Israel Week 13 – Go to the end of the world, then turn left
After Mass we went over to Raful and Marianna’s home to have supper with them and two of their children. They are Arabs from the north originally, settling in Beersheva while conflict rages in their home cities. This was perhaps one of my few experiences where I had to really stay sharp to play the role of “guest” in an Arabic home. Needless to say I was very well fed and given every welcome possible.
Israel Week 12 – Worship Wall Wonder
After the busy weekends I appreciate a little slower Monday to catch up on things and be quiet for a while. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for Father Roman, who is often booked to drive into Jerusalem and contend with traffic. He seemed in no mood to slow down, however, and had quite the adventurous week planned for us.
Israel Week 11 – Desert Rhythm, Facial Crowding, Bare Feet
Home alone! Well, not really. Francesco is a Ph.D. math student who has lived at the parish house on and off for the last few years. He is finishing up his last week in Beersheva until returning again next year for a few weeks of wrap-up work. So I have Sister Shoshana and Francesco to attend to for a few days, then the latter half of the week on my own.
Israel Week 10 – Desert Friendly, Meet the Messianics
Monday Father Roman left for a couple of days in Jerusalem. I had my list of parish to-dos, and one of my first stops was to head to the nearby mall to see if I could find a couple of cables for my laptop. Specifically, grounded power cables, as the electrostatic buzz from my computer chassis was driving me crazy. Well, not much luck there, though I did enjoy my cafe stop. I usually get a sentence and a half across to the Hebrew staff before having to switch back to English.
Israel Week 9 – Desert Return, Dead Sea Tour
Monday was my last day of retreat before returning to Beersheva with Father Roman later that evening. In the morning I took roughly two hours to walk over the bone-dry dust-and-rock back road to the site of Samson’s tomb (Judges 13). Known as the Sorek valley, this place featured prominently in many Biblical narratives, and King David had lots of adventures here, too.
Israel Week 8 – Goodbye Jerusalem, Hello Silence
I guess another relationship test is going furniture shopping together. Will Father Piotr and I survive to tell the tale? Would we actually end up getting anything, or just devolve into endless option-trails? The plan was to drive to Ikea to get three couches, a coffee table and a few Billys (of course) for the newly renovated office reception. Well.
Israel Week 7 – First Layer, Payoff, Grand Day Out
I revised my Hebrew language approach for the week. I needed to simplify things and reduce the strain I had imposed upon myself for understanding, comprehension and participation. So for morning prayers I simply followed along with my book of Psalms, reading along and allowing my eyes to follow the others’ speech. My participation was limited to the opening chant, the Lord’s Prayer, and Zechariah’s song, which I can recite/read in Hebrew without busting any of my delicate mental machinery.
Israel Week 6 – Extreme Pilgrimage, Jewish Dialog, Halfway Home
Father Piotr and I wake up at 4:00am to be packed and out the door by 5:00. Today we will walk from Nazareth to the top of Mount Tabor. And Father Roman will join us for this leg of the trip! We left his car with the Sisters and made a quick stop at the Church of the Annunciation (where Mary met the angel Gabriel and learned of her assignment). At least I thought it was a quick stop.
Israel Week 5 – Ascension, Asylum, Centenarian Sister
Monday and Tuesday I got started on a few graphic design projects for the community. Two t-shirts for the youth, and a 365-day desk photo calendar for community donors. The calendar photos have been submitted by community members, so there will be some culling needed—not every desert flower photo can make the cut.
Israel Week 4 – Jerusalem, Baby!
Monday I arrived here. Father Roman drove me up from Beersheva, but not without stopping at the Sisters of Bethlehem convent so he could say the Mass for them. I love that place, and so far it’s my favourite destination. And I’ve heard there’s a monastery of the same order somewhere here in Israel.