Erev tov, good evening,
Today was once again a long and eventful day, which culminated in still no luggage for me, but we will discuss that later.
This morning began with a 7:30 walking tour of the kibbutz (which I explained in the last post). We saw how the people actually live and where they farm. The kibbutz members live in very small houses, but at least they do have running water these days. Young adults who return to the kibbutz live in their own places, but they are not the same size that a family would live in. For young adults and for children they have organized programming. Children go to the "children's houses" before and after school for community building, activities, games, play...basically it is like a daycare. By high school, they go to school farther away and so this type of thing cannot happen as easily. In all cases however, they strive to create for the children, and all people, community. We saw the synagogue, well one of them. There we learned that tis kibbutz is one of the largest suppliers of synagogue furniture in the world, and they even supply to some churches. As you look around the synagogue, the men sit in the middle and the women sit on either side behind strings of beads that separate them. I did count the pillars in the main area to be sure that there were twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel, and there were. It was interesting to see how these people live in such simple conditions, but not to the extreme point of asceticism. They just have different priorities than owning things or watching tv or playing around too much on the computer. They are a socialist society, in that they share everything, which may not be the way for me, but it sure works for them.
Next, we visited Tel Dan, which is where the Dan spring stats, which is the start of the Jordan River. Yes, I got pictures. Later, we took pictures of the actual Jordan River, but I bet you anything that this was not where John did his baptizing. The water was a bit rough and fast. Nevertheless, it was neat to see this river that is discussed throughout the Bible (Jesus' baptism, Joshua crosses it, etc.) On the same hike, we visited the Biblical city of Dan, which was of the northern kingdom. It was more ruins, but it was different ruins than most that I see. For one, the rocks were not cut, just built up. Also, there was a place for sacrifice, an altar, which would have been built by the Israelites before it wasn't allowed. I was walking around in a truly Biblical city from during the monarchy, after the split of Israel and Judah, and it was pretty cool. Today, I walked where the northern kings walked.
Also, as we drove through this northern edge of Israel, we could see both Jordan and Syria, showing how thin the land of Israel was both now and some years ago. We also heard some shelling, but I won't worry you about that.
After lunch in a Kosher food court, we went to Tzfat, a Jewish city known for mysticism, Kabalah. We met a Kabalistic artist who showed us some of his work, which all has to do with Jewish mysticism, and explained very briefly some of Jewish mysticism. I actually bought one of his pieces, because it say "there is no other than God" in Hebrew. He explained that they read this passage and remember that everything that happens, God is there with you and he will bring good out of it. God is always with us. I liked that, and bought the piece to hang in my seminary apartment, in hopes that some day I can read it, and in the meantime know what it means.
When we returned from our travels, I went to the front desk to retrieve my luggage, and discovered that it still was not there. After many phone calls, my guide managed to get a hold of the airport who said that they tried to deliver the luggage. The hotel says that nobody tried to deliver luggage. So, tomorrow I will be wearing the garb of a kibbutz member, a skirt and loose shirt. It will be an interesting experience when I shall be on a boat on the sea of Galilee, but I am very grateful to the kibbutz. They have been extremely helpful in loaning me clothing and opening the store after it closed so we could get me everything I needed. I will leave this place with fond memories of the kibbutz and not so fond memories of the airlines.
So, after a long night of hunting down clothing, I bid you good night, laila tov.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Gunfire at Armageddon
Shalom,
Today was an eventful and long day full of visits to ruins and listening to talks. On the plus side, I had a little more sleep last night, so I could enjoy it. On the downside, my luggage has yet to show up. It is in Israel, but because it arrived without a person it has to go through another round of security before they send it to me. So, I am now borrowing clothes to get through tomorrow. I am getting a little annoyed, because it is not as if I chose to not have my suitcase with me. However, I did know that Israel's airport has more security than we are used to.
This morning we rose early to meet the day and visit Ceasaria, where we toured the ruins. It was interesting to tour these ruins, which were Roman, so I have not seen many in that style. As we sat in the theater and looked around, I was trying to decide all the ways that a Roman theater differs from a Greek theater. I managed them all except for one, the most obvious. Our professor pointed out that Greek theaters were built on natural hills and Roman theaters were built up so they were more impressive. I was a bit embarrassed to have missed such an obvious difference, luckily, nobody knew that I was thinking through this list and missed it, well, until you all read this. As we continued to walk the ruins, I did not feel the novelty at being in ancient ruins that I had felt in Greece, perhaps because ancient ruins are no longer a novelty for me for the reason that they are ancient. They are still exciting if they are cool ruins or something amazing happened there, they are just not so exciting simply because of their age. While walking through the ruins toward the hippodrome, I was asked by another student if this was anything like Greece, because he did not expect to ever get to go there. This caused me to stop and think for a moment. I wasn't entirely sure how to respond but I tried. I told him that in some ways it is obviously very different, because this is Roman and Greek ruins are, well, Greek. But, the feeling of being in an ancient place is similar, because I felt comfortable in the ruins. It felt familiar. Thinking about the question now, I think that the feeling of ruins as familiar and comfortable can be gained anywhere and will spill over into visits to other ruins. I also think that because I am past the "wow it's so cool because it's ancient" stage, I can look at it with a different eye. I did also enjoy it when we walked past a stone with Greek writing on it and three of us immediately veered toward it to play with the Greek. We also visited aqueducts while we were there, but we did not spend much time by them. There wasn't exactly much to see.
Next, at lunch, I had falafel (not sure if I spelled that correctly) for the first time, in a restaurant with an all Hebrew menu. It was actually very good, though I am still not sure what is in it. One thing I learned in Greece and have put into practice here, is to try everything and hope something turns out to be good. Often in our hostels we have buffet style meals, all Kosher since we have stayed in Jewish hostels so far, and I have no clue what I have been eating. I just put it on my plate and ate, and it turned out well.
