I feel like we’re making the transition to suburban American life quickly, in some respects.
In Israel, I wouldn’t have woken up (and certainly not on a Shabbat, much less Yom Kippur) and checked Craig’s List and found a foosball table for sale at a garage sale less than a mile from our house. Of course, if we had a foosball table in Israel, it would have taken up 100% of our living area. The table was great, and a terrific price ($20), but had a “Sold” sign on it. I bought two bookcases instead. Which made me happier than the boys.
In Israel, we wouldn’t have then gone to a little league soccer game. And we wouldn’t have seen Mark score his first goal. His team has a perfect (losing) record, but that’s not for lack of one serious hustler who lives in our house. I should add that he did his first goal right – no putzy ricochet, or dumb goalie mistake. Mark just dominated the ball and the situation and sent the ball driving through the air high above the goalie’s hands.
In Israel, we wouldn’t have gone to Wendy’s to celebrate aforesaid accomplishment, and if we did, we wouldn’t have gotten cheeseburgers, and if we did, it would have cost many times more than $10.70. I recall that the cheapest hamburger at Burger King in Israel was $3. For $10.70 here, everyone gets full.
In Israel, we might have had a restful afternoon, but not poolside. The kids do not get tired of playing in the water.
After dinner, the boys and I headed over (with our new bikes) to a trail that’s about half a mile from us, where we went for a 6-mile ride. The bike trails here are nicer than the roads in you know where. Apart from the fact that everything is so flat, it really is a pleasant place, with lots of trees, grass, streams, playgrounds. We even saw a number of hot air balloons from the on-going Plano Balloon Festival.
Quite a day. In between the above, I’m reading aggressively through a book on the New Testament in preparation for my PhD entrance exam on Friday (3 hours, covering the whole Bible). It’s a good book, but I have to read 150 pages a day to finish in time (that’s my goal; the prep sheet for the test just says to know the whole Bible). I am learning a lot.
your reflections and observtions are so refreshing and remind me of things to note and be grateful for. It’s cool having a friend recently relocate (internationally)…one who ponders, writes, and shares
Thanx!
I enjoyed reading your reflections on reverse culture “shock.”
By the way, what is the book that you are reading for the entrance exam?
Congrats to Mark on his first goal!
Paul – I am reading Intro to the NT, by Carson and Moo. I don’t agree with everything they conclude so far, but they have done a good job.
Todd: May God give you strength and continued desire as you study. I’ll pray that you have focus and a clear mind during the exam.
Hey Todd,
I’m glad you are enjoying the States! When are you going to come speak at TMC? :)
Jennica – depending on how you define “speak,” November.
Todd, there was a picture of you outside the cafe today advertising for the Fall ’08! It made all of us in SPO’7 a little happy! We all miss you and can’t wait until November!
Tell the fam I said Shalom Yall!
Well done Mark!!!! It is fun to see how you and the family are beginning to fit into the Dallas flow of life. I am looking forward to seeing you in Nov. it should be a lot of fun. Recently I have been talking to a friend and he is moving down to Fort Worth after graduation and I might join him, it would be fun. Take care
Todd,
While we were hiking in En Gedi today, we were discussing Ancient Israel (obviously) and Abner and Bill were talking about what you would probably say on such a trip. Abner then mentioned that you will get the chance to share at TMC in November. What fun! I wish I could be there. Any chance you could come speak at chapel on Friday nights anytime in the next semester and a half? Will you be leading any trips this summer? It’s good to hear your family is doing well. We miss you here at IBEX. Camping is not the same without you. How was the exam?