July 1, 2002
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The sunset -- that's what I'm looking out at now from our apartment. It really has become my favorite time of day here (although since Mark and I have been staying up so late, not sure why, I haven't seen many early mornings so far). Something tells me that they're beautiful, as well. :)
Anyway, hello to you -- a group of very special people. Excuse the not-as-personal format, it's not my favorite ... but this seems different to me because you're all family.
First of all, Mark and I miss you a lot. We are enjoying our time here and are happy to be pursuing something so important to us, but our hearts are facing west all the time. Without the support and friendship that our marriage provides, I can imagine this being much more of a challenge. Just when I'm feeling frustrated about figuring out the internet or speaking the language or learning to cook in a mystery oven, Mark is there to give a hug and say something really silly and uplifting. We're very blessed to be here together.
It seems like so much has happened in these last two weeks, yet it also feels like it has gone by in two hours. Little bumps in the road here and there (leaving Mark's palm pilot behind on the plane and our passports and all our money in the rental car...), but for the most part we're feeling settled and happy to be here. Last Shabbat was so restful and fun (we had dinner with my friend, Yael, and then most of Saturday at Nili's family's for lunch). Our week started off really well with a dinner for all the HUC students (and two other spouses here) at our apartment. It was a tight squeeze, but a very warm and wonderful group. Mark played guitar and we sang a shehechayanu to welcome this new time in our lives. Ulpan started on Monday and has been great. Not only the learning and improving, but the bit of schedule it provides. For me, at least, that's an important part of feeling "normal." We're also close to joining the YMCA, which is just a 2 minute walk from our apartment and a nice facility. I'm going to be taking lots of classes -- yoga, pilates, stretching and toning, etc. I'm not sure how I'm going to continue with my strength conditioning, though, without my personal trainer (Leslie :) We also bought an annual pass to the cinematheque, which shows a mixture of artsy films, documentaries, and relatively new movies from the States. We're going to see an afternoon screening of Harry Potter tomorrow with some classmates. :) I'm working out the details to begin volunteering at the kindergarten across the street. I figure it will be a great way to give and receive good, fun energy. Plus, it should be a GREAT place to improve my Hebrew. Mark just picked up my computer from the hospital, so as soon as we get that set up I'm sure I'll be busy back in the wonderful world of Macintosh. :) Go on... just try and say something!! Don't forget, there is more than 5% Mac market share included in this e-mail. :) Anyway, the truth is that I don't know exactly how my year is going to unfold here, but I'm fine with that and I'm excited about the process of growing and experiencing a new reality here.
My hope is that this will be a year of great communication for all of us ... in different ways on different days, but definitely on a consistent basis. I'm looking forward to hearing a lot about what's happening with all of you over the year -- travels, moves, birthdays, work, first sentences, school, good books you have read, etc.
Finally, please know that we are taking many extra precautions to be smart and safe. We are asking tons of questions, reading everything we can get our hands on, identifying the patterns of past incidents, and not taking any chances. We're taking this very seriously and know that not only do we have a responsibility to follow our own dreams, but also to return home to you safe and sound. In the meantime, feel free to express whatever is important for you to express. We're very open to discussion. We know that in a very deep way, you support and love us. And that means more than anything in the world.
Much love,
Rachel Ann
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