After lunch, we went to Meggido. the word Armageddon come from the Hebrew for "to Meggido." Now, these were some cool ruins. As we started up to the ruins, about 6-8 older people who seemed to be traveling together started following our group around, listening to the guide, and listening to the student presentations. Eventually they got bored and left, but they were with us for a good hour. I think they were really enjoying it until some became tired and bored and so all had to move on. As the presentations were happening we kept hearing noises that sounded a bit like gunshots in the distance, but I pretty much ignored it, until somebody finally asked what it was. We were told "gunshots." As we looked at the professor in horror, they explained that army drills/maneuvers were happening on the other side of the mountain a little ways away. There were also planes flying overhead in formation. It was a bit odd to be staing on a site where traditionally the battle between good and evil will happen, where more than 30 major battles have been fought over the years, listening to gunfire. It was somewhat disconcerting and odd, but not frightening. Today, we stood in a city where Joshua was, where Solomon was, and where many people have lived since. That was pretty cool. Also, standing on the top, we could look out over Jezreel Valley. If the weather had been nice, we could have looked straight into Jordan.
Even though there had been gunshots, the scariest part for me was actually leaving the site. To leave, we walked through the tunnel that they dug for access to water. I do not like caves. Natural ones are worse, but this one was bad enough. We walked through a little tunnel in the mostly dark, as I was just trying to remind myself that we were almost out. Of course, the people around me were also reminding me that we were almost out. Then we had to climb stairs to exit. My knee twinged a bit, but that is the first time on the trip, and it wasn't too bad.
Tonight we are staying at a Kibbutz, Kibbutz Lavi, which is a religious Kibbutz. Because of this, tonight we listened to and spoke with a Kibbutz member who explained what a Kibbutz is. A Kibbutz is a settlement of people. It can be religious or non-religious. The members of the Kibbutz live there and may either work there or outside the Kibbutz. If they work outside, their pay is given directly to the Kibbutz. If they work inside, they are not payed. They own no property, but all is owned by the Kibbutz. They are each given money according to their needs, which they live on. In this Kibbutz, you must follow the Jewish laws. In all kibbutzim, you must always work. Being born into a Kibbutz does not automatically make you a member, but instead after your mandatory military service (required because they are Israeli citizens) a young adult may choose to become a member of the kibbutz. If they go to school, the kibbutz will pay it. If they wish to work, they may do so. I asked him about young people returning, and he said that they tend to have 30-40 percent returning, but the community stays not too old because they bring spouses and sometimes children back with them. As in most situations, the Kibbutz says it is doing what needs to be done to attract the young people to return, but the young people say that it is not enough. One practice is that they do not have to leave the kibbutz if they cannot decide right away, yet they can keep their wages while in college. It gives them more time to make a decision without as much pressure or difficulty. My reaction to this is that I am surprised that they have such a high retention rate. They must be doing something right, that it is working as well as it is, even though it is lower than in previous times. Obviously they teach their children well what they believe and why if those children leave for 3-4 years, exposed to all other Israeli cultures, and then choose to come back as adults. They must teach them well why they do as they do for them to come back so freely, even if it is not in as large quantities as they used to have.
For now, shalom chaverim.
Today was an eventful and long day full of visits to ruins and listening to talks. On the plus side, I had a little more sleep last night, so I could enjoy it. On the downside, my luggage has yet to show up. It is in Israel, but because it arrived without a person it has to go through another round of security before they send it to me. So, I am now borrowing clothes to get through tomorrow. I am getting a little annoyed, because it is not as if I chose to not have my suitcase with me. However, I did know that Israel's airport has more security than we are used to.
This morning we rose early to meet the day and visit Ceasaria, where we toured the ruins. It was interesting to tour these ruins, which were Roman, so I have not seen many in that style. As we sat in the theater and looked around, I was trying to decide all the ways that a Roman theater differs from a Greek theater. I managed them all except for one, the most obvious. Our professor pointed out that Greek theaters were built on natural hills and Roman theaters were built up so they were more impressive. I was a bit embarrassed to have missed such an obvious difference, luckily, nobody knew that I was thinking through this list and missed it, well, until you all read this. As we continued to walk the ruins, I did not feel the novelty at being in ancient ruins that I had felt in Greece, perhaps because ancient ruins are no longer a novelty for me for the reason that they are ancient. They are still exciting if they are cool ruins or something amazing happened there, they are just not so exciting simply because of their age. While walking through the ruins toward the hippodrome, I was asked by another student if this was anything like Greece, because he did not expect to ever get to go there. This caused me to stop and think for a moment. I wasn't entirely sure how to respond but I tried. I told him that in some ways it is obviously very different, because this is Roman and Greek ruins are, well, Greek. But, the feeling of being in an ancient place is similar, because I felt comfortable in the ruins. It felt familiar. Thinking about the question now, I think that the feeling of ruins as familiar and comfortable can be gained anywhere and will spill over into visits to other ruins. I also think that because I am past the "wow it's so cool because it's ancient" stage, I can look at it with a different eye. I did also enjoy it when we walked past a stone with Greek writing on it and three of us immediately veered toward it to play with the Greek. We also visited aqueducts while we were there, but we did not spend much time by them. There wasn't exactly much to see.
Next, at lunch, I had falafel (not sure if I spelled that correctly) for the first time, in a restaurant with an all Hebrew menu. It was actually very good, though I am still not sure what is in it. One thing I learned in Greece and have put into practice here, is to try everything and hope something turns out to be good. Often in our hostels we have buffet style meals, all Kosher since we have stayed in Jewish hostels so far, and I have no clue what I have been eating. I just put it on my plate and ate, and it turned out well.
