School Again?

October 3rd – 9th

And just like that, classes were back and hitting me harder than ever. There were two major changes. Instead of trekking to campus, the majority of our classes after the break have been at the hospital on the 6th floor. This has been a blessing for a couple reasons. First, it is about 7-10 minutes closer of a walk from our apartment. Second, we can breeze through the hospital security, instead of having our bags searched, showing our IDs, our green passes and sometimes our passports to get on the actual university campus. The other change was the return of in person classes!!!

Everyone was very happy to see each other. Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper first day back from break if it didn’t include a quiz and a test. The most thought provoking part of the day was our “On being a Doctor” guest lecturer. He talked about the very serious subject of how medicine was used pre-holocaust and during the holocaust in a horrifying manner. It really got me to think deeply. There were many techniques and a lot of propaganda that went into the creation of Nazi Germany, but it is terrifying how professionals originally sworn to heal did the exact opposite all while convincing themselves they were helping. Not only was it a reminder of how twisted our perspectives can become, but it also that we always have a choice in our actions and we are responsible for our actions. As individuals, we must always take the time to critically examine our motivations and the consequences of our actions by our personal code of ethics and morals and not be swayed when if society sets the bar lower. In the case of a physician, when it is forgotten that the responsibility is to the individual patient and what is best for them, it is too easy to lose sight of what is right and moral for that human being.

Here is just a random funny encounter. When Lauren and I got back to the apartment after Hebrew, there were two guys waiting for the elevator and having a conversation in Hebrew in the lobby. Having no idea what they were talking about, I tuned out and was deep in my own thoughts when suddenly I realized one of them was shifted his focus and was now talking to us. I had no good response, so I ousted myself. The guys were a little surprised at our lack of Hebrew and explained they had been talking about murder and guns and such and wanted to assure us that we had simply joined their conversation at a bad time, but after saying all this, they realized they didn’t need tell us any of that (since of course we couldn’t understand previously haha), but for some reason they did anyway lol. It was a bit of an awkward elevator ride after that haha, but we survived (:

At basketball practice we had a record number of eight people!! It was much more enjoyable than the previous low numbers (: One of the players, Arina, speaks wonderful English. Afterwards, she told me there was no way I wasn’t Jewish haha and that we had to find a way for me to be able to play with them in games. Alas, I told her I didn’t have any Jewish ancestry. She of course simply said I have to dig deep for my Jewish roots haha. She is nothing if not determined (:

On my way back from basketball, I gave into my sugar craving and stopped at a small convenient store. The man working there, Simon, made the decision that we should be friends. We had quite the conversation once he discovered I spoke English. Ironically enough, he was also convinced I looked quite Jewish haha. He told me he could tell I was a country girl and that I had an honest naïve smile (unsure exactly what that implies haha). He pointed out his house down the street and told me to come by and visit him and his wife anytime. He even told me about his son, who is currently in Australia, and said I would have to meet him when he returns. This of course is a very Israeli thing to do, always trying to set you up haha.

I ended up with a very red array of snacks; coca-cola, pringles, and choclate (which Simon was kind enough to give me a discount on lol)

On Monday we finally got to complete the medical library registration. We were supposed to do it during the first week, but it got canceled due to Covid exposure. As things happen. It was honestly quite nice, and I have used the library countless times since. When one of my classmates walked in late, our guide gave him the classic, “you have to pay me $100, you missed everyone else paying theirs”. They didn’t buy (haha) it, but it made me laugh (:

We had some time before our next classes, so Simon convinced me, Jack, Lauren, and Sydney to check out an abandoned building he found on the hospital campus. We climbed in through a window and just sat and talked. There was a nice breeze, it was peaceful, and I didn’t worry about all the school stuff I needed to do. We talked about life, hard topics, nerd things, and just existed for a while.

We had one lecture, and then Lauren and I went home for lunch. Afterwards we went to the park to study. In the shade, it was very comfortable. We watched people running, a couple play a ukulele, and quite a few people doing yoga.

I attempted to make supper by combining some chicken, a baked potato, and couscous. I didn’t really like the couscous, but the rest made up for it (: There was also an interesting problem that evening. At first, we thought it was the WiFi, so we unplugged it. However this didn’t help the problem at all. Then I thought it was my phone. But it turns out, I was only checking WhatsApp. All of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp were actually down. I didn’t realize how much I rely on WhatsApp until that moment. It’s crazy how fast your perspectives and habits can change.

