Israel: Day 11

Shabbat

Shabbat, the day of rest here in Jerusalem begins tonight for the locals. My Shabbat began as my head hit the pillow last night. I awoke early (5AM local) and decided that I could probably beat most of my colleagues to the laundry facility. I tossed in the clothing that walked themselves to the washroom and checked emails. With the wash cycle done, I hung a majority of the clothes upon the lines while I tossed a small load of towels and socks into the small dryer (I prefer my towels/socks to fully dry more quickly to avoid the stiffness…). It was still about 20-30 minutes till breakfast was served at 7AM. So, I had a perfect timeslot to do some reading in the Old Testament. Having traversed the same soils (Cenomanina, Senonian and Eocene) as the characters in the text, the stories really came to life. As David thirsts for his God, I experienced the hot, dry landscape and thirsted for the cool waters of En Gedi. I walk by the place where David rests and see the great expansion of Solomon’s city while I navigate the cobbled pathways of Jerusalem. I hear the words of my Jewish friend in his bookstore from our first Jerusalem walk, “You are here because the Lord has chosen you, invited you to come to this land.”

Breakfast comes and I find myself crawling back into bed for a much needed nap. Shabbat. I meet up with a few gentlemen from the Asbury group and we head into the Old City for a few things. I snatched some salt from the Dead Sea to soak my tired doggies at the local pharmacy and into the Christian Quarter we go. We head to Zak’s place who sells antiquities. I picked up a pair of Mites (Widow’s Mites: Mark 12:42) and we dashed back for lunch. I found myself yet again crawling into the cool sheets of my bed. Shabbat.

In the cool breeze of the afternoon, I try to prepare for the second exam in the morning, remembering all the amazing places we’ve traveled. I think to the days to come when I will have an opportunity to return, return to the place that our Lord has set aside for his people. In this harsh land, His people must rely upon His blessings. I have. Been. Blessed.

Shalom