Preparations continue for our transition to Nazareth:

I have downloaded a free app which helps you with some rudimentary Arab words like hello, how are you, you are welcome, thanks, that's great, etc.  It is very basic conversation stuff, which has a voice speaking the words, and a phonetic spelling of it.  So my memorization skills have been put to the test.  

Margaret and I have also ordered a book which we have been encouraged to read.  It is called 'From Foreign to Familiar' by Sarah Lanier.  It outlines the differences between 'hot' climate cultures and 'cold' climate cultures.   Obviously in Canada we are 'cold' which means, according to the author, we would value efficiency, individual freedom, and privacy.  'Hot' climates tend to value relationships, events, and groups.  It has been an interesting read, and provoked discussion between Margaret and I about how we fit into the mold. The southern USA, according to the book, exhibits some of the 'hot' tendencies, and possibly since I spent some time there as a teenager, it could explain why I have emphasized 'relationship' rather than being more 'individual' or direct in my communications.  

In addition to learning some language, and customs, and reading a book, Serve Nazareth has given us 5 modules or weeks of questions to answer. Some questions deal with the content of the book, and others are probing our application of the material and encouraging us to have a daily devotion with our Lord.  It is all good.  

Even though we are excited about this time in Israel, we also have some trepidations.  We are leaving the familiar to 'go where we have never gone before'.  We are determined to go and love those we meet in spite of culture clashes.  Please keep us up in prayer!