Impressions from Dave:
The bad news is that it is hotter than I prefer. The good news is that it is drying out my chronic sinus congestion and I am getting my senses of smell and taste back for the first time in a couple of years.
I love analyzing cultures and have noticed that most people here move to the left when meeting someone on the street, but still drive on the right side of the street. In the States we normally move to the right when meeting someone. I've also noticed that there is virtually no eye contact or greeting when meeting someone on the street. Very occasionally an older couple will say 'Shalom.'
We have learned to not use the word "Christian" when referring to ourselves or even the World...Gathering... unless we know they are Christians already. If we do, it instantly shuts down the conversation. The Jewish people have suffered as much, or more, under the name of 'Christian' than Native Americans have.
I've had some time to do some reading since I've been here (a blessing I don't normally get time to do) and have been challenged again in my ways of thinking of missions. Things like 'living' our lives as servants before people and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit in our lives until they ask what makes the difference in the way we live and are. I need to let my life do the talking rather than 'words' all the time. I need to wait, humbly, for the relationship to grow and share Jesus as another special friend when the 'fruit' of my life stimulates their curiosity.
I love getting enough sleep! My college mentor, Dr. Bob Smith, was right when he told us as freshmen that getting enough sleep was the most important thing we could do as we embarked on our journey through college and life. It affects you in all areas of your life, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It's like Diane has shared, "we feel like we are on our second honeymoon."
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3 comments:
OK...we will try a comment to see how comments go..When I look at your pictures, it makes me miss that incredible place and want to be there with you! Of course, we miss you most of all...we really do! You are such a blessing to us!!! Jan ( I think I left 2 comments..thought first one did not take) Luv ya!
OK, you've blown my theory. In Malaysia, people move to the left when passing - but they drive on the left, too. After spending a good deal of time, my first years in the US, bumping into people or doing those awkward "sidewalk dances" where you both move the same direction a couple times, I figured out that Americans move right. But I attributed it to a carry-over from driving on the right. Guess it isn't that simple! Nevertheless, it's definitely one of those subtle cultural rules that is absorbed rather than taught.
The pictures and your comments day after day are amazing! We feel we are with you, discovering this amazing country! (I would not mind staying in this YMCA, the building looks great !)
As the daughter of a Jewish Dad and the wife of a Native American minister, may I comment on your sentence about Jews having suffered "as much, if not more, from Christians" in comparison to Native Americans? Each of those people have suffered in a different and unique way. Their story is very different and cannot be compared. Going the way of comparison is really a dead-end path that ends up hurting all parties involved...
Church of Indian Fellowship misses you a lot and enjoy hearing updates of your life in Jerusalem. We are all very grateful you are taking time to let us know about your discoveries...
LOts of love from Anne-Cecile
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