks so much…and Sister Sue sent me a great article…on a man named Jim Stephens who came to the West Bank in 1997 to coach basketball…he lived in Ramallah, which is very close to us. I’m going to take it to school tomorrow to see if anyone knows him.
My friend Wilma (I love her—she is just such fun and has been super sweet to me) and I left about 9:30…rode the Arab bus to the bus station…and had a great, great day. We shopped the little shops—just so interesting..in Ben Yehuda…I found a little gift for Maegan—and a couple of jackets for me…and some gift and house stuff…just an absolutely incredibly beautiful day—sunny and nice…I had to duck in a dressing room and take off my silk Cuddle Duds—too warm! We walked and walked…I wish so much for all of you to be with me on days like this. It is just so beautiful—looking out over the city and looking at the hills and at the Mount of Olives—and all around. We ate at Spagetemes (?) the best meal I’ve had since I’ve been here…just delicious—foccacio bread/w dip; goat cheese in little friend patties; pasta w/mushrooms, chicken in wonderful sauce…in a lovely place…just was wonderful. Then we shopped and walked and picked up some more gifts, etc…We stopped at Aromas and had incredible Aroma coffee/something drink and a scrumptious dessert…just leisure time…sat on the deck and looked at the city. Then we went to the Old City to Jamil for haircuts! I got my money’s worth! It’s a little breezy! I MISS YOU SHELIAH! There are 4-5 people who are working—cutting and blowing dry…walk ins…like us…the door opens onto the walkway and people are passing by and everybody is talking…and the music is Christian. Today I recognized “Crucified…laid behind a stone…” but the words were in Arabic. Jamil showed us these little scrolls he had done—with John 3:16 on them and he’d made an acrostic of Valentines..the scrolls were tied with red ribbon and had a little heart on them…they are going to pass them out at church. Wilma said he and his wife have a big ministry…she was in there too with their two beautiful little boys…and Jamil is just going from chair to chair…cutting and blowdrying…along with 2 other guys and a girl…and maybe someone else…can’t remember…
We were there until about 5—then eventually had to take a taxi back home…we got the Peugot and went to the store and a couple of other stores looking for Valentines—she teaches 4th grade and wanted to give them Valentines. None to be found. So we both got candy for the kids—and she got erasers and pencil sharpeners for her kids.
Tomorrow will be a full day…school until 12:40—then we go to see the printer about the yearbook…then the Valentine Party from 3 to 6…I agreed to go to that. Then we have church at 6…so that will be a fulllllllllll day…hopefully, the party will end early enough for us to go home before church…we’ll see.
I am so very grateful for your prayers. I believe with all my heart that God is answering those prayers about my health. I am so well—a little cough, but not much. And the conditions are not conducive to getting well and staying well! I am very grateful for health, and several of you have mentioned to me in emails that you are praying that I will stay well. Thank you very much…
Sunday I have been invited to go with the young girls…not sure where…but Wilma also said we might ride the train to Tel Aviv…if she does that, I really want to go. I want to learn how to do that. She has told me how I will go about catching the bus to go to the airport when I leave in 3 weeks…and I feel fine doing that…of course, it will be easier the second time! I’m hoping someone will pick me up when I come back March 15 because I will have more luggage.
So many things I am learning about. I want to tell everyone about—hopefully I will remember it all…
Please remember to pray for my family—and for Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth
Thursday, February 12, 2009
FEBRUARY 12, 2009
Short news day…Everyone says Whew! School on Thursday is like Friday—because we are off on Fridays. We (yearbook staff, Mrs. Maha and I) were supposed to journey to the printer today—but no one called the printer and he wasn’t going to be there. I didn’t know I needed to call—seems like a business would be open? What do I know? So Saturday, we plan to go to the printer.
I wish you could meet the students—today in the junior class we had a wonderful discussion in a round-table format. We had read “Minister’s Black Veil” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. They are going to write a paper on a position they have taken in reference to his motivation. It was a great class…the only problem is that it is only 45 minutes long! The 9th graders took a quiz on “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning—and did an excellent job. The 12th graders had a bummer class—we have new computers; their senior page write up is due; we went to the computer lab. PROBLEM: no printers! They are supposed to have jump-drives—USB’s. They did not have them…so by the time we walked down 3 flights of steps to the lab and discovered there was no printer… we had spent most of the class time. So mostly we walked up and down! You know how happy these knees were to do that!
