The Silver Lining

Since moving to Israel the U.S. dollar has lost 20% of its value compared to the Shekel so most of our expenses have consequently been 20% higher than expected. For example, when we first arrived we paid $6 for a gallon of milk and now it is closer to $8. Our cheapest box of cereal (generic cornflakes) cost about $3.50 and now it is over $4. That may not sound bad but think of the fact that the first time George Bush stayed here the American taxpayers paid 2 million dollars less for the hotel rooms than the second time.
With all of that said, now that we are nearing the end, we are selling some of the items that we purchased here or that we no longer need (infant car seat anyone?). So the rug for our living room cost us 500 shekels which was about $120 dollars. Now we are selling it for 325 shekels which is a great deal for someone here and it equates to $100 for us so we actually do not lose as much as we normally would.
So we may be returning to a country with gas costing $1.25 more than when we left and food prices 15% higher, and shamefully now the Canadian dollar is worth more, but at least we will sell many items for the same price that we purchased them for in Israel. And if we hang on to some of our shekels in a year or two they should be worth more than the dollar.

So if you need a rug, high chair, car seat, energetic children, toaster oven, baby toys, or a broken scooter and if you are passing through Jerusalem I will give you a good deal.