After lunch, we went to Meggido. the word Armageddon come from the Hebrew for "to Meggido." Now, these were some cool ruins. As we started up to the ruins, about 6-8 older people who seemed to be traveling together started following our group around, listening to the guide, and listening to the student presentations. Eventually they got bored and left, but they were with us for a good hour. I think they were really enjoying it until some became tired and bored and so all had to move on. As the presentations were happening we kept hearing noises that sounded a bit like gunshots in the distance, but I pretty much ignored it, until somebody finally asked what it was. We were told "gunshots." As we looked at the professor in horror, they explained that army drills/maneuvers were happening on the other side of the mountain a little ways away. There were also planes flying overhead in formation. It was a bit odd to be staing on a site where traditionally the battle between good and evil will happen, where more than 30 major battles have been fought over the years, listening to gunfire. It was somewhat disconcerting and odd, but not frightening. Today, we stood in a city where Joshua was, where Solomon was, and where many people have lived since. That was pretty cool. Also, standing on the top, we could look out over Jezreel Valley. If the weather had been nice, we could have looked straight into Jordan.
Even though there had been gunshots, the scariest part for me was actually leaving the site. To leave, we walked through the tunnel that they dug for access to water. I do not like caves. Natural ones are worse, but this one was bad enough. We walked through a little tunnel in the mostly dark, as I was just trying to remind myself that we were almost out. Of course, the people around me were also reminding me that we were almost out. Then we had to climb stairs to exit. My knee twinged a bit, but that is the first time on the trip, and it wasn't too bad.
Tonight we are staying at a Kibbutz, Kibbutz Lavi, which is a religious Kibbutz. Because of this, tonight we listened to and spoke with a Kibbutz member who explained what a Kibbutz is. A Kibbutz is a settlement of people. It can be religious or non-religious. The members of the Kibbutz live there and may either work there or outside the Kibbutz. If they work outside, their pay is given directly to the Kibbutz. If they work inside, they are not payed. They own no property, but all is owned by the Kibbutz. They are each given money according to their needs, which they live on. In this Kibbutz, you must follow the Jewish laws. In all kibbutzim, you must always work. Being born into a Kibbutz does not automatically make you a member, but instead after your mandatory military service (required because they are Israeli citizens) a young adult may choose to become a member of the kibbutz. If they go to school, the kibbutz will pay it. If they wish to work, they may do so. I asked him about young people returning, and he said that they tend to have 30-40 percent returning, but the community stays not too old because they bring spouses and sometimes children back with them. As in most situations, the Kibbutz says it is doing what needs to be done to attract the young people to return, but the young people say that it is not enough. One practice is that they do not have to leave the kibbutz if they cannot decide right away, yet they can keep their wages while in college. It gives them more time to make a decision without as much pressure or difficulty. My reaction to this is that I am surprised that they have such a high retention rate. They must be doing something right, that it is working as well as it is, even though it is lower than in previous times. Obviously they teach their children well what they believe and why if those children leave for 3-4 years, exposed to all other Israeli cultures, and then choose to come back as adults. They must teach them well why they do as they do for them to come back so freely, even if it is not in as large quantities as they used to have.
For now, shalom chaverim.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Arrival in Israel!!!!!
Shalom!
Hey everybody, welcome back!!
This January I will be in Israel for 2 weeks, starting today. I should be blogging pretty frequently because I have to keep a journal for class.
Yesterday evening we got on the plane in Indianapolis, flew to Philadelphia, and on to Tel Aviv. I dozed a grand total of 30 minutes during that whole flight. Unfortunately, we all made it to Tel Aviv but my suitcase got left behind. In Philadelphia. They said it should show up by tomorrow, but we leave this hotel for the next one at 8:30 AM, which means that they will need to send it to the right hotel. Not fun. This was not a wonderful beginning for the trip. Professors Arnold and Schindler asked me what I needed, and I told them that I was fine because I have all my meds and a change of clothes in my carry-on. When the tour guide found out that I didn't have luggage, he asks, "well what can we do for you? what do you need?" Before I have a chance to respond, Prof. Schindler pipes up with "She's fine, she's an experienced traveler." That made me laugh, which was nice because I was very annoyed and somewhat upset at the missing luggage.
Next, we got on the bus and discovered how pampered we are going to be. Today, we got a large assorted snack box, a water bottle in cloth water bottle holder, a hat, a shirt, an info book, and maps. We went from there into Tel Aviv, and over to Joffa. We walked a bit of ancient Joffa and, for fun, saw a statue of a whale for Jonah, because Jonah was leaving Joffa when he got swallowed. We also saw a piece of modern art, which was an orange tree growing in a large orange shaped pot suspended over the sidewalk by cables.
As we drove around on the bus, I looked down at Tel Aviv and tried to compare what I saw with other places, yet I did not have much luck. It had some of the shorter buildings and tile roofs like those found in Greece. The walls were all weathered and old, like some seen in Greece. Unlike any city I have been to, there is not a central spot full of tall buildings. There are tall buildings, but they are spread throughout the city as if on a whim, rarely congregated in clumps of more than 4 or 5, and never getting as tall as some of the skyscrapers of cities like New York city. It did look like a modern city, but it also looked like it sprang up rather haphazardly, with the height of the building built just for the need at the moment, not with any intention to put the tall buildings together, as is seen in the sky lines of many a city. My only conclusion was that Tel Aviv is like a mixture of Athens and New York City with a few other things thrown in.
