Ryan's last post expressed sentiments that I too have been feeling. Mainly, the feeling that I am not yet ready to let go of our Middle East Experience (MEE). Now some may find this ironic, since for the last nine months I have been lamenting my MEE and daydreaming about cheap American prices and tasty food. But since the grass is always greener...
I have become keenly aware of the fact that living in Jerusalem, Israel is just plain cool. I am not bragging - no one else has to agree with me here...but to me, Jerusalem is cool.
Last week Ryan and I went to Seattle, to the University of Washington campus (my alma mater). He went to the Grad library to work on a paper, and I walked and reminisced my college days. I walked past my old dorms, to Kane Hall where I studied Psych 101 with 600 other students, to my favorite little cafeteria, to my little study cubicle in the Undergrad library. I also took a very long walk to Gasworks Park, overlooking the water, the mountains and the cityscape of Seattle. In college I often ran or biked this very route. This incredible view was part of my daily life. Doing every day tasks in the extraordinary backdrop of the old University and the city of Seattle, just made life more interesting and more cool.
Finishing my walk at Gasworks park immediately reminded me of my walks in Jerusalem. Both Seattle and Jerusalem were extraordinary backdrops for my life. I didnt have to do extraordinary things - the location did all the work for me. Some examples from Israel..
I could go for a run to the Old City of Jerusalem.
I could donate Ben's old clothes to the Sudanese refugees at our church.
I could run errands in Bethlehem.
We could do a quick day trip to the Dead Sea.
I could give the boys old toys away to the Iraqi children coming to Israel for heart surgery.
We could get fish on the beach of Galilee.
Ryan's last blog post made the comment that "nothing is boring, only boring people get bored." I am starting to wonder if I am a boring person. Our MEE was difficult but it was never Boring. Going for a run just isnt as interesting in the suburbs. Haggling at Target doesn't hold the same thrill. My weight in pounds is MUCH less fun than kilograms (it is a bigger number!).
So I guess my challenge this year (and Ryan alluded to this also) is to re-paint the backdrop of my life with a new, and more colorful perspective. As of right now I dont know how to do it. I dont really know how to take something so familiar and make it extraordinary. Perhaps doing an "orange county letters" blog could open my eyes to what my home has to offer beyond the comfort of home and of friends. Let's just hope that something works because I dont think I am quite ready for another international adventure (not quite yet).
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3 comments:
It’s understandable what you’re both going through. Living in the Middle East for the last year was a chance of a life time and I agree very cool.
I think it’s something most of us wish we had the… (nerve) to do.
The bigger challenge still lies ahead...
boring? I don't think so.
sara, just came across your blog much to my great surprise/delight! we are a family also with 3 boys heading to jerusalem in +/- one month. many of your posts answered questions and wonderings that i had been working on for some time. if convenient, i would LOVE to follow up re: some specifics that could definitely benefit from veteran wisdom. also, which church did you settle with? shimon sasson? hope to hear from you soon- l'hitraot. allison
Allison - would love to touch bases with you regarding your move - just let me know how to contact/email you - your profile didnt have a link - good luck!
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