Wow! it's been a week and the time has simultaneously flown by and dragged on. I am getting around 3-5hrs sleep/night. This group is awesome. No alone time though. so i've cried at the wailing wall. I've been humbled by serving the homeless in Jerusalem--really. Being completely lost and feeling helpless and having these eyes pleading with me for food in a verbal language I don't understand, but in a human language that is universal is quite an experience. That night we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the unification of Jerus., in Jerus. simply mind blowing. Walking down the streets with revelry and merriment while surrounded by gun holding soldiers. Bizarre doesn't begin to describe it. Once again I sat in the bar kochba caves and that was hard mentally; crawling through passageways that i didn't think i was small enough to fit through. I have massive bruises from doing so, and each day they remind me. Up here in Tzfat we have been working on a bomb shelter. Structurally it is mostly ok, but that is where the goodness ends. We walked in and there was a stench that caused the most hilarious faces on my chevre I've ever seen. Paint didn't exist, mold was everywhere, and oh yeah, we were standing in 4" of water. The foreman/manager assured us that it wasn't 'shit water'. Some how that didn't make us feel better. There were huge bugs. Probably at one time dead animals too, though those were gone. I am in awe what 10 people can do working together in only 5hrs. The place had a floor, a first coat of paint and everything was moved out. My heart was saddened by all the books that were destroyed by the water damage. Some books were more that 100yrs old; all were holy and had to be buried. Hard labor for sure. Today we finished that one and I am impressed. Truly what a community means.
I am finally doing laundry and get internet, a few more days before communication becomes on my own terms rather than a group mentality.
I still don't know what I am doing after this ends in a short week. There are so very many options--like a kid in a candy store. Sleep might be in order first though. I have made friends here with a few folks. i am the oldest woman, and the 4th oldest overall. Part of me plays mother hen, part of me is just too tired to deal with immaturity.
I am learning a ton. About other people, yes, but moreso about myself.
Hebrew is still incredibly difficult and people here speak fast and soft. I'm constantly saying "ma?"--meaning "what?" 'Ani lo medeberet ivrit' is another phase I am using when it becomes too much. Knowing how to read clearly helps, if only I understood. Smiles go a long way and I'm proficient in that.
Time to go now, more adventures await just over the horizon.
I will be in touch. I miss everyone, very much, already. (sappy moment) You're all here though, in my heart, truly.
3 comments:
I'm reading your blog and I'm stunned! I'm so happy for the opportunity that you are experiencing. I can only imagine what incredible people you are meeting. It sounds like Israel has hope but is in desperate need of help to achieve those dreams. I think you are in a great place to make a huge difference-and Israel to make a difference on you as well. Thanks for letting us know that you are ok. As for choosing what to do next, my advise would be to take them all-considering you have the time-if you can arrange the different places at different times.
PS I guess I can't post the mowing job (check your email). All I can say is we should have paid you to hand mow the 10 acres! : )
Rachael - Wow! What an amazing and difficult time mixed into one. I'm glad that you are having such a great experience with the people and places in the holy land. Sleep as much as you need to keep your body/mind going and experience as much as you can. I remember my first vacation where I relaxed at work afterwards! Go visit the Golan Heights and maybe the Red Sea to chill and experience at once. Just soak it all in.
Mitch
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