My Tuesday school day included classes, an Alumni zoom call, studying in the library, falling asleep on a random bench outside, and more classes. We took a roommate expedition after class to check out a rug on FB marketplace, and it was a success! We are now proud owners of a nice, affordable, living room rug. I then trekked to basketball practice. This time there were only 4 of us there. Every time, they struggle to get the lock off the basketball rack. They invited me to try on this occasion, and to my surprise, I was successful. I give all the credit to middle school and high school lockers (: After a bit of a rough practice for a non-Hebrew speaker, I walked part of the way back with Arina. She is a medical student in the Hebrew program entering her 3rd year. I really like her and I hope we can be friends. One of the crazy, yet amazing things about Israel and university life here is many students are close to my age or older. I don’t feel old when I play with the basketball girls. I’m one of the younger members. Most served in the Israeli Defense Forces before university and are at least 24, many 26 or older. It’s very refreshing and makes me feel more at home in a way that is hard to explain. I feel very blessed to be reminded that I don’t have to have all the answers figured out in this way. One big difference is that most of them are in serious relationships, in contrast to me haha. Which I am not upset about at all (:

Just hospital views haha. Why are there palm trees in the desert? I don't have a good answer haha.

On Wednesday, we learned about streptococcus. It’s pretty serious stuff and can cause more problems than just pneumonia.. (think fleshing eating bacteria). In the afternoon several of my classmates gave presentations on their Global Health experiences. I was incredibly impressed and inspired. I am surrounded by people who truly do care about making a difference and doing it the right way, not just the easy way. They are passionate and determined, I can’t wait to see what each of them do during medical school and beyond. I have so much to learn and I’m excited to do it with people who are passionate about helping people. An interesting point came up, good intentions aren’t enough if you end up doing harm in the end.

I finally got invited to play some basketball with the MSIH guys. For some reason I was nervous. For one, I’m a girl, let’s be honest. I don’t want to be in the way or be a burden to anyone. Additionally, I was informed at the last minute, so I had to go home and get clothes, which meant I would arrive late haha. But it ended up being a lot of fun. When I walked in three of my classmates who had encouraged me to come all simultaneously welcomed me with a smile and a wave. I got complimented on my fakes, which I have learned is an essential when playing with guys because they try to block everything and have much higher verticals than girls. And Coach Youngs constant reminder, “Fake a pass to make a pass”. It was encouraging to feel like I was able to connect to some of my classmates outside of class.

I got some studying in after basketball before making the short bike ride to Bible study. Some nights I am really tempted to skip and study, but I rarely leave disappointed. God never fails to be faithful and draw me closer to Him.

Thursday mornings are for zooms. Lauren and I zoomed from Roasters, a coffee shop. It was nice, but felt a bit over priced for the experience haha. I saw my friend Simon again and he gave me a hug. It wasn’t nearly as good as my Dad’s hugs, but it will do for now. I managed to fall asleep during our statistics zoom in a very public place, but I woke up feeling refreshed so maybe it was a win? The jury is still out haha. Recently I have had a habit of eating a veggie and hummus filled pita for a meal. It’s a lazy meal, but I have convinced myself of two things. Not only is it relatively healthy (okay anything is healthy when compared to chocolate haha), but it is also Israeli. I’m just trying to fit in a little you know?

On Friday I made a trip to the shuk. After I had completely all my shopping, I saw my friend Diego. This guy was THRIVING at communicating in Hebrew. He could understand and talk to must vendors in Hebrew. I feel miles behind and I’m not sure if it’s possible to pull myself up haha. In the afternoon, a very kind gentleman came and hung Sammy’s large zebra pic, our hanging chair, and my shelf!!! He was adamant that he came to help and not work, refusing to take our money. We wouldn’t take no for an answer and left some money in his toolbox. Truly, he was very sweet. I had a hard time getting much schoolwork done (nothing new there haha…), but, I got to sleep at a GREAT time. And that is enough cause for a celebration (:

At church, I met a woman named Ava. She is originally from the U.S and all her children are grown and have left the nest. She had many good insights, but she reminded me of several specific things. One was the meaning of names. As a derivative of Elizabeth, Betsy means, Oath of God, and Lynn means river or clear pool. God had good plans and promises, and He keeps them. They overflow. For each and every one of us, even when we can’t see it. Which I often can't see them until much later. She also reminded me how God brings people to Israel so they can learn to trust him completely, not necessarily so they can study a specific program or work a certain job. This one hit hard. I have been feeling this, but it was affirming to have someone who really doesn’t even know me give me the reminder. And also perfectly in-line with some of my current reflections, Ava pointed me back to God’s grace by sharing how Christ allows us to let go of the hurt in the past, live in the present, and hope for the future. God will provide family for us wherever we go because we are a part of the family of God. Because HE is with us and HE is for us. No matter what it may feel like in the moment, who can possibly be against us?

Another precious moment was watching Samuel and