A New Adventure

I am about to go on the adventure of a life time.

This last year I applied twice to go study abroad in Israel--the Holy Land. The first time I was flat out rejected. The second time I was placed on a waiting list in the eighteenth slot. It was better than a rejection, though, so I celebrated a partial victory. And I waited. And waited... and waited. By June I had moved to place eight, and I rejoiced at the possibilities. Three weeks later I hadn't moved at all, and despair sat in again. After the final payment deadline had passed, I had moved to place five--though I doubted whether anyone would drop after that point.

I was wrong.

A week later I called the Jerusalem Center representatives in Provo and was informed that I had moved to place three. The next day they called me to say that they were sorry for the late notice but it happened that they had an opening for me and would I like to take it?

Let me think about--YES. Hooray! Victory! I went to my Heavenly Father with praise and thanksgiving that night--He knows more than anyone how much I desired this opportunity and how difficult the waiting was. I am so grateful that He saw fit to try my patience (which of all my qualities needed refinement) and to give me this gift  when I was ready.

So it is settled. Two weeks from today I will board a plane with some one hundred and fifty students and will fly to Tel Aviv, then go by to arguably the holiest and most revered city in all the civilized world.

Jerusalem.

As you can see, my happy little blog has been the recipient of a complete makeover, both in appearance and title. From now until mid-December it will become the annals of my discoveries and adventures and wonderings and everyday magic in the Holy Land. I begin now, as opposed to before we leave, so that when I look back someday I will know what happened as I prepared to go.

I welcome you to join me on my adventures in these little writings. I can't wait to see what the next few months will bring. 

 

Ahlan wa sahlan--you are most welcome here. Ma'assalaama, my friends! 'Til next time...

The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies--my new home.