Where has she been?

Alright everyone, I know I have been terrible. The truth is things got a little crazy with finishing my second level of Hebrew, and then there was the whole needing some rest part. Oh, and I don't really have a good way to always be connected with the internet. This being said, I want to renew my commitment to blogging and letting you know how I am doing. I am currently on a break between the summer courses and the Fall 2010 semester, where I will take my place in this world as a real live Graduate student! Until then, starting today, I will be in Europe for 11 days, doing that "find yourself" thing.

I fly out tonight at five-ish to Prague, then a bus to Vienna, a boat to Bratislava, a but Budapest, and a flight to Israel from there. As you can imagine, I am extremely excited, but also nervous. No worries, I am not going to party, mostly to visit Church and Synagogues. I promise to be safe and to take pictures, and then to share the experience with you after I return.

Until then, much love,
Claire in Israel.

We'll call this one: A real post.

NOTE: My room mate Anna also keeps a blog! She is much better at remembering to update, and seems to enjoy putting me in her posts, so please check out what she has to say about Israel: www.jerusalem-girl.blogspot.com

Hello Everyone,

It's Claire, the one who used to keep you updated all the time. Well here I am, back again, and attempting to not be so terrible at keeping a blog going. Perhaps my absence deserves some sort of explanation. I wish I could tell you that I have been off doing amazing things, meeting new people, seeing new places, but the truth is that I've been studying. As I said before, I took my level exam from my last course, had a week off, and they started back into second level Hebrew. I've also taken Greek and Hebrew back up... but only when I have time to actually look at them. The reason, this Hebrew level is literally blowing my mind. I can't even believe that the entire class is in Hebrew... and that I actually understand what is being said most of the time... I also can't believe that I have four more levels to go after this. I dream in Hebrew sometimes, or more like have nightmares about my class! (ha) But seriously, this 25 hours of Hebrew class a week is no joke. I never thought I would be so focused on anything in my life. Well, I would now like to bring you through some of the things that I have been doing in my weeks apart from you.

1. I've been cooking a lot. This of course is my attempt to save money and have some semblance of a budget. I've made salads and all types of rice, but this is more than that, this is the story of my first whole chicken:

It all began with a sale on meat. If I spent 150 sheckles I could 6 kilos of meat for 60 sheckles. (I split the meat with Anna). So I walked out of the store with 3 and a half chickens and 2 pounds of ground beef. Just to give you an idea, usually the beef a lone would cost 60 sheckles (around 12 -14 dollars.) The only issue was that neither Anna or I had ever cooked a chicken before...so I called Mom. The following pictures where stolen from Anna.


This is the subject. Notice the chicken has a neck, something Anna and I had never seen before, so because we had never seen this and it looked so strange...I cut it off. Believe me it hurt me more than it hurt the chicken. Later I found out that I could have left the darn thing on the body. Figures. I also gave it a nice bath and rubbed with some chicken seasoning that I bought soley because it said "Chicken Seasoning" on it in English. (This tells you the kind of day I was having.)



Here we see the chicken in our "oven." Anna told me that she's seen ovens like this on house hunters, so apparently its completely normally to plug your "over sized toaster oven" looking oven into the wall and call it a day in Europe. The thing is I had no idea it was a real oven until some told me that the tempture dial was in celcius and I could cook anything I wanted in it. I think a cake should be next...





This is the finished product. Actually it can out really well, other than being small and neckless. I am happy to debut this as my first chicken, may it not be the last. Anna and I have been enjoying eatting it for the past few days. (That night I enjoyed it with some mac n' cheese... mmm classy).







Well the rest of my pictures are currenly not loading on my computer... so I will try and update you again in the next few days! Sorry about this.

Love,

Claire in Israel .

We'll call this one: Were did she go?!?

I know what you are thinking... Where did Claire go? I don't think I have posted in over a week, and I promise that this was not my intention. I know that you will understand me when I tell you that I just finished my course yesturday, and I have been spending most of my time with a Hebrew book and a white board, writing out verb conjugations. But, you will be happy to know that I am now completely finished with Ramah Alef (Level One) of Hebrew and ready to move on to Level two! I count this as a huge accomplishment, but I must say that even though the course is over, I need to study! I need to pack so much information into my brain this summer...I wish I was joking!

