2010 - Back to Israel

I am back to Israel! It is a strange thing to "visit" the U.S and to come "home" to Israel. The contrast could not be greater at the moment. My family celebrated Christmas in the mountains of Virginia and we had over a foot of snow! Now, back in Israel we are experiencing one of the warmest winters in a very long time.

The other day I had a short-sleeve shirt on and I was still hot. It was around 28 degrees Celsius! I really can't tell you what that means in Fahrenheit because I am still stuck in the US colonial system of measurement where we speak in terms of hands, feet, pinches, cups, quarts, gallons, etc. Everything needs its own explanation. I can say that in terms of measurement systems, I think the other system based on units of ten makes infinitely more sense. In this area, the US could use an upgrade =)

I still can't believe it is 2010! Twenty-ten! It feels like such a futuristic date and a time period where I don't belong. I feel that even more keenly working in the ancient city of Jerusalem. Starting from the beginning of January, I am working on Mondays and Tuesdays in Jerusalem in the Grafted department of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). I really love this city and have missed it since we moved to Ra'anana.

Where else in the world is there a city where every building is from the same stone (beautiful Jerusalem stone). The whole city glows at sunrise and sunset and really gives it the appearance of being a city of gold. There are ancient historical and biblical sights just steps away from where I work and there is always the bustle of people from all over the world going here and there.

But I confess, it is the less glorious side of Jerusalem that finds a peculiar warm spot in my heart. The streets are so crowded and drivers so impatient that it is not unusual to hear horns blaring at a red light. Jerusalem pedestrians also feel they have the right to walk in the middle of the road anytime they please, and the strangest people seem almost normal here. Take for instance the taxi driver I saw yesterday who was standing beside his car, talking on the cell phone and emptying his bladder all at the same moment and with no cover and no shame. Ok, so that is not so endearing. But I guess I just find this city incredibly fascinating.

I had a little break from blogging in December, but working in Jerusalem is giving me plenty of fodder for the fires of creativity. I want to thank all of you who make comments on my blog. I really enjoy the interaction and look forward to sharing my Israel moments with you in 2010!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!