Back to Normal….Well, sort of

Now that the Biblical high holy days in Israel are over, life is getting back to normal.  Well, I guess it depends on what you consider normal.

Normal for me:

Waking up at 6:00 sharp every morning, because it starts getting light at 5. (I can not sleep when it starts getting light. I’m afraid I’m going to miss something!)

Walking down the mountain and across a busy street to the grocery store every two or three days. (My mother would cringe if she knew how I get across the street.)

Walking to the prayer room daily to either lead or attend prayer watches. This is my joy.

Trying to tune out Muslim calls to prayer that are broadcast over the city five times every day.

Mopping my dusty floors, because our windows are always open and we are a stone’s throw from the desert.

Praying with a short-term volunteer to be released from the typical oppression that comes when you first move here. (It’s always tough, but especially tough when you first get here.)

Trying to figure out why the internet is soooo slow.

Looking at the mountains of Moab from my living room window.

Hanging my wet laundry on a drying rack on my patio because the teeny dryer takes way too long to dry (and is way too expensive).

Pinching myself to make sure I actually live in Israel.

Using my very limited Hebrew with store clerks. (Is zero “tesha” or “efes”?)

Eating fresh pita, turkey, hummus and Israeli salad for lunch (the yoozsh). (That’s for you, Rach.)

Studying the book of Revelation and realizing it’s all going to take place in my neck of the woods!

Having an open door for twenty-somethings to come practice worship leading on our keyboard or to come just to hang out and talk.

Taking a shower in the afternoon because the water is warmer from the solar heater on the roof.

Walking to the Old City and bargaining with the Arab vendors. (“Thirty shekels?! For that?!!”)

Being overwhelmed with gratefulness that I am privileged to experience all this and more.

This is my normal.  And I love it.