Currently I am waiting for my room mate Anna, to get out of her Biblical Hebrew Exam. I thought it would be a good idea to go with her to school today and get some of the administrative things out of the way. You know, like making sure I am actually signed up for the next class; Because nothing is more embarrasing then not being on the class list on the first day...nothing... or being called to the office and told that you owe 100 dollars... (like last time).

Anyway, I need to get going, I will post more later. I have this week off so I will be able to do some more blog worthy things.

Love,
Claire in Israel

We'll call this one: I make myself laugh.

On Making a lot of food at once to save money:

Yes, it is true, I make "lunch" for the week. Last week it was chili, this week, a much cheaper option... Lentils, Rice, Chicken, and Onions (I got this out of Anna's Israeli Cookbook!) I didn't take a picture of me making this, because I was tired, but after I started to pack everything up I just cracked up! I mean here we have 7 containers of rice, a small cup to try, and you arn't seeing the dinner I sent over to my friend John or the small container that I decided to divy-up between the lunches. That's a lot o' lentils! I think the whole meal cost around 12 dollars, for 7 days of food... $1.70 a meal? Now thats who we do it! Gosh I am going to be so sick of lentils, but I am trying to think of what Dad would say to my Mom, "Well that was a good amount of fiber, doesn't Kathy?"

In other news, I was doing a lot of crying yesturday. I am learning to budget (life is expensive) and also learning everything else about this country which is different in every way. It's exhausting to always be accepting new things. Pray for me.

I am so happy it is the weekend. I plan on sleeping and finishing my Class book, that way I can start on the next book next week.

Blessings,
Claire in Israel.

We'll call this one: Multicultural.

In celebration of cultural diversity, our ulpan class hosted a dinner which included all foods which represented the various countries that we....well that we represent.
Anna did a wonderful job setting up her apartment for around ten guests. Really, it looked amazing, and she was so excited for the company, as you can see.

Here is Francesca from Italy making Pasta with a sauce that was literally to die for. I could havent eatten it forever. Also served was Beet Salad from Anna (Russian-American), Israeli Salad with Feta from Sarah (Jewish-American), Veggie Sushi from Un-ay (Korea), Potato Berakas from Kinaret (Israeli-American). For dessert, Laur from Paris made Milk Rice with Stewed plums, which was rice pudding with hot plums melting inside of it... by the time I got to this dish I could no longer fit anyfood, but I managed to add this to my stomach because it really was the best rice pudding I have ever tasted (sorry mom! but you need to make it with plums!) Then of course we finished of with Turkish coffee and wonderful converstation about what we love about our home culture (topic chosen by our host, Anna). It was a wonderful time of fellowship and so enjoyable. I am so happy that I got to go.

Love you,

Claire in Israel.

We'll call this one: Photogenic

A Trip Back to the City

Anna, Lauren, and I took another visit to the Sep. this last Thursday, the only thing was I was already tired from the Tanach Show and we took a bus and didn't know where to get off...and I was just the littlest bit cranky...anyway it went alright after I got a soda in my stomach.
Here is a shot of one of the streets near the Church. Notice the man holding the tray, they use these in the City to carry around Coffee and Tea.

Here is a nice picture of the ladder thats been sitting on the Church for over 100 years. No one can agree on who put it there so here it sits, waiting to petrify. A cross leaning against the front of the Chruch. I am assuming this is the one that the Monks use when walking the Via Del Arosa each day.

The following are so (I am shocked really) amazing shots I got of the prayer candles surronding the tomb in the Church. I can't believe that came out! Mind you I felt kind of terrible for taking pictures around people praying, so I hurried and then waited in line to inside the tomb with Lauren and Anna, who remembered to bring her rosery this time around.

We'll call this one: Anna's Step. Mostly because Anna is interested in the story behind it. Just like the ladder that no one can agree on. The Monks and Priests argue over who owns the right to clean that little stone slab at the bottom of the staircase. They argue each day over weather it is actually a step or just a part of the staircase. Who knows? Anyway we ended the trip with some falafel from Damascus gate, well I did. She I purchased one, and when the girls went to ask for theirs, they said they were out of food for the day (which is why I kept rushing the ladies to get to the stand), so then we had to walk to another and less tasty place to get the rest of our supper. One thing you should know about the Old City if you ever get a chance to visit, is that most of the shops close around 6 or 7 because men like to go home for dinner. Really you should get to the Falafel stand around 5 or earlier. Also, don't take the bus in the late afternoon, because it's rush hour and getting around takes forever! I miss the subway....