I keep thinking I am getting healthy doing all this walking…and that soon the knees won’t creak and moan as I negotiate those steps—but it hasn’t happened yet.
Erin (who lives across the hall with my friend Wilma that I really really like—they are both from Dalton, GA—and Eric, Erin’s brother, is here too) has a friend visiting…she got in last night…Allie. She lives in Atlanta—and I knew she and Erin both went to Vineyard church in Atlanta. Now there are several Vineyard churches, and they are all huge. So when I met Allie, I asked her if she knows Jared Hamilton (Betty and Harold’s grandson) and SHE DOES! She knows his wife Heather better, but she does know them! Isn’t that just the neatest thing. I couldn’t wait to email Harold and Betty!
Allie is so cute—she heads up the Lazarus ministry in Atlanta that ministers to the homeless. She is so interesting. She said they have a “health fair” the third Sunday in September…and they have all these booths set up—with places to buy medicines, get haircuts and all sorts of things for the homeless.
She, like Erin, Eric, Trish, Bethany, Adam, Kristen, is just so young, intelligent, educated and so so so committed to ministry…wherever the Lord leads. Amazing and encouraging and exciting to me…I love to see all the young people leading out in such wonderful adventures.
Speaking of adventures—have you looked at Darci Simpson’s blog??? WOW! I complained because I don’t have hot water—she doesn’t even have showers some places! WOW—she is really really on a mission…she is so precious. If you don’t have her blog, email the church fbcgroves.org and they will send you her blog address.
Wilma and I made a plan to go to Mamilla Mall tomorrow morning…we’ll ride the bus in to the city—we’ve done this before…I enjoy her so much. She came over to the apartment this afternoon and visited. I got to share my good news about precious Maegan with her and Erin…Melissa emailed us last night that they learned yesterday that Maegan and 5 other students are tied for #1 in their freshman class of 391! Is that just the biggest blessing in the world! I’m so grateful for the incredible gifts God has given that precious child and the way she works and does so many wonderful things. I know ya’ll will rejoice with me and our family in that good news—blessings from the Lord!
Saturday after school is the Valentine party—from 3 to 6…so we’ll see what a party here is like. Should be interesting. These kids are not allowed to date—or to have boyfriend/girlfriends…and they don’t. You never see a boy/girl holding hands or anything that would indicate they were more than just friends. And they seem to just like each other…they laugh and cut up with everyone. Today during the last period—yearbook class—three guys came in—and the kids were so excited to see them…they were hugging and laughing. They had graduated last year and have been in college—two of them have been in Cypress in a university there…and one is in a college in Ramallah. They all act like they are just best friends…and I have yet to see a really angry confrontation between any of them.
Now I was listening to 3 of them talking and asked what they were talking about…they said they were talking about this girl that one of them likes—and I asked who…they told me they don’t tell teachers…because it might be spread and then they might be in trouble! So funny!
At the party, they are going to announce the Superlatives: the ones elected to certain positions…like BEST SMILE…etc…they voted before Christmas, but no one seems to care if they announce it or not…the one at the top was MOST PATRIOTIC…and one of the yearbook girls got that.
Well…as usual, I ramble on and on. Hope all is well with each of you…and thank you again for your interest and prayers. Please continue to pray for my family—and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth
Short news day…Everyone says Whew! School on Thursday is like Friday—because we are off on Fridays. We (yearbook staff, Mrs. Maha and I) were supposed to journey to the printer today—but no one called the printer and he wasn’t going to be there. I didn’t know I needed to call—seems like a business would be open? What do I know? So Saturday, we plan to go to the printer.
I wish you could meet the students—today in the junior class we had a wonderful discussion in a round-table format. We had read “Minister’s Black Veil” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. They are going to write a paper on a position they have taken in reference to his motivation. It was a great class…the only problem is that it is only 45 minutes long! The 9th graders took a quiz on “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning—and did an excellent job. The 12th graders had a bummer class—we have new computers; their senior page write up is due; we went to the computer lab. PROBLEM: no printers! They are supposed to have jump-drives—USB’s. They did not have them…so by the time we walked down 3 flights of steps to the lab and discovered there was no printer… we had spent most of the class time. So mostly we walked up and down! You know how happy these knees were to do that!
I keep thinking I am getting healthy doing all this walking…and that soon the knees won’t creak and moan as I negotiate those steps—but it hasn’t happened yet.
