Meeting Old Friends

We just came down from the roof, on which we watched the sun set over the sea and the call to prayer echo through the hills. It is wonderful to be here.

Upon arrival at the Tel Aviv airport yesterday, we were greeted like celebrities. Our friends from Ibilin cheered and waved, holding up big signs welcoming us to The Holy Land. Since then, we have been fed copious amounts of delicious food both in homes and at restaurants, and we have been shown so many amazing and beautiful places. We have been in Haifa, on Mount Carmel, all around the Sea of Galilee, and in numerous villages throughout the north of Israel.

Yesterday’s swim in the sea was a refreshing way to begin our time here after a long flight. Other than one jellyfish sting and a cut toe, everyone emerged from the water intact. Today, we were also in the water as we went “kayaking” down the Jordan River. We found out that “kayaking” was actually “white water rafting” which turned out to be a gentle float down the river, gentle that is till our students started finding out that the rafts could be tipped and that teachers could be pulled unawares into the water. Needless to say, there were a few impromptu baptisms in the Jordan River and even rebaptisms. After having just been on the Mount of Beatitudes, it was amazing how quickly Jesus’ words of turning the other cheek were forgotten.

In these two days with our hosts, we have been all made to feel like very special guests. We have also been made to look absolutely foolish in our feeble attempts to pay for things. Just this afternoon, as I tried to pay for ice cream, thinking that I had finally made it past the armour of hospitality, I was distracted for a moment, and everything was suddenly paid for. There have been stories of 50 shekel notes being thrown into and out of cars at the last moment. We simply have not been able to treat anyone to anything. I suppose we will have to wait till they get back to Canada.

Mr Emil just walked in and he sends his greetings to all who met him when he was in Canada. He also would like to thank Krista for the gift; he was "so thrilled by it."

Tomorrow, we are off to Nazareth in the morning. There we will have to say goodbye to our friends and continue on to the next part of our sojourn here.