I just wanted to include this picture of a crow from my bedroom window (if you click on it, it may enlarge). Crows here are not completely black, but have a grey body. They remind me of old men because they have grey hair and never stop complaining (lol). Also, every evening before bed, we have to listen to the sound of distant fireworks. My room mate Sana tells me they are to celebrate weddings. They will even shot guns off to celebrate a marriage. Really not my favorite thing, because it sounds like explosions, but I guess I will just have to get used to it. But how am I supposed to know if it's the real thing? Thats what I want to know!

Oh Mommy, for you. When we were in the Old City we met an ugly kitten who was stuck and screaming. So I helped him down. But I wanted to show him to you because I know you love ugly kittens. Also, for everyone else: We found a street fair and they were selling "Cat Whistles" there. I thought this must be like a Dog Whistle and didnt think anything of it. But then we kept hearing the sound of screaming kittens everywhere we turned and we couldn't figure out where in the heck these cats where... It was the whistles! Have you ever heard of this?

Also for sale at the fair were these wonderful colorful puppets. They had every character and animal you could think of, so I had to show you, because they were so pretty to look at. I ended up buying a handmade hair clip made from a real rose. I guess this lady makes these clips from different mediums and resin, and they are really neat. It was a great find and for not so much money. I will get you the web site so you can see her other products.



On going back to the Shook...
I made Chili! and it came out! Mmmmmm. Other than the fact that I had to pay $10 for a pound of beef, (maybe because it's Kosher) it was a great investment. I know have lunch for the entire week...literally, seven meals, plus enough to feed three others after I made it! Yum!

While I was making Chili, Anna was cleaning our porch. Thanks Anna, this was great of you! Now we can enjoy it. They only thing is that porch was so dirty that now its still half dirty...we have decided to clean in waves. I also tried to clean the shower, to no avail. I may try again tomorrow to finish it.

Here is the first stage of Chili; cooking the veggies... thats ginger in there!
This is bascially the finished product... kind of. It got thicker and looked more like Chili when it was done. Yum.

Anyway yall, see you soon.

Love you,

Claire in Israel

We'll call this one: I didn't forget you.

Alright everyone, I just wanted to apologize for not updating a few days. It's just that It have been really busy and I need to charge my camera. But I cannot wait to show you pictures of my adventure to see "The Tanach Show." Also, maybe a picture of my lovely 100% I just got on my latest quiz! (I am not trying to brag at all, but I was just SO EXCITED about how hard work pays off :). This evening I am going into the Old City with Lauren, finally. I will finally get to show her the Holy Sep. Also, I may attempt to make chili this weekend...mmmm. My goal is to make a big pot of something once a week.

YUM! Until you've had the same thing five days in a row. Luckily my beans are about to run out. So I can use the pot again.

Blessings, Claire in Israel

We'll call this one: The Busy Weekend

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! I guess...

It's true...I almost forgot about the birth of my nation, but it's easy here. Anna and I were discussing getting a burger or a falafel to celebrate, so we'll see. The weekend was nuts! But I can't wait to tell you all about it. I am not used to going out so much, so I will have to stay in for a few days and study hard. Also, taking a taxi can add up, will no one show me how to use the bus here? I just need a good teacher! Anyway I've taking the liberty of adding photos to help you visualize, and I hope you enjoy them, because the more photo's you add the more difficult it becomes to put them all in order. Luckily, it is all worth it because I am up to FOUR followers and who knows how many rogue followers there are :). So here it is!

Thursday Afternoon: A trip to the Old City

This was supposed to be an oppertunity for Lauren to see the Holy Sepulchre, but she had a bathroom overflow in her apt., so I took Anna and Anna instead. I was very excited because for Anna (my room mate), this was to be her first venture into the city! We had an interesting time getting there in a taxi. Anna from class and I have been trying to practice Hebrew with whoever will speak it with us, so this was no exception with this driver. However, he did fall asleep at a light! Then, when I was paying, he told me how beautiful I was (in Hebrew of course). I told him thank you, but I should have told him to go home to take a nap!

