Well, the first day of "class" is over...basically an overview/introduction of what we will be doing the next couple of months. I'm suffering a little from syllabus shock, but after last semester (full time work & full time school), I think I will manage ok. I was going to be working here almost 10 hrs per week, but thankfully was able to get that knocked down to about 2-4. Ok so you probably want to know what life is like here, so here goes...

The food is good...different, but good. When we walked in the door for breakfast we were greeted by salads and lots of raw fish...not your typical American breakfast to say the least. They also had yogurt, granola, many different cheeses, breads, eggs, and pancakes (w/ chocolate syrup, not maple). I think the funniest thing right now is going and filling up my plate with...well, I don't exactly know what. Everyone is taking it a little slow, but for the most part I like it. :) The tabouli is great, the hummus served at almost every meal delicious, and the raw fish...well, that will take some getting used to. :) Basically all our food is prepared in a "Kosher" kitchen, which means dairy products are served only at breakfast with meats and such at lunch and dinner. You won't find a cheeseburger or beef, bean and cheese burrito here!

-Here are some ratios you might think are interesting...

28-13.....girls to guys
41-2.......students to washing machines
41-1.......students to dryer
10-1.......students to shower
10-2.......students to bathrooms
1-1........student to bed & desk
1-2........student to closet space/shelving

Tomorrow, assuming our instructor is over the flu and feeling well enough to, we will venture into the Old City (Jerusalem), which will be our first real look at the tangible history and geography of Israel. For now, we are trying to stay awake until 2200, as most of us are still a little bit on the time zone of the other side of the world (where you are) :).

I think one of the (many) things the Lord will teach me most over this time is to trust and depend on Him more. Already I have had to turn in an incomplete assignment, and give up some work hours I had committed too, which, for me, are kinda hard to do...I don't like to quit. But, I think that this semester I will be challenged in these types of ways more and I will be forced to look at the motives of my heart...why am I doing what I am? Is it to please people or to please God?

Well, enough for now...better get ahead on some homework or do something productive. :)

I hope you all are doing well...sorry if I can't write you back personally...but I love hearing from you!

In Christ Alone,

Liz

"...And He said to me, "My grace is sufficent for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ my dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9