Blogs from Israel, Middle East - page 150

(As dictated to Betsy.) I’m happy with how my Hebrew is going. Every night we have treasure hunts or a scavenger hunt. In the treasure hunt, I read clues in script in Hebrew and I go to the place and find a treat (gummi treats, chocolate, etc.). In the scavenger hunt, my mom gives me one clue, which leads to another clue, which leads to another clue, and after a lot of clues I find a piece of candy or a dentist’s worst nightmare (not healthy snacks!). Here’s an example of a clue: ".תסתכל על המדף בסלון" (Look on the shelf in the living room.), but it’s written in script instead of block letters. My parents and I talk a lot in Hebrew. I can talk about my piano (איפה המוסיקה שלי? על הפסנתר ; Where ... read more

A few weeks ago, shortly after I wrote the post about how I was finally feeling happy and well adjusted here, I dreamt that I was back at work teaching. Usually these kinds of dreams are nightmares, at least they are for me. In one of the recurring ones, I’m standing in the hallway talking with my colleagues between classes when I suddenly realize that I’m completely naked. I desperately want a towel, but there’s nothing close by. This latest dream, however, was different. I felt a palpable sense of relief to be back at work. I was happy to be there. Perhaps I am still adjusting. My only experience in the field of education is in the US, so I have been curious to see how schooling differs here. In some ways, the US and ... read more

This is what Ayelah said during our Peace, and Environmental Leadership Seminar (PELS) this morning. A cute, curlie haired, small and athletic tel avivan with striking eye makeup. The desert is your test. It is my test. It tests us. There is nothing more vulnerable than living in the desert. It does not forgive. This i have found. I have wore myself out to my bare bones. I have soaked all this in like a sponge, and am sitting here, full, exhausted. I have argued about the conflict, I have planned a project for youth environmental leadership during a seminar of Palestinian and Israeli youth, I have taught Dahn Yoga to my peers (they want me to teach a class every night! wow!), I have baked cakes for birthdays, I have read articles on environmental mediation ... read more

Hey guys sorry it has been so long since I have written. I have been busy and havent gotten around to writing but I had some free time before I go to bed. So its already November, wow.On one hand its hard to believe Ive been here for so long and on the other hand its hard to believe i have so much time left. I will be flying home at 1am on December 21st and should be in boston at around 2:30 pm. So, I have been here for roughly 13 weeks. Throughout that time I have gone through a lot of emotions. At the beginning I absolutley adored Israel and loved every minute I was here. Now, the program hasnt been everything we had hoped and the city has lost its glow. Now, for ... read more