The Ongoing Saga

Its hard to believe four weeks have about past since we arrived in Israel. In some ways we have settled in and yet some things we are still getting used to. We understand that newly weds celebrate their weddings for a few days, and they like to ignite fireworks. What is unusual for us is that it seems like every night the hills reverberate. This would never happen in Canada as a neighbour would complain, and a friendly police officer would make a visit. In addition, as Nazareth is predominately Muslim, there are five daily calls to prayer, where wailing is broadcast from high minarets for about five minutes for everyone to hear. I guess it is allowed as church bells also ring out church times! The other issue is litter! There in no stigma about tossing things out on the ground. I have taken to carrying a 'grabber' to collect litter as I walk around the hospital property, to try to tidy things up! We never have a shortage of things to do. We have our volunteer work. Margaret likes the maternity ward, caring for newborns. This week she a set of tended twins! I have been very accepted on the in the mental health unit, telling stories to mostly Muslims!
At Nazareth Village they have me play a number of roles. I started as a watchman, then was a 'tekton' which is the Greek word for Jesus' occupation. The literal translation of tekton is not just a carpenter of wood as is usually assumed, but a master builder or architect. I have been shoring up terrace walls which were showing signs of erosion and posing as Joseph in the carpenter shop, using first century tools to bore a 1x3 square inch hole in a 3.5 inch piece of eucalyptus. I assisted in the kitchen to feed over 200 people a meal of lentil soup, bread, dips, and chicken. I also served as tour guide, escorting a Norwegian group of 50 students, and then a group of about 20 mostly Americans. Margaret was helping to pick olives this week, and starting Monday, we will be using the olive press to start making olive oil.
Also this week, I did a meditation at Hospital chapel, and have been asked to do a devotional at the English service on Sunday evening, along with Margaret leading some worship songs.
It is Yom Kippur in Israel today. I had thought I could be part of some celebration, but no. No driving is allowed for Jews today. In fact, you may have stones thrown at you while driving in a Jewish neighbourhood. Muslims also have a high day. So all in all, it has been a very quiet day! A day for quiet, rest, family time, reflection, and, relaxation. Sounds like sabbatical!