Our First stop in the City was the Damascus Gate. This is really the most exciting gate in the City because it flows straight into the Arab Quarter. No tourists here! Just real people trying to get their shopping done. If you are ever in Israel, enter the gate and go down the steps, where the road forks, there is a falafel stand. 7 SHEKS ($1.75) for the BEST FALAFEL in Jerusalem, just ask anyone, or any guidebook. I mean you have not tasted falafel until you have had this. Really, I ate mine and everything that Anna couldn't fit into her stomach. My mouth in watering just thinking about it. Really, come visit me and I will take you there.

Our next stop was the Western Wall (Ha Chotel). It was beautiful as usual, and I thought it was very fitting that there was a Dove wondering around. We did not stop to pray, but it was neat to be with Anna as she saw it for the first time. Soon after we sat and had some Lemonade in the Jewish Quarter while we waited for Rabbi Moses shop to open. This is a great place to go if you have a question about Judaism or need something Jewish related (That is good quality).

Next, I made sure (being the ex-JUCer and history lover that I am) that I brought Anna to the Cardo. This is part of the original street (6th Century) that would have run the length of the entire city and with the Holy Sep. situated in the middle. It is currently around 20ft. below street level. A portion has been rebuilt to house shops. Here is a shot of a section which was excivated.

Next was to the Sepulcre itself. If you press on the photo you will get a better look at it. This was my first chance to wonder around for myself, and I am so glad that I did. Due to the constant fighting of the Orthodox denominations, much of it is in disrepair, but it is truely breathtaking...like enough that I was almost in tears. It is such a wonderful place to remember the sacrifice that our Savior made for us, where you believe it happened exactly here or not.

This is just a shot of one section of the roof in the Church. I have never had a chance to see this in person so I was pretty excited. The photo really just does not do it justice.



Ok, so this photo could be illegal... It's the inside of the tomb of Jesus in the Sepulcre. Anna and I waited in line, and as soon as the monk turned his back I got the shot, and then nelt (nelt?) to pray. Anyway the tomb is very small and only five people can shove in at a time. I guess this is where they were supposed to have layed the body out. Beats me how they figure that the tomb of Jesus would be just sitting there waiting for them to build a Chruch around it...but that's just me. Anyway, we really enjoyed our time there, and I am planning on going back with Lauren in toe soon. Afterward, we got the falafel, and then we went to Shabans and got some Turkish coffee and practiced our Hebrew some. Shabans brother offered to bring us some cookies on monday, So hopefully we can go back and try them. Oh and then on our way out of the city, I totally saw George, the old cook from JUC. Never thought I would hug an Arab man in public, but there you go. I was so confused when I saw my named being called from behind me, but I was happy to see him. I can't believe he remembered me. Anyway, he owns a chocolate shop in the Old City now, along with a health/vitamins shop.... strange right? Oh right around this time I recieved the best pick up line EVER:





Boy (Points behind me...): You dropped something.

Me (Idiot, looks): I did?
Boy: Yes, My Heart. (Holds his chest).



While we were in the Arab Quarter I picked up some Hibiscus tea in the market. This stuff is...amazing. You have to put sugar in it or else it is too bitter, but it kind of tastes like... hot apple cider... hot punch.... hot wine... I am not sure how to discribe it other then... I am sending some to the states for you to try because you will be crazy for it. I made some for the girls and they loved it. It tasted even better because I haggled down for it.

Friday, The Shook (Market)

Gosh, I have been working on this forever and my back is burning, but I must continue. I promised mom I would post pictures of the huge open air market in Jerusalem on the top of Ben Juhuda Street. This is the real Israel! Food...clothing...Jewelry....cleaning supplies...everything...and cheap cheap cheap. Also a good place to practice your Hebrew Numbers. It was a successful day, I got goat yogurt, lychees http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee, rose bud tea, a roll chart, cheap pots and pans...etc. Gosh it took a lot out of me. Anna from class was running all over getting things to make Shabbat dinner for us.

Fish just out in the open...not even behind glass...mmmm.

Bags of dried goods, with fruit in the background....mmmm.....

I also got some lovely roses for $2.50. Here they are sitting on our table.

Here is a picture of the finds of the day.

That day I made beans in our new pot. I was so proud of myself. Plus, I have dinner for the week now!
