After Joffa, we went back into Tel Aviv. We went to a monument in front of Independence hall. As we walked up to this monument, which had the 66 names of families who built Tel Aviv, following our Israeli tour guide, an old slightly darker skinned man waked through our group. He muttered to me and a couple others "Please, don't believe everything he says." (referring to the tour guide). We gathered from this that he was probably Palestinian and did not want us to hear only one side of the story with regards to the beginning of modern Israel. It was a little weird, but we didn't worry too much about it. I had already been warned to think through what I was told, and I try to do so anyway with tour guides. Then, after our tour guide finished showing us the monument, we sat on some benches as he gave us information about how to be safe and about facts we should know. The old Palestinian man came up again and this time stoo, very obviously watching our tour guide, listening to what he had to say about terrorism, staying safe, pickpockets, etc. The man left when our tour guide started talking about the dangers of dehydration. This was probably one of the most interesting things that happened this first day, because it seemed to show tension between the peoples in a tangible way. He did not trust our tour guide to give us a balanced opinion, and our tour guide pretty much ignored him (as he probably should have). So far, our tour guide doesn't seem to be unreasonably biased, and he seems to be making an effort to stay that way. I will reserve judgment until more of the tour has happened.
We next went into Independence Hall, where David Ben-Gurion declared Israel's independence in 1948. By this time I was completely exhausted and barely focusing on anything. They took us into a room to watch a short introductory film on Ben-Gurion, turned off the lights, and closed the door. The lady who set up the movie asked us to do the best we could to watch it, but she knew that many of us would "rest our eyes." I must admit, I made it about 2/3 of the way through before my eyes shut, until Chris (another student), woke me. So, I can't really tell you what was going on in the movie. After the movie, we went into the small room where the declaration was proclaimed and signed. We sat in chairs as the museum guide explained what had happened that day. I was fine with that, as with the passion she had for how amazing and important it was. At some point, however, it devolved into her pleading with us about how important peace is between Israel and Palestine and explaining that they do not live in peace. It is not that I do not agree with this, it is just that when I go to a museum to hear about what happened, I don't expect to hear what amounts to preaching and witnessing on behalf of her cause for Israel. I do agree that Israel and Palestine need peace, and I admire her for having passion for it. It just seemed that the talk quickly went from the story and passion to a persuasive speech designed to make our hearts melt in sympathy. Now, perhaps I was just tired and not very tolerant because of that, or perhaps this is a legitimate impression. Either way, it has colored my first day in Israel.
After dinner at our hostel, almost all of us in my class went out to see the night life of Tel Aviv. I think, perhaps, the night life of Tel Aviv does not start at 8:30, since people didn't start showing up until a few of us were leaving. On the plus side, the place we ended up going was non-smoking and had non-alcoholic drinks, so I was happy and got to spend time hanging out with friends somewhere other than the hostel.
So, the day is ending, a long tired, stressful day. Hopefully tomorrow I will have luggage and I will see a bit more of Ancient Israel (since I truly don't want to dwell upon the modern sections as much as the ancient). Unfortunately, I have yet to have a sense that I am "in Israel." With Greece, I felt it the first day. I think leaving the city tomorrow, however will aid in this perception.
For now, shalom!
Hey everybody, welcome back!!
This January I will be in Israel for 2 weeks, starting today. I should be blogging pretty frequently because I have to keep a journal for class.
Yesterday evening we got on the plane in Indianapolis, flew to Philadelphia, and on to Tel Aviv. I dozed a grand total of 30 minutes during that whole flight. Unfortunately, we all made it to Tel Aviv but my suitcase got left behind. In Philadelphia. They said it should show up by tomorrow, but we leave this hotel for the next one at 8:30 AM, which means that they will need to send it to the right hotel. Not fun. This was not a wonderful beginning for the trip. Professors Arnold and Schindler asked me what I needed, and I told them that I was fine because I have all my meds and a change of clothes in my carry-on. When the tour guide found out that I didn't have luggage, he asks, "well what can we do for you? what do you need?" Before I have a chance to respond, Prof. Schindler pipes up with "She's fine, she's an experienced traveler." That made me laugh, which was nice because I was very annoyed and somewhat upset at the missing luggage.
Next, we got on the bus and discovered how pampered we are going to be. Today, we got a large assorted snack box, a water bottle in cloth water bottle holder, a hat, a shirt, an info book, and maps. We went from there into Tel Aviv, and over to Joffa. We walked a bit of ancient Joffa and, for fun, saw a statue of a whale for Jonah, because Jonah was leaving Joffa when he got swallowed. We also saw a piece of modern art, which was an orange tree growing in a large orange shaped pot suspended over the sidewalk by cables.
As we drove around on the bus, I looked down at Tel Aviv and tried to compare what I saw with other places, yet I did not have much luck. It had some of the shorter buildings and tile roofs like those found in Greece. The walls were all weathered and old, like some seen in Greece. Unlike any city I have been to, there is not a central spot full of tall buildings. There are tall buildings, but they are spread throughout the city as if on a whim, rarely congregated in clumps of more than 4 or 5, and never getting as tall as some of the skyscrapers of cities like New York city. It did look like a modern city, but it also looked like it sprang up rather haphazardly, with the height of the building built just for the need at the moment, not with any intention to put the tall buildings together, as is seen in the sky lines of many a city. My only conclusion was that Tel Aviv is like a mixture of Athens and New York City with a few other things thrown in.
After Joffa, we went back into Tel Aviv. We went to a monument in front of Independence hall. As we walked up to this monument, which had the 66 names of families who built Tel Aviv, following our Israeli tour guide, an old slightly darker skinned man waked through our group. He muttered to me and a couple others "Please, don't believe everything he says." (referring to the tour guide). We gathered from this that he was probably Palestinian and did not want us to hear only one side of the story with regards to the beginning of modern Israel. It was a little weird, but we didn't worry too much about it. I had already been warned to think through what I was told, and I try to do so anyway with tour guides. Then, after our tour guide finished showing us the monument, we sat on some benches as he gave us information about how to be safe and about facts we should know. The old Palestinian man came up again and this time stoo, very obviously watching our tour guide, listening to what he had to say about terrorism, staying safe, pickpockets, etc. The man left when our tour guide started talking about the dangers of dehydration. This was probably one of the most interesting things that happened this first day, because it seemed to show tension between the peoples in a tangible way. He did not trust our tour guide to give us a balanced opinion, and our tour guide pretty much ignored him (as he probably should have). So far, our tour guide doesn't seem to be unreasonably biased, and he seems to be making an effort to stay that way. I will reserve judgment until more of the tour has happened.
