....so far, SO good!!

Shalom everybody!! I hope this finds you well.

So, I know. I haven’t exactly been updating regularly. Okay, okay, hardly at all. I know!! But, let me clarify that my lack of writing has not been due to a lack of things to write about. Quite the contrary actually!! I have experienced many a new thing, seen all sorts of sights, read all kinds of books, tasted a few new foods, and have been learning so much. So much so, that I have no idea where to start.

So, the question is: where to begin? ….seeing that the past few weeks have been a whirl-wind of field-trips and firsts.

Well, I’ll start with food, because… well, food is always fun to talk about. So, I tried my first shawarma the other day and liked it very much. It’s a really popular dish across the middle-east. There are different fillings available, but mine had turkey, cucumber, tomato, and a combination of strong sauces. My taste-buds look forward to some more. J (Let me tell you though, service is very different here. You enter a tiny restaurant and are asked, “What you want? We have shawarma, falafel, foul, and also we have husbands. You need a husband?” It’s quite funny. I decided to pass on the husband, rather opting for some shawarma.)

Since we’re on the subject of firsts….another first of mine was bartering. Some call it an art, which I cannot argue with. It is an art that I hope to master by the time I leave. However, here, it is just the way of life. There are no set prices, only suggested prices. It all comes down to how well you can argue back and forth with the shop-keeper until you compromise on a price. This is a situation when being stubborn comes in handy. J So far, I have bartered for a skirt, a beautiful, silky, colourful skirt. Also, I have bartered, quite successfully might I add, for four scarves. Don’t worry though, they’re not all for me. Some are gifts. Well, actually, to be honest, three of them were gifts but I liked one too much to give away. Moral of the story: don’t try on presents. J

Those are just a few firsts. I’m anticipating many more to come.

Well, if you were to ask me what I have been learning, I would reply, “How much time you got?” haha. So, for sake of time, I will spare you one or two. (And also, I must be honest, another reason I haven’t updated this blog lately is for fear of not doing ‘Israel’ justice, if you know what I mean. The experiences have been so incredible and the lessons already countless, that trying to explain them in words would only, just barely scratch the surface!!!! Sometimes words are impossible and insufficient. But I will still try my best. So, here we go…)

Well, I am learning so much and re-learning so much all at the same time. Some of the most important lessons in life are re-learned over and over again. One of which, being God’s faithfulness!! I have definitely seen it in my life, but to see it in the history of Israel takes it to another level. You see, Israel’s location is a prime example. In a way, things such as its climate and its position, in between countries, forces the people here to look to God, to depend on Him, for everything, from rain to protection. And as we have been studying in class, God’s provision has never failed yet (and it never will). He has always supplied for and sustained His people, and even still today, the anthem of His faithfulness is sung. The same, powerful, awesome mighty God of the past is alive and working today!! O that we might let this truth transform our lives. God will continue to provide, for He is faithful, always.

May you consider anew His faithfulness wherever you are, and through out whatever is going on. “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45) And He still keeps His promises today. Take heart. Have hope.

Another thing, running along the same lines of God’s faithfulness, is God’s sovereignty. He is completely and wonderfully sovereign, in everything and at all times. We have been seeing how God’s sovereignty so perfectly ruled Israel as a nation, whether that meant the timing of a project or the choosing of a king. His purposes are always fulfilled at the time of His choosing. And this observation brings great comfort to me today… as I realize that it is the same sovereign God who rules the momentarily affairs of my life, and your’s. As the words of the old hymn go, “God so wonderously reigneth.” He certainly does.

And though I could go on and on about the many things God is teaching me, I will wrap it up with this… that among the daily things God provides for us, let us not forget the ultimate provision, of the Messiah!! ….who is the Saviour of the world.

It has been really amazing (to say the least) to learn about how Christ Jesus so perfectly fulfills all of the Old Testament prophecies. It has really confirmed my faith, that much more. He was prophesied to come. He did come (to this land!!) And He is coming again, to bring all His children home to heaven.

And, how glad and grateful I am, to know the Messiah!! It really is heart-breaking to hear the Muslim call to prayer. It happens regularly every day, and you’ll hear it over the speakers across Jerusalem. It is really tragic to see Jewish people at the Wailing Wall, reciting their prayers. It is just as tragic to watch secular Jews, meander in and out of shops, with little to no interest in God. All to say, how thankful I am to have been shown the truth of the Gospel!! Might others come to know the Fount of Life and Eternal Hope.

Well, now to wrap-up, seriously this time. haha. (By the way, the phrase “in conclusion” is just that. A phrase. But I’ll eventually get around to concluding. It just takes me a little longer than most. haha.) But before I do, let me share a few of my favourite things about Israel, asides from the incredible teaching from my professors.

I love the Jewish culture. They love to celebrate!! In my Jewish Thought and Culture class, my professor, who is Jewish himself, told us that every day is a cause for celebration, especially weddings and birthdays. The other night I was walking the cobble-stone paths of Jerusalem with some friends, and from an open window we heard many people singing and clapping. I love it. Speaking of which, we have been learning a few Jewish songs, both religious and traditional. Another thing, both my room-mate and I absolutely love about here is the fruit. Fruit is always available. Every day after class we roam through the small vine-yard on the Moshav and pick a few grapes. It is a lovely (and delicious) walk, followed by a seed-spitting contest.

Well, that’s all for now folks. Tune in again (hopefully sooner than later). J