Greetings from Haifa, Israel!
Yes, it is true; I am in northern Israel visiting my daughter who is studying for a term at Haifa University. What a great opportunity for seeing how others live. I have been to Akko (the oldest port in the Middle East), the Mane-Katz Art Museum, the Mount of the Beatitudes on the Sea of Galilee, Tiberius, Nof Ginnosar, and Zippora National Park. I have seen tour buses full of tourists and locals catering to locals as well as the occasional tourist. We drove past a mini-demonstration a few "blocks" from our hotel, presumably for or against the summit taking place in Indianapolis with the leaders of Palestine, Israel and the US. [Not much impact for it didn't make the local news... well, as far as we know... :-) ]
Cross-cultural experiences are truly unique opportunities! They leave us a little bit more humble and grateful. They are good for the spirit but not necessarily so for the pocketbook. :-) They broaden our horizons, our outlook on life, our vision of things important. They allow us time for reflection as well as teaching us about the past and the present. Perhaps even giving us a glimpse into the future. Cross-cultural experiences, however short, can also well inform our teaching content and maybe our teaching methods as well. I saw how adults help their children and how amazed children are at little things. Young adults can be completely overwhelmed ("blown over" or "overcome with awe") at things that we older adults take for granted! We must always provide opportunities for these things to happen.
The time here is now 11pm (3pm in St. Paul) and since we leave to come home tomorrow, I need to close. I look forward to my daughter's return from Haifa on 1 Jan 2008 and will feel a bit sad leaving her now. But study abroad cannot be equaled anywhere else and I am very happy she has had this wonderful experience. I would not have guessed even 10 months ago that I would be here now! Sweet dreams to you all and as I process our trip, I will share more reflections.
David
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2 comments:
Hi David,
I waited anxiously to see word of your adventures in Israel on your blog. It will be a relief when you return to school and share all your experiences. Thank you for letting us know all is well. I got shivers reading your blog to realize you were in places where Jesus walked.
Safe travels to you.
Leslie E.
Wonderful for your daughter and for you to experience Israel. Hope you and she return safely, full of tales of learning and adventure!
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