Arrival Reflections

After a ten and a half hour flight from Pearson Airport, we touched down at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv where we were met by a driver from Lutheran World Federation, and transported to Augusta Victoria Hospital Campus where we settled into our room in the Guest House. The room is simple but comfortable and spotless.

The highway from Tel Aviv was a busy super highway taking us through rocky hills at first covered by trees and further along lacking vegetation. Olive trees and rocks are abundant. As we approached Jerusalem the highway snaked through the separation barriers on both sides of the highway giving a visual introduction to the political situation. The separation barriers really separate parts of the West Bank from other parts of the West Bank making it very difficult for Palestinians to move about--it's a divide and conquer policy. The driving was fast and aggressive.

We were graciously greeted by our hosts and spent an enjoyable evening getting to know some of the people with whom we will be living and working. The hot temperatures of the day, low 30's, cooled to require jackets by 5:30 p.m. Good for sleeping; however, the call to prayer from the minarets between 3:45 a.m. and 4:45 a.m. plus the continual crowing of roosters made for an interesting night!

Monday morning provided some orientation and time to adjust our internal clocks. From our room on the Mount of Olives we have a lovely view of part of the city of East Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is very busy at the moment because of the Muslim Ramadan--remembers the time when the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad; the Muslims fast during the day and at sundown they feast and celebrate; this will go on until October 13. At the same time, the Jews are celebrating the Festival of Booths (Sukkot)--a fall festival celebrating the coming to the Promised Land from Egypt.