Christmas update

Hag Sameach (Happy Holiday) from Jerusalem.
It has been quite a while since I have sent out an update and I figured wishing you all a Merry Christmas would be an opportune time to send a greeting. Life in Jerusalem is crazy as always. I find that there are so many new things for me to experience and learn here. Whether I am practicing my Hebrew in the shuk while buying groceries, or on my bus ride to school, or chatting with Israeli friends at a local coffee shop, or outside my front door peering into the synagogue service across the street, new adventures are ever present. School is going well and I am enjoying my classes. Most of them are Bible classes, taught in English (except for Modern Hebrew), but I am continually translating and discussing Bible passages from Hebrew. My Modern Hebrew is slowly coming along. My desire to speak Hebrew is continually growing because I want to communicate better with locals in their language and not mine. However, most Israelis are eager to practice their English so they often are excited to chat with me, just not in Hebrew. I live with a house of 4 other wonderful women who are all students at the university with me. We have a great time together and I am blessed to have a support of Christian women around me.

The weather here has been unusually warm which has helped me gloss over the holiday blues of missing home. But it has turned cold over the last day and the chill of winter is setting in. I suppose it is fitting for a cold Christmas, although no chances of finding a white one. Our home has been transformed overnight into a holiday scene with Christmas decorations and even stockings hanging on our chimney with care. Perhaps we will even find a tree to liven home. I continually find it odd that I’m in Israel for Christmas and yet no one around me is celebrating. How is it that Jesus was born three miles away and yet, no Christmas in Jerusalem? I suppose it fits with the irony of this place. I am hoping to head to Bethlehem some time on Christmas Eve. I’ll be spending Christmas day in class, but hope to celebrate the evening with brothers and sisters from all over the world, gathered around the manger scene. Perhaps you will catch me on CNN. I hear that all of the news stations are there to broadcast the big day. I’ve also heard that Bethlehem transforms into quite a carnival. The streets will likely be filled with a plethora of the shop keepers out to sell their famous olive wood carvings or whatever good their family trade produces.

Well, this letter is getting long and drawn out. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season. May you be surrounded by family and friends and the love and joy of Christ in your hearts. I send my love from far away. Think of me as you sing “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” and eat a cookie or two for me. Also, may you ring in the New Year with great expectations, pleasant memories of the past, and adventurous goals for the future.
Shalom vbrachot meYerushali’am! (Peace and blessings from Jerusalem!)