a belated update

After receiving a few emails asking if I was okay because I have not updated the blog in a week, I decided to stop the MIA and give you a quick update.

Since my last post we have visited the Mount of Olives (from where Jesus ascended into heaven), we stood and looked into the land of "milk" and then looked at the "honey." We visited a few palaces that Herod built for himself. This guy was a massive, crazy, smart builder! Anything he built was beautiful, economical, and cutting edge. Architects and specialists of today don't fully know how Herod managed to do some of the things that he designed and built back then. We visited the Good Samaritan Museum where it is believed that the inn stood from the story of the Good Samaritan. We also went to Jericho, visited 11 monasteries (beauties!), saw the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and a few other places that I can't seem to remember right now:)

When not in the field of studies or in class I have been reading more and cooking a lot. I am learning new recipes and I find it absolutely delightful to stay home, cook, clean, etc. I think I have successfully taken on the name of "wife." :)
Even though I miss our family and friends, I am taking advantage and am enjoying the social isolation that I am experiencing here. No car to hop into and go to the mall, no obligations or appointments, no one to visit (almost no one, we have made friends with a few couples that we really like and from time to time we gather with them and enjoy that time), etc. Overall, life has really slowed down and that is exactly what I was wanting from this trip. I am enjoying my time in the Word and prayer, time of quietness and thought, and quality time with the husband.
I also have become a communication headquarter! In my entire life I have not written so many emails and Facebook messages than I have here. I love it! It's like receiving a letter in the mail and the content is so rich, personal and encouraging. I am enjoying readying and writing emails, so feel free to write me:)


So friends, that is what I have been up to. I will be posting pictures and words from our trips that I mentioned above. I hope to do that by the weekend if the beautiful weather doesn't drag me outside.


Here are a few fun facts:
1. Israel doesn't have stray dogs, it has a million stray cats. In a 20 minute walk, you can successfully count at least 20 cats.
2. Police sirens sound the same as in the U.S.
3. Most everything here is Kosher, I am Koshered out for life.
4. Climate in Israel is unreal! You could go from rainy, cold 40 degrees to beautiful, sunny 70 degrees just by driving 30 minutes.
5. Tennis shoes/sneakers have become my new best friend.
6. Gap is like considered fancy-shmancy here. Waaaay more expensive than the U.S. and the clothing is of a similar style, but the items are not the same as in America.