And lastly, Anna, Anna, and Sarah, and I had Shabbat dinner together. I brought beans and Hulah bread. Sarah made Israeli salad, and Anna made Borscht (she's from Russia).

SATURDAY!!

Saturday was lovely. I woke and went to Bible study and Church and saw some Old Friends, namely Seth Haigh from JUC! Then I caught a taxi home where I cleaned and did laundry. I perfect rest from School work.

ALRIGHT. ENOUGH. I have been sitting here for hours and I want to go home to my apt.

Love you all,

Claire in Israel

We'll call this one Happy Memories

BACK TO THE OLD CITY ONCE AGAIN!

So, I finally had the chance to get back to the Old City with some friends yesturday. I just wanted to show you some pictures of the Wall and the Temple Mount, as I know that these are the iconic places that everyone wants to see when they get to "The Holy Land." John, Justin, Ryan and I had a wonderful time exploring and visiting with Shavan the Shopkeeper, who is famous for his hospitality to students. If you are every in Israel you need to meet this man! We also got some awful falafel in the Jewish Quarter (because everyone else was closed for the day) and sat and had nice conversation. I am excited for today to go back and visit once again. I wont have the internet until Sunday, so I will update you then.

In His Service,

Claire in Israel

ps. Anna, any spelling errors?

We'll call this one: My Room

TADA! MY ROOM

Well there you go Mom, it really does exsist! I even cleaned it to get a nice picture...I even put out a Bible to look more spiritual! (That was a joke). Jennilee, if you are reading this, notice that Mr. Bunny made the trip to Israel with me. The rooms are very nice, especially because I have a three person non-coed suite. Some of the bigger undergrad rooms are five bedroom and coed (really not my cup of tea). I bought curtains the other day to keep my privacy. See, their are no blindes on the windows, just steal storm (or maybe "bomb" covers). There is also a safe room in the apartment which just happens to be Anna's bedroom, Lucky her! I really think the only thing I am missing for my room now is something to put on the wall... I was thinking maybe maps I

will be collecting as I travel around the city? Hmmm....

The next two days will be busy for me. I am hoping to go to the Old City tonight with John and Justin, and then tomorrow afternoon we are going to the Chotel (The Western Wall), the Holy Sep., and hopely Hez. Tunnel. It's alot of activity but luckily we don't have class on friday so we can rest afterward. I am very excited about that, not that I don't like rising everymore at 6:30! I got my first test back today! I got a 90%! I would be more excited about this but...I made careless mistakes, one of them was spelling! UGH! However, the quiz today was much better and I think that I will recieve 100%. I just need to remember to check over my work and not just assume I have answered correctly. Anyway, I have to go meet my roomate as she gets out of class, so hopefully tomorrow I will have some shots of the Old City to share with you. Miss you all very much! (I hope someone is reading this mess of thoughts!)

Love you,

Claire in Israel

We'll call this one: Baby Steps

I am getting better with my Hebrew every day. I am even starting to think in some Hebrew phrases. However, that doesn't stop this experience from being terribly frustrating process. I am in class by 8:30, but I leave at 8 to make it on time. And then when I get home I study for a few hours, and then do it all again the next day. I know what you are thinking..."Claire, have some fun!" but right now the most fun I have had is picking out curtians and buying a falafel. Now worries though, I promise that I will evantually go out and see... something. I just cannot forget that I am here for a reason. I am hoping that on Thursday I will be able to go into the Old City with some friends. I am also really looking forward to going to Church again. Speaking of the falafel I bought last night with Anna, it was excellent, and only 10 shecks ($2.50)! Anna thinks we should go again this week, but I think it wouldn't be so good for my waist line. But in reality it was the best thing I've had since I've been here. We are sans pots and pans right now so I am living on cottege cheese and anything you can make with boiled water (i.e. soup). One thing to mention, the falafel had FRENCH FRIES IN IT! Not really authentic, but I could care less lol. The lunch here is not so expensive either. Today I got a huge egg sandwhich and a capachino for only $5. mmmm.... (I forgot my lunch at my apt.)

Yesturday was our first quiz. I think it went really well because I was basically finished before everyone even after I checked it over. I guess when you study you don't really need to worry about taking tests. (HA!)