Erin (who lives across the hall with my friend Wilma that I really really like—they are both from Dalton, GA—and Eric, Erin’s brother, is here too) has a friend visiting…she got in last night…Allie. She lives in Atlanta—and I knew she and Erin both went to Vineyard church in Atlanta. Now there are several Vineyard churches, and they are all huge. So when I met Allie, I asked her if she knows Jared Hamilton (Betty and Harold’s grandson) and SHE DOES! She knows his wife Heather better, but she does know them! Isn’t that just the neatest thing. I couldn’t wait to email Harold and Betty!
Allie is so cute—she heads up the Lazarus ministry in Atlanta that ministers to the homeless. She is so interesting. She said they have a “health fair” the third Sunday in September…and they have all these booths set up—with places to buy medicines, get haircuts and all sorts of things for the homeless.
She, like Erin, Eric, Trish, Bethany, Adam, Kristen, is just so young, intelligent, educated and so so so committed to ministry…wherever the Lord leads. Amazing and encouraging and exciting to me…I love to see all the young people leading out in such wonderful adventures.
Speaking of adventures—have you looked at Darci Simpson’s blog??? WOW! I complained because I don’t have hot water—she doesn’t even have showers some places! WOW—she is really really on a mission…she is so precious. If you don’t have her blog, email the church fbcgroves.org and they will send you her blog address.
Wilma and I made a plan to go to Mamilla Mall tomorrow morning…we’ll ride the bus in to the city—we’ve done this before…I enjoy her so much. She came over to the apartment this afternoon and visited. I got to share my good news about precious Maegan with her and Erin…Melissa emailed us last night that they learned yesterday that Maegan and 5 other students are tied for #1 in their freshman class of 391! Is that just the biggest blessing in the world! I’m so grateful for the incredible gifts God has given that precious child and the way she works and does so many wonderful things. I know ya’ll will rejoice with me and our family in that good news—blessings from the Lord!
Saturday after school is the Valentine party—from 3 to 6…so we’ll see what a party here is like. Should be interesting. These kids are not allowed to date—or to have boyfriend/girlfriends…and they don’t. You never see a boy/girl holding hands or anything that would indicate they were more than just friends. And they seem to just like each other…they laugh and cut up with everyone. Today during the last period—yearbook class—three guys came in—and the kids were so excited to see them…they were hugging and laughing. They had graduated last year and have been in college—two of them have been in Cypress in a university there…and one is in a college in Ramallah. They all act like they are just best friends…and I have yet to see a really angry confrontation between any of them.
Now I was listening to 3 of them talking and asked what they were talking about…they said they were talking about this girl that one of them likes—and I asked who…they told me they don’t tell teachers…because it might be spread and then they might be in trouble! So funny!
At the party, they are going to announce the Superlatives: the ones elected to certain positions…like BEST SMILE…etc…they voted before Christmas, but no one seems to care if they announce it or not…the one at the top was MOST PATRIOTIC…and one of the yearbook girls got that.
Well…as usual, I ramble on and on. Hope all is well with each of you…and thank you again for your interest and prayers. Please continue to pray for my family—and Jerusalem School.
Love
Beth
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
FEBRUARY 11, 2009
Well…thanks for all the encouraging comments…it’s late and I’m headed for bed, but after reading the good words, I decided I needed to at least write an update on my latest adventure!
My roommate Elaine was really ill—and so I took her after school to a clinic—we neither one knew for sure where it was…it is called Peace Clinic—so we are driving along, and she sees this Medical clinic on the other side…with Arabic words in front of it…we have no idea what it says, but turn around, she goes in and sure enough: Peace clinic. It is much nicer than the other one—very clean, and has a pharmacy, etc…but very different! She signed up, then she went to the section in the big room beside the Dr. door—and when the person came out, she went in…no nurse, nobody directing patients…except the Dr.! We were there over 2 hours—they did xrays and blood work…and we waited over an hour for the results of the blood work. They told her it was not pneumonia, and she was very relieved. He said it is bronchitis—result of allergies…and gave her meds, etc. The cost was a little over 200 shekels—about $50—for everything—including the medicine. That is why no one pays for medical insurance here…it doesn’t cost very much to have medical treatment…I am praying that I don’t get sick enough to need a Dr…all this makes me a little queasy!