We next went into Independence Hall, where David Ben-Gurion declared Israel's independence in 1948. By this time I was completely exhausted and barely focusing on anything. They took us into a room to watch a short introductory film on Ben-Gurion, turned off the lights, and closed the door. The lady who set up the movie asked us to do the best we could to watch it, but she knew that many of us would "rest our eyes." I must admit, I made it about 2/3 of the way through before my eyes shut, until Chris (another student), woke me. So, I can't really tell you what was going on in the movie. After the movie, we went into the small room where the declaration was proclaimed and signed. We sat in chairs as the museum guide explained what had happened that day. I was fine with that, as with the passion she had for how amazing and important it was. At some point, however, it devolved into her pleading with us about how important peace is between Israel and Palestine and explaining that they do not live in peace. It is not that I do not agree with this, it is just that when I go to a museum to hear about what happened, I don't expect to hear what amounts to preaching and witnessing on behalf of her cause for Israel. I do agree that Israel and Palestine need peace, and I admire her for having passion for it. It just seemed that the talk quickly went from the story and passion to a persuasive speech designed to make our hearts melt in sympathy. Now, perhaps I was just tired and not very tolerant because of that, or perhaps this is a legitimate impression. Either way, it has colored my first day in Israel.
After dinner at our hostel, almost all of us in my class went out to see the night life of Tel Aviv. I think, perhaps, the night life of Tel Aviv does not start at 8:30, since people didn't start showing up until a few of us were leaving. On the plus side, the place we ended up going was non-smoking and had non-alcoholic drinks, so I was happy and got to spend time hanging out with friends somewhere other than the hostel.
So, the day is ending, a long tired, stressful day. Hopefully tomorrow I will have luggage and I will see a bit more of Ancient Israel (since I truly don't want to dwell upon the modern sections as much as the ancient). Unfortunately, I have yet to have a sense that I am "in Israel." With Greece, I felt it the first day. I think leaving the city tomorrow, however will aid in this perception.
For now, shalom!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
First goodbyes
With all but one final behind me, I begin the last six days of my time in Greece. I went to church at St. Paul's Anglican Church for the last time today, and it was hard. I have never seen people try to smile but be crying with regards to me, other than my mom. These are people I met 4 months ago. Due to important guests at the service (a couple of bishops for England and the secretary of the Archbishop of Canterbury), nothing happened to say goodbye during the service. Apparently I was also spared this by not saying something about me leaving to one of the women at the church before the service started. Afterwards, I went and started saying goodbye to people. Linda, the woman I was working with on the children's programming, was the first person for me to say goodbye to. It just avalanched from there. When I went to say goodbye to Father Malcolm, he had everybody fellowshiping be quiet as he said goodbye and announced that I was leaving. I turned red and couldn't help grinning to know that apparently I made some sort of a difference here. Amid tears, hugs, double cheek kisses, a person to look up on Facebook, and promises to keep in touch, I said my last goodbyes and left St. Paul's for the last time. That was one of the hardest goodbyes I have ever had to do. These people acted as a church home away from home. They took me in and made me part of them. And, now, I am leaving them and likely never coming back. If I ever do come back, few of the people I knew would still be there. It is the most final goodbye that I have had to make in a long time. If this is anything like what it is to leave a church as a pastor, I do not envy those who are already doing it. This, will have to be one of the hardest things I will do in my life: saying goodbye to the church that has brought me into their home. At least in future churches, there is a possibility that I will still see some of the people. That consolation doesn't exist here. Even though I have made friends here at school, it is nothing compared to some of the connections I made at that church. I worshiped with them, prayed with them, taught children with them, and now I am leaving them. I have the mixed emotions of wanting to see all these people and work with these people and wanting to go home. I just hope someday that I can thank them for all they have done for me, but I wish that I had not needed to have this taste of leaving a church so soon.
Tuesday is my last final, in Orthodox Church, followed by a short trip to Meteora. On Thursday night we have the farewell dinner, and I will be singing the Hokey Pokey in Greek with my Modern Greek class. Friday I head to the airport hotel, and Saturday I get on the plane and arrive home. Time is almost up. I have many goodbyes left, and soon I will get to be home. I can understand why people kiss the tarmac, but I think I will skip that one.
See you all soon!!!
Tuesday is my last final, in Orthodox Church, followed by a short trip to Meteora. On Thursday night we have the farewell dinner, and I will be singing the Hokey Pokey in Greek with my Modern Greek class. Friday I head to the airport hotel, and Saturday I get on the plane and arrive home. Time is almost up. I have many goodbyes left, and soon I will get to be home. I can understand why people kiss the tarmac, but I think I will skip that one.
See you all soon!!!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Wrapping up
1 week and 6 days left. The semester is wrapping up, and I will be back in less than two weeks. Not much exciting has happened recently, but it has been rather eventful.