Oh, today I bought a ticket to see a play in Hebrew. We were invited at a special student price of 40 sheckles (Like 10$) and I thought it would be a great oppertunity to listen to people speak. The play is funny versions of stories from the Torah, so I am certainly looking forward to it. Hopefully all of my classmates will attend and it will be like a feild trip (don't you miss those?).

Continue to keep me in your prayers about my time here. I will try to have pictures of my room posted tomorrow. I just ran out of time to do it all today.

I love and miss you all very much, love,
Claire in Israel

We'll call this one: My Address

If you would like to send me a letter, package, visitor, etc... you'll need to have this information:

Claire Regan
Kfar Hastudentim
Lo Chamei Hagetaot St. #2
Bldg.12D33
French Hill, Jerusalem 97880 Israel

Love, Claire

We'll call this one: A different kind of adjustment.

Hello Everyone! You will be happy to know that I have finally become registered on my school's internet system, so now I can post and respond much more quickly! I am very excited to get to hear from friends and family more often.

Life thus far is going fine. However, things are different here than I thought they would be. I do not think that I am in culture shock, but I am in College shock. I thought it would be easy to be around people who live a different lifestyle then me, but more often then not I find myself with a puzzled look on my face, i.e. You do what? You go where? etc. I'm not at PBU anymore, which is alright, but I did not anticipate the shift being so difficult. I also did not anticipate to be homesick as much as I am. I suppose it is because this is a rather permanent arangement and I have no way of knowing when I will be home next. I feel so blessed to be here but I also miss being with y'all in the States. I mean I've only cried a little, but I didn't think I would cry at all.

I would like to explain a little about what I am doing at school so early this year. Right now I am attending what is called an Ulpan (meaning studio). This is a Hebrew class for adults. I am currently finishing level 1 or level alef, and then later in the summer will start level bet (2). (How exciting!) Before I graudate with my masters I need to have completed level vav (6) which is basicly fulency. So hopely by the time I finish in two years I will sould like an Israeli! I already find myself replacing english words with Hebrew ones, which means I am starting to think in the right way! Wouldn't it be nice if I could go a whole day without speaking english? I think so! So far, my Hebrew is getting better everyday. I am trying to be a good student so that I can level through the program as quickly as possible!

This weekend was a needed blessings. I meet up with Robynne, a woman I know from my internship with Chosen People Ministries in NYC, and she and I and Anna K. took a taxi to Canasiya (Church). This of course was on Saturday morning. We ended up at a Church called the Baptist House in the New City, and I felt so welcome there. It was nice to have Christian fellowship and also to worship the Lord together. I am looking forward to becoming more involved there once I purchase a bus pass for the year. When you are away from home it is good to find family :). Anna also had a great time at Church because some of the attendees she had as professors when she was in Israel last summer. My new friends John and Justin were also in attendence.

Tonight my room mate Anna and I are going on the mall trip to try and purchase so more homegoods. We desperately need pots and pans and such so we can start cooking real meals. Thus far its been soup and sandwhiches, which is fine but not ideal. I would love some eggs right now.... Gosh I suppose Iam going to have to learn to cook. It is really expensive to set up house, but I am happy that my room mate wants to go in on things with me. I hope the trip tonight is expensive.

OH GOODY! My new friend Ryan just gave my an adapter for my computer in my room! I am so excited, now I do not have to buy one!

Well I am thinking about getting some coffee...so until then!

Love,
Claire in Israel

We'll call this one: Hello from Israel

Well here I am. So much has happened over the past few days that I am kind of at a loss at where to start all the telling. I guess I will start at the beginning.

