August 30, 2002
Israel | Hebrew Union College |
Travel | Family |
Fun | Thoughts |
Recent Photos | Home
Hello! I'm sure you're wondering why you received a blank e-mail from me earlier today. No, I didn't have an extremely boring week... just an overanxious mouse and a willing "send" button. :)
This week was even better than the last. Close to perfect, dare I say! So many great things are happening. We began the week with a mini-celebration of our second Hebrew wedding anniversary (17 Elul). Just a nice, quiet dinner with wine and great conversation. That same day we received a great care package from Mark's sister, Leslie, and her husband, Roger (plus their little cutie, Cameron, and Chapin (our little cutie) and his cousin, Calvin). They went all out -- chips and salsa (Mark was VERY happy), music, games, a frame... all sorts of fun stuff. We feel so loved :)
I began volunteering with "A Package From Home" and loved my first experience there. I met a really nice group of people and we set a record of 362 packages in less than three hours. It was a very systematic and organized process ... which I thrive on (those of you who know this about me must be laughing at this point :). We learned about the history of the project, as well. As most great things do, this started as a simple and kind gesture on the part of one woman and has turned into a huge mitzvah. I love hearing stories like these, as they remind me of how powerful we all are, even as individuals, to make positive changes in our world.
The Jerusalem Arts and Crafts Fair was held this week with over 150 artists, live music, great food, lots of energy, etc. We had a great time with our friends and were happy to see a perfect example of how life goes on in Jerusalem, despite the circumstances.
My HTML learning continued and I'm officially hooked! In a couple of weeks I'm going to start making a website so we can share pictures and news about what is happening here. The fiancee of one of Mark's classmates is an expert at HTML and she's sharing a couple hours of her time, plus a whole lot of knowledge, with three of us. I'll keep you updated about the site.
Last night we got together with the rest of the HUC couples (10 total) to have dinner and see a movie at the cinematheque. We saw Monsoon Wedding which was FABulous. Very well done, unlike any other move I have seen. Recently, we also saw Moulin Rouge (we loved seeing it on the big screen). Mark and I are fascinated by that movie. We borrowed the DVD from a friend and, in addition to watching the movie a couple of times, went through all the "extras." I love the music and the creative cinematography.
Woven in between the fun I spent a lot of time with my video project -- still loving every minute. I was so immersed in it today that I almost started a fire! Twice I started water on the stovetop for tea and twice I forgot about it. Better be careful from now on. I think I'm finally coming to terms with the reality that I'm a computer nerd. :)
The week wrapped up with a stroll through the Old City and a visit to the Western Wall. You'll see a photo attached here from our walk.
All this happening in a relatively quiet Jerusalem. We pray that the quiet times will continue.
Off to Kol Hanishama synagogue for Shabbat services and then dinner with some new friends. Keep sending all the GREAT news :) and updates about what is happening with you.
Love,
Rachel Ann