Tomorrow is another adventure…I’m going with the five yearbook girls and Mrs. Maja (head person at school) to the “printer”—who is going to do the yearbooks. He is in Rohm (?)...that will be done during our last period class. So that should be interesting.
Election day yesterday—but who knows what happened? I asked Mr. Jamal (the teacher who brings me the newspapers)…and he explained as best as I can understand that because they have a “united” instead of “separate” government that just because Livni (the woman) won, doesn’t mean she will be Prime Minister. He said the prime Minister is just a minister and has to be selected by the other members (ministers) of Parliament. He said they will all have to form coalitions to gather votes for their prime Minister…I think it means that if we had that kind of government, and a Democrat was elected president, but the Congress was republican…then they would appoint the person they wanted—a republican…anyway…it is still very interesting to watch and read about. I wish I had some of my savvy political friends here to explain it all to me! I’m bringing home newspapers—don’t know if anyone wants to read them or not, but they are so interesting…
I had an email from Bill Dye—just a short little note about his adventures in Tanzania—and he really gave me a timely word. He said he tried really hard to “be all there” while he was there—and focus on the moment. I am really struggling with myself about that…I am blessed and am grateful and still amazed that the Lord would call me to such an experience as this. I am praying that God will continue to teach me and draw me into a deeper relationship with Him—and enable me to focus on the moments here.
Maegan is running in the Nederland Track Meet this week end—surely would like to see her streak across that finish line! But she knows Nan is praying from thousands of miles away—and we’re all cheering for her!
Please pray that He will fulfill His purposes in all of us…thanks so much for your interest and prayers and concern…please continue to pray for my family…and Jerusalem School
Love
Beth
Well…thanks for all the encouraging comments…it’s late and I’m headed for bed, but after reading the good words, I decided I needed to at least write an update on my latest adventure!
My roommate Elaine was really ill—and so I took her after school to a clinic—we neither one knew for sure where it was…it is called Peace Clinic—so we are driving along, and she sees this Medical clinic on the other side…with Arabic words in front of it…we have no idea what it says, but turn around, she goes in and sure enough: Peace clinic. It is much nicer than the other one—very clean, and has a pharmacy, etc…but very different! She signed up, then she went to the section in the big room beside the Dr. door—and when the person came out, she went in…no nurse, nobody directing patients…except the Dr.! We were there over 2 hours—they did xrays and blood work…and we waited over an hour for the results of the blood work. They told her it was not pneumonia, and she was very relieved. He said it is bronchitis—result of allergies…and gave her meds, etc. The cost was a little over 200 shekels—about $50—for everything—including the medicine. That is why no one pays for medical insurance here…it doesn’t cost very much to have medical treatment…I am praying that I don’t get sick enough to need a Dr…all this makes me a little queasy!
Tomorrow is another adventure…I’m going with the five yearbook girls and Mrs. Maja (head person at school) to the “printer”—who is going to do the yearbooks. He is in Rohm (?)...that will be done during our last period class. So that should be interesting.
Election day yesterday—but who knows what happened? I asked Mr. Jamal (the teacher who brings me the newspapers)…and he explained as best as I can understand that because they have a “united” instead of “separate” government that just because Livni (the woman) won, doesn’t mean she will be Prime Minister. He said the prime Minister is just a minister and has to be selected by the other members (ministers) of Parliament. He said they will all have to form coalitions to gather votes for their prime Minister…I think it means that if we had that kind of government, and a Democrat was elected president, but the Congress was republican…then they would appoint the person they wanted—a republican…anyway…it is still very interesting to watch and read about. I wish I had some of my savvy political friends here to explain it all to me! I’m bringing home newspapers—don’t know if anyone wants to read them or not, but they are so interesting…
I had an email from Bill Dye—just a short little note about his adventures in Tanzania—and he really gave me a timely word. He said he tried really hard to “be all there” while he was there—and focus on the moment. I am really struggling with myself about that…I am blessed and am grateful and still amazed that the Lord would call me to such an experience as this. I am praying that God will continue to teach me and draw me into a deeper relationship with Him—and enable me to focus on the moments here.
Maegan is running in the Nederland Track Meet this week end—surely would like to see her streak across that finish line! But she knows Nan is praying from thousands of miles away—and we’re all cheering for her!
Please pray that He will fulfill His purposes in all of us…thanks so much for your interest and prayers and concern…please continue to pray for my family…and Jerusalem School
Love
Beth
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