Two Wednesdays ago, for my Orthodox Church class, we went to my prof's church for the vespers service for the Feast of St. George. His church is named after St. George, so this was quite a big celebration. One of the bishops of Athens was there and there were, by my count, at least 11 priests. Some of them, some of the time, wore black hats with a trail half-way down their backs. Asking later, we found out that these were the celibate priests. The bishop made an impression on us. He has a white beard and quite a jolly smile. I leaned over to one of my friends, Tom, and said, "He looks like Santa Clause!!". Tom laughed and informed me he was thinking the same thing. He looked like such a nice jolly man who might easily laugh with a ho ho ho. After the service, there was a procession of the icon of St. George around the block, with all of us following. There was a marching band and everything. After the service, when our prof let us ask questions, we met the bishop who came over and his first reaction was "Christ is Risen", which some of us responded to in English and some in Greek. That was fun. We had snacks (they don't have donuts, but little finger foods which were very Greek and very good). We were given a tour of the church, and had the opportunity to look into the altar area and see all the priest's vestments piece by piece put on our prof. I cannot imagine having that many vestments. Some of the pieces are for a reason that they do not know and they keep simply because of tradition. I like the simplicity of our one stole, but their vestments are so beautiful. They have to be crazy hot, though, and his movement is restricted. He has prayers that he says with each piece, and when he was ordained, the bishop said the word "worthy" with each piece and dressed him.
Last week was a busy week with 2 papers and two tests. This week will have 3 tests and one presentation, and next week is my final test. One of my paper's last week was on the comparison of the service of ordination for elders in the Orthodox and United Methodist Churches. We have many of the same elements, just done in different ways. The major difference is that we have traditions from John Wesley and they invoke specific saints.
The reason for so many tests is that in Ancient Greek, he decided that instead of one final we would have three small tests. two are over translation and one is scanning for rhythm. The scanning was easy, and I suppose that the first translation one was fine, but I will be glad when tomorrow's test is over and done. Wednesday my presentation is for Modern Greek and has to be 5 minutes. We are doing a skit, and the hardest part will be memorizing it. It should be a lot of fun, though.
Well, I should get back to studying, and I will send out another update before I head home.
See you all soon!!!!
Two Wednesdays ago, for my Orthodox Church class, we went to my prof's church for the vespers service for the Feast of St. George. His church is named after St. George, so this was quite a big celebration. One of the bishops of Athens was there and there were, by my count, at least 11 priests. Some of them, some of the time, wore black hats with a trail half-way down their backs. Asking later, we found out that these were the celibate priests. The bishop made an impression on us. He has a white beard and quite a jolly smile. I leaned over to one of my friends, Tom, and said, "He looks like Santa Clause!!". Tom laughed and informed me he was thinking the same thing. He looked like such a nice jolly man who might easily laugh with a ho ho ho. After the service, there was a procession of the icon of St. George around the block, with all of us following. There was a marching band and everything. After the service, when our prof let us ask questions, we met the bishop who came over and his first reaction was "Christ is Risen", which some of us responded to in English and some in Greek. That was fun. We had snacks (they don't have donuts, but little finger foods which were very Greek and very good). We were given a tour of the church, and had the opportunity to look into the altar area and see all the priest's vestments piece by piece put on our prof. I cannot imagine having that many vestments. Some of the pieces are for a reason that they do not know and they keep simply because of tradition. I like the simplicity of our one stole, but their vestments are so beautiful. They have to be crazy hot, though, and his movement is restricted. He has prayers that he says with each piece, and when he was ordained, the bishop said the word "worthy" with each piece and dressed him.
Last week was a busy week with 2 papers and two tests. This week will have 3 tests and one presentation, and next week is my final test. One of my paper's last week was on the comparison of the service of ordination for elders in the Orthodox and United Methodist Churches. We have many of the same elements, just done in different ways. The major difference is that we have traditions from John Wesley and they invoke specific saints.
The reason for so many tests is that in Ancient Greek, he decided that instead of one final we would have three small tests. two are over translation and one is scanning for rhythm. The scanning was easy, and I suppose that the first translation one was fine, but I will be glad when tomorrow's test is over and done. Wednesday my presentation is for Modern Greek and has to be 5 minutes. We are doing a skit, and the hardest part will be memorizing it. It should be a lot of fun, though.
Well, I should get back to studying, and I will send out another update before I head home.
See you all soon!!!!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Spring Break
Spring break was last week from two fridays ago to yesterday. It was a good time, and now I have less than a month until it is time to come home. 3 weeks and 4 days, by my count.
Mom, Dad, Leanna, Angie, Aunt Sandi, and Grandma Gerry all arrived in Greece on Wednesday, but I did not see them until Friday (Good Friday). Church was at noon, and I met them shortly after. The afternoon was spent at the National Archaeological Museum, where I finally saw some pieces I missed the first time I went. They were apparently overwhelmed by the whole thing, because there is quite a lot in there. We went to Nafplio that night, where we spent the entire week. On Saturday, we got up and went to the market. That was a lot of fun, and we bought ingredients so I could cook a Greek dinner for them. This involved mad scrambling and strange phone calls to discover what mint is called. We also bought 3 kilos of strawberries, half of which were gone by the time we got back to the apartment. That afternoon we went to Epidaurus, which I quite enjoyed. The last time I went, I was not given enough time, and this time I saw things that I ddn't even know was there. Angie stood at the bottom of the theatre, and everybody sitting in the seats got quiet and listened. It was cool to hear the acoustics, and it was cool to hear her sing.
Sunday was Western Easter, and we went back into Athens to go to church. The church was quite literally packed, and we had a children's program during the sermon. That was a lot of fun. We took the kids out and told them the story of Holy Week and told them that we are going to the tomb to see Jesus' body and put spices there. Most were genuinely surprised to find the tomb (actually a tool shed) with no Jesus in it. Then we had a couple of angels show up. When we brought the kids back into the church, Father Malcolm asked them what they found, and one little girl pipes up and says...there was nothing there!!! That was a lot of fun. That afternoon, we went to the Acropolis. I am ashamed to say that this was my first time up there. It was actually a let down. I guess looking at it for 3 months, I just expected more. There was scaffolding covering half of the Parthenon, and rubble was everywhere. Angie and Leanna did get a kick out of seeing the Muses on one of the other temples, and they started singing a song from Hercules.
Monday, we went to Delphi. It was just as amazing the second time around. I didn't take many pictures this time, because I got most of those the first time. I just walked it and enjoyed it. This was the place where we were given 20 minutes on the site, we spent 2 hours on site last week.
Tuesday we headed to Corinth and Mycenae. Corinth is one place that I had not yet visited, and it was nice. However, after seeing Delphi, it was nothing. It was one place that was flat enough for Grandma to walk and see the whole thing, and it was the last place I will go to follow Paul. Mycenae was fun, just as I remmebered, and the weather was even the same as the first time. Rainy. But we did get a picture with the whole family in front of the Lion's gate. That night we went back to Nafplio a little early, and I cooked dinner. I made soutzoukakia, which is meat balls in a red sauce. We also had tzatziki and fried pitta bread. It turned out pretty well, though I accidently made twice as much as we turned out to need.
Wednesday we took a boat to Hydra and Spetses. The islands were beautiful, and I may have to do something like that again before I leave Greece. On Hydra, we took a donkey ride. It was fun, but it was a five minute ride in a circle around the block for 10 euros. They grabbed 4 of us, put us on donkeys, and led us away, while we tried to tell them that they left Aunt Sandi, Dad and Grandma behind. We did some shopping, and had some adventures on the freezing beach. More than anything, though, it was just gorgeous.
Thursday, we went to Sparta and Mystra. Sparta turned out to just be a city like any other. We knew that nothing was there, but we figured there would still be SOMETHING. We were wrong. Mystras was worth it all, though. It was Byzantine ruins built up a mountain. They were mostly ruins of monasteries, though there was one working monastery still there. It was quite a hike, but worth it. It was breathtaking. I can't even describe it, and pictures just cannot do it justice, but let me tell you...If you EVER go to Greece, take a day for Mystra. I thought it was even better than Delphi. Paintings remained within the churches, and it was just so different from what you normally see in Greece (meaning different from ancient ruins).
Friday we took a leasurly day in Nafplio and did some souvenir shopping. It was Greek Good Friday, so the bells were ringing all day. Three times during the day they rang for over an hour, and then there was the chanting. It just went ON and ON. The cathedral was right outside our apartment, so there was no escaping it. We thought it was bad when the bells went off at 7 every morning, but at least then they stopped after less than a minute. We were to the point that we were going crazy. Mom wanted to go tell them that Christ is Risen, so shutup. It was tempting. That night, they had services, and as part they brought decorated epitaphs for Jesus in a procession to the center of town from every church. We stood there with candles as the procession occurred. Each epitaph had pall bearers. They were highly decorated with flowers, and they all have an icon of Jesus on them. They were escorted by choirs, a marching band, a group of soldiers, and small children. People carried crosses and inscense. It was absolutely beautiful. After the procession was over, we left, because we couldn't see anything anyway. Everybody in the town was gathered in the square. Not long later, we heard the band again, and we went out to our balcony. From there, we watched as one of the epitaphs was brought back to the cathedral, with full ceremony. The marching band came, followed by the soldiers and epitaph. The band marched off, and the soldiers lined up to the epitaph was carried between them. Then they marched off. The bells started ringing again, and then there was chanting. It was 11:30 before any of us got to sleep.
The next morning, at 3:30, we woke and were out of the apartment by 4 to get them to the airport. We got all locked up, and Grandma informed us she left her dentures inside. We had to call the tour guide at 4 in the morning to come let somebody in to get it. They weren't even inside. In hindsight it is funny. They got to the plane and home with no issues, and I rode a bus back to Athens. I was in my apartment by 8:15 and aslep by 8:30. 8 hours later I woke, feeling quite refreshed. Don't worry, I was tired enough that it did not interfere with my normal sleeping schedule at all.
Sunday was Greek Easter. I went to my church then went out to get lunch. I was determined to have a traditional Easter meal. It consists of whole lamb rosted on a spit. They also have this intestine thing wrapped around some innards on the spit and roasted. I was brave enough for the lamb, but not the supposedly delicious intestines. My second easter in a week went on without a hitch, and after a day of homework, break has ended. All week I acted as tour guide in many places, which was fun. I also acted as translator, which was more fun. I will be glad to go home, but I have a lot of work to do before then.
See you in May!!
Χριστός ανέστη
Αληθώς ανέστη
Christ is risen...He is risen indeed!!
Mom, Dad, Leanna, Angie, Aunt Sandi, and Grandma Gerry all arrived in Greece on Wednesday, but I did not see them until Friday (Good Friday). Church was at noon, and I met them shortly after. The afternoon was spent at the National Archaeological Museum, where I finally saw some pieces I missed the first time I went. They were apparently overwhelmed by the whole thing, because there is quite a lot in there. We went to Nafplio that night, where we spent the entire week. On Saturday, we got up and went to the market. That was a lot of fun, and we bought ingredients so I could cook a Greek dinner for them. This involved mad scrambling and strange phone calls to discover what mint is called. We also bought 3 kilos of strawberries, half of which were gone by the time we got back to the apartment. That afternoon we went to Epidaurus, which I quite enjoyed. The last time I went, I was not given enough time, and this time I saw things that I ddn't even know was there. Angie stood at the bottom of the theatre, and everybody sitting in the seats got quiet and listened. It was cool to hear the acoustics, and it was cool to hear her sing.
Sunday was Western Easter, and we went back into Athens to go to church. The church was quite literally packed, and we had a children's program during the sermon. That was a lot of fun. We took the kids out and told them the story of Holy Week and told them that we are going to the tomb to see Jesus' body and put spices there. Most were genuinely surprised to find the tomb (actually a tool shed) with no Jesus in it. Then we had a couple of angels show up. When we brought the kids back into the church, Father Malcolm asked them what they found, and one little girl pipes up and says...there was nothing there!!! That was a lot of fun. That afternoon, we went to the Acropolis. I am ashamed to say that this was my first time up there. It was actually a let down. I guess looking at it for 3 months, I just expected more. There was scaffolding covering half of the Parthenon, and rubble was everywhere. Angie and Leanna did get a kick out of seeing the Muses on one of the other temples, and they started singing a song from Hercules.
Monday, we went to Delphi. It was just as amazing the second time around. I didn't take many pictures this time, because I got most of those the first time. I just walked it and enjoyed it. This was the place where we were given 20 minutes on the site, we spent 2 hours on site last week.
Tuesday we headed to Corinth and Mycenae. Corinth is one place that I had not yet visited, and it was nice. However, after seeing Delphi, it was nothing. It was one place that was flat enough for Grandma to walk and see the whole thing, and it was the last place I will go to follow Paul. Mycenae was fun, just as I remmebered, and the weather was even the same as the first time. Rainy. But we did get a picture with the whole family in front of the Lion's gate. That night we went back to Nafplio a little early, and I cooked dinner. I made soutzoukakia, which is meat balls in a red sauce. We also had tzatziki and fried pitta bread. It turned out pretty well, though I accidently made twice as much as we turned out to need.
Wednesday we took a boat to Hydra and Spetses. The islands were beautiful, and I may have to do something like that again before I leave Greece. On Hydra, we took a donkey ride. It was fun, but it was a five minute ride in a circle around the block for 10 euros. They grabbed 4 of us, put us on donkeys, and led us away, while we tried to tell them that they left Aunt Sandi, Dad and Grandma behind. We did some shopping, and had some adventures on the freezing beach. More than anything, though, it was just gorgeous.
Thursday, we went to Sparta and Mystra. Sparta turned out to just be a city like any other. We knew that nothing was there, but we figured there would still be SOMETHING. We were wrong. Mystras was worth it all, though. It was Byzantine ruins built up a mountain. They were mostly ruins of monasteries, though there was one working monastery still there. It was quite a hike, but worth it. It was breathtaking. I can't even describe it, and pictures just cannot do it justice, but let me tell you...If you EVER go to Greece, take a day for Mystra. I thought it was even better than Delphi. Paintings remained within the churches, and it was just so different from what you normally see in Greece (meaning different from ancient ruins).
Friday we took a leasurly day in Nafplio and did some souvenir shopping. It was Greek Good Friday, so the bells were ringing all day. Three times during the day they rang for over an hour, and then there was the chanting. It just went ON and ON. The cathedral was right outside our apartment, so there was no escaping it. We thought it was bad when the bells went off at 7 every morning, but at least then they stopped after less than a minute. We were to the point that we were going crazy. Mom wanted to go tell them that Christ is Risen, so shutup. It was tempting. That night, they had services, and as part they brought decorated epitaphs for Jesus in a procession to the center of town from every church. We stood there with candles as the procession occurred. Each epitaph had pall bearers. They were highly decorated with flowers, and they all have an icon of Jesus on them. They were escorted by choirs, a marching band, a group of soldiers, and small children. People carried crosses and inscense. It was absolutely beautiful. After the procession was over, we left, because we couldn't see anything anyway. Everybody in the town was gathered in the square. Not long later, we heard the band again, and we went out to our balcony. From there, we watched as one of the epitaphs was brought back to the cathedral, with full ceremony. The marching band came, followed by the soldiers and epitaph. The band marched off, and the soldiers lined up to the epitaph was carried between them. Then they marched off. The bells started ringing again, and then there was chanting. It was 11:30 before any of us got to sleep.
The next morning, at 3:30, we woke and were out of the apartment by 4 to get them to the airport. We got all locked up, and Grandma informed us she left her dentures inside. We had to call the tour guide at 4 in the morning to come let somebody in to get it. They weren't even inside. In hindsight it is funny. They got to the plane and home with no issues, and I rode a bus back to Athens. I was in my apartment by 8:15 and aslep by 8:30. 8 hours later I woke, feeling quite refreshed. Don't worry, I was tired enough that it did not interfere with my normal sleeping schedule at all.
Sunday was Greek Easter. I went to my church then went out to get lunch. I was determined to have a traditional Easter meal. It consists of whole lamb rosted on a spit. They also have this intestine thing wrapped around some innards on the spit and roasted. I was brave enough for the lamb, but not the supposedly delicious intestines. My second easter in a week went on without a hitch, and after a day of homework, break has ended. All week I acted as tour guide in many places, which was fun. I also acted as translator, which was more fun. I will be glad to go home, but I have a lot of work to do before then.
See you in May!!
Χριστός ανέστη
Αληθώς ανέστη
Christ is risen...He is risen indeed!!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Funny story from Modern Greek
So, I am going to tell a story on myself from today. We had a modern Greek test. I got done in about 15-20 minutes and went up to hand the prof my test. She gave me a look that said, you can't be done. I watched her face as she looked through my test nodding with the look that says "ok". At one point she makes the "you fell for it face" and hands it back to me explaining that there was a trap on the test. At one point we were to change everything in a sentence to plural. It said, a big juice of orange, so I changed it to big juices of oranges. She says orange should not be made plural. So I fixed that and handed it to her. She looked at it, and handed it back to me again shaking her head. So, I changed big and juices back to singular. She looked at it and handed it back to me again saying "don't get up until you figure it out". I just stared at it until finally she points out it is accusative. I had been making it nominative. So, the 4th time I turned it in, she nodded and kept it. Such are the perils of turning in my test first, because everybody else had the benefit of my mistake, so they did not make that mistake. By the end, I was bright red and giggling from embarassment, but at least I had the answer correct!! Now I just have to decide if on the next test we take I will wait until somebody else has turned it in first (spare myself the embarassment).
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