I flew to Israel on Sunday. We rose early in the morning and Mom made me some eggs and then Mom, Dad, and I piled in the car to head to the airport. We arrived on time and much to my surprise, Mommy did not cry at all! Actually I think it was pretty surreal saying goodbye for two whole years. This is where the fun started. First we had to meet the woman who sold us our tickets, Anette. She was wonderful; strong accent, fake red hair...etc. Then we went through the baggage/security check where I was asked all kinds of questions like... Why are you going to Israel? Why do you want to learn Hebrew? Do you have a Hebrew name? What holidays do you celebrate at home? Where are you from?... Actually it ended up being pretty interesting because the girl who was asking me had actually worked at the Viewmont Mall for awhile (I am assuming that she was selling lotion from the Dead Sea). After this I was put through the typical "I'm not Jewish" security, which included a nice pat-down, followed by confiscating my carry-ons, and putting me on the plane last with all the other non-Jewish students. I suppose that I don't mind this, it's really nothing personal. The flight was interesting. They fed us almost immediately after boarding, and had us all close the windows and go to sleep. YEAH RIGHT! It was three in the afternoon! After a few hours everyone got restless and the children started to scream. There was no sleep to be had for me on this flight. However, I did have a chance to sit between Abbey, a mother making Aliah with her family, and Will, who was heading to Yeshiva in the Old City. Will and I were the same age and both interested in Ancient Israel, so we had plenty to talk about on the long flight. We arrived in Israel around 7:15am their time. This means I completely missed a whole night of sleep! Luckily, customs was a breeze! They asked no questioned and just stamped my passport and sent me on my way. Unfortunately this "swiftness" was shortlived as the luggage took forever to come around and we basically stood and waited for 45 min.

This started my first day in Israel. Then around 30 of us took a bus to our dorms in the Student Village at Hebrew U. They sat us down and gave us our room assignments, and then sent us on our way to unpack before orientation. What a nice suprise it was to find that I was in the dorm closest to the south gate (aka where we were sitting!). I dropped all of my things in my room and cleaned up alittle before heading to the Boyar building to pick up my new Israeli cell phone! (A note: they told us that the walk from the dorm to our building would be a quick ten min., It's really more like 20. ugh) By this time I was loopy with tiredness. I could not help that I had not slept in 24+ hours! So I decided to take a short nap before our tour at four. This helped a lot. The tour was... eh just an excuse to stay awake and keep my body moving. Orientation followed and needless to say it was pretty boring. Basically it was a reminder to stay out of Palestine or any Arab area. I guess we signed a paper saying that we would, but I was too tired to remember what I signed. They told us that they could not keep us from going to Palestine, but they could not offer us medical coverage if anything should happen. Then came a group trip to the mall to get supplies. Most of the student here taking the classes now are only here for a month, so they did not need much, but I am here for two years! Therefore, I left with my arms loaded with blankets, a pillow, towels, a lamp, etc. By the way, I am no where near finished with all that I need! Luckily there is another shopping trip this weekend.

Classes started three days ago. I am enjoying them so much. I am starting to remember all of the Hebrew I learned last year and I can feel myself getting better already. It is nice to always be speaking Hebrew. I am trying to stop thinking in English all the time and to start my new life as a Hebrew speaker!

I have two very different roomates. The first, Sana, I met on the night of my first day. She is 28 and already has a job as a pharmacist. Right now she is persuing a masters in communications. I am excited because she is Muslim, and I have many questions to ask her about her religion. I am looking forward to living with her.

My other roomate is Anna from Texas. I am so excited about Anna because we both have the same major so we can take our classes together! She is taking biblical Hebrew now so I am excited to help her and refresh myself.

Hmm...there is more to tell, but I am tired and am trying to reach my Mom. So until then...Shalom!

Love you,
Claire

We'll call this one: Packing

Welcome to my Blog!

Well Friends, It's about time. All those days of putting off packing my life into two, fifty pound bags are over. (Yes, everything is fitting alright!) I've spent all day trying to figure out what is really important to me. You will be sorry to know that my collection of Hebrew Grammars did not make the cut. Neither did my hot rollers. Or Hebrew Scrabble.

If you are reading this blog, it is because you are you interested in my new endeavor, obtaining a Masters degree from the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Can you believe that you can get a degree in Ancient Semitic Languages?!? Me Neither. I am so excited that God has opened up this door for me and I am equally excited about this new adventure. That being said I keep breaking into tear at random times. I am looking forward to leaving tomorrow, but I am really nervous! This is uncharted territory in a way, and a year is a long time to be away from the people you love!

So tomorrow (I still have some packing to do) we will get up early and be out of the house by eight. I am flying out of Newark on El Al, the Israeli airline. We won't be leaving until around two, but it takes along time to get through security. I anticipate the flight being around ten hours and fifteen min., which means a ton of time being close to strangers and watching the same movies over and over. But it will all be worth it in the end.

I need to get some sleep now, so I will be in touch with you when I get to Israel. I will also be able to give you a little more information about my program and what I will be doing during my time away!

I hope I've crossed all my t's and dotted all of my i's.

Blessings,
Claire