and.. I'm back for year two!!

My summer at home was a glorius respite. It felt sacred, special, and untouchable as if it could stretch on forever. The stresses of medical school and life in Israel seemed like a distant memory. But as abruptly as my summer began, it came to an end. Schools began snatching up my friends and family as life became busy again. Before I knew it, the vortex of obligations had swallowed me as well.

here are A FEW of my favorite summer memories. many more were had and many were not photographed, they were simply enjoyed.

My trip back to Israel seemed like time travel. As I exited the airplane and surveyed my surroundings, it was hard to believe I had ever left. I confidently and easily navigated customs, luggage retreval, and transportation back to Be’er Sheva. I expected to feel relieved by my familiarity, a stark contrast to the confusion and near panic I felt almost a year earlier. Instead I felt dismay and a deep sadness. I internally rebelled against this place feeling home-like when all I wanted was to BE home. My familiarity was a form of self-betrayal. I didn’t want to feel relieved at my arrival or at ease in my surroundings, as silly as it sounds. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t delay the inevitable phenomenon of time blending together. Summer was gone, home was out of reach, and reality was completely unavoidable. Despite my objections, Be’er Sheva welcomed me to year two of medical school and life in Israel.

Traveling is always a bit weird for me. I already have a wonky sleep schedule and adding jet lag throws it into complete chaos. I arrived Thursday night, with classes beginning on Sunday. As expected, I still wasn’t sleeping during the night in Be’er Sheva by the time Sunday rolled around. Three weeks in now, and I’m still working on finding a good rhythm and falling asleep at the proper times. At first this was incredibly frustrating. I was doing all the right things – eating meals on Israeli time, drinking enough water, staying awake during the day – but every night I found myself staring at the ceiling begging God for sleep until 2 or 3 oclock every morning. But God has reminded me that his timing is perfect and supreme. Just because we are doing the “right” things doesn’t mean we will get instant results. I was further reminded to have patience by an itchy little rash. I purchased cream and aiontment and had been applying it for a couple days with no results. I considered the situation. Did it make sense to quit just because I couldn’t see a change? I know this is just a silly examply, but I needed to continue putting on the medicine I had and trust it would produce results. Thankfully, the rash began to disapear after faithfully continuing to properly care for it several more days. I realized this directly applies to my silly sleep schedule, studying, our pursuit of Christ, and whatever else God has placed in front of us. After a few sleepless nights I could have decided it wasn’t working and given up trying to sleep at night even though sticking with my old schedule which would now mean sleeping during the day. But when our circumstances change, or God calls us to something new, we must be willing to be uncomfortable as we adapt and grow to fulfill our purpose. It wouldn’t serve any of my endeavors in Israel to hold on to my old sleep schedule. The same is true in my relationship with Christ. When he calls me to follow him, I can’t hold on to my old ways of doing things and expect to live according to his purpose. I have to be reminded of this over and over as my human nature and desires clash with God’s requests of me. We must allow ourselves to be transformed through a process that requires daily effort even when we don’t see daily results.

Aside from my sleeping schedule and simply missing home, my transition has had ups and downs Jack went above and beyond to care for my plants this summer. He carefully tended them; transplanting them as they grew and repairing broken leaves. When I went to pick them up, he joked about a custody hearing haha. It only took a day for me to be reminded of how much more daunting simple tasks can feel here. Going to the grocery store takes mental preparation and a willingness to embrace struggle. My Hebrew took a huge blow over the summer. I didn’t speak it, listen to it, or think about it despite my best intentions. This was instantly illuminated when a man passed me in my apartment lobby. He nodded and spoke a single phrase. When my brain didn't comprehend fast enough to form a reply, he stopped. Looking at me quizzically, he asked, “you don’t speak Hebrew?”. With my nod of confirmation, he continued by asking why I don’t speak Hebrew. When I explained I was from Kansas, he nodded and said, “ahhh, Kansas City”. I didn’t have the heart to disagree, so I simply smiled and agreed as we parted ways. Saying my Hebrew needs work is much too generous, it is in shambles haha.

The greatest disappointment has been the realization that my favorite bakery (and possibly my favorite place in Be’er Sheva) is closed!! I am certain I have mentioned it before, it’s located directly below my apartment building, makes delightful pitas, croissants, and much more. It is probably the first place in my life where I could be called a regular. Almost everyone who works there recognizes me and knows my go-to snack. It appears they are working on remodeling (I don’t exactly understand how because it is a tiny hole-in-the-wall type of place), so my fingers are crossed that they will reopen before the fall holidays. I will definitely be keeping you all updated.

Despite these challenges and disappointments, God’s grace has been abundant these first weeks back. The sweetest part has been the reminder of the deep love I have for so many of the people here. My second night back, I got to see all my church friends. They are so full of joy and love for Jesus, I can’t help but feel encouraged just by hanging out with them. Jack and Caroline had me over for dinner during my first week back while I was still struggling with jetlag. And let me tell you, I love them dearly. I got to hear about their summers and what God is doing in their lives right now. The timing was perfect to pull me out of the mental slump I had begun to fall into. When the first lecture back reunited me with my classmates, I was reminded of how much I care about each one of them, despite past disagreements. What a difference a year makes – I went from being surrounded by a bunch of stangers, to having a group of people whom I can call friends. I get to have impromptu meetings on the street with my Be’er Sheva friends and it feels completely natural. Another early highlight was going on a glorious first bike ride of the school year with Jordan. I definitely wasn’t breaking any speed records but it was so much fun.

Additionally, I have three wonderful girls I get to live with this year. After a couple of days of questioning her existence, I got to meet my new roommate, Elisabeth. I’m so thankful God worked everything out perfectly for her to live with us this year. She is a wonderful addition to our apartment. I am looking forward to continuing to get to know her more, but it has already been fun to hangout and have someone to go to bible study with, etc. On our first weekend into school, Risper, Sammy, and I had a lovely night in together. Risper and I baked tiramasu, and we all just hung out and chatted. These types of nights are always some of my favorites. We didn’t really have a plan and then all of a sudden we made it a beautiful evening. It was nice to stay in at the apartment but not be alone. Plus the tiramasu was DELICOUS. Next time I come home, I am making it for whoever will have it (:

I have much more to share and write, but I promised myself I would post this tonight and time is running out. I miss home (nothing new there), but God has been teaching me, molding me, and pursing me in love. I’m excited to share more in my next post! Thank you for all of your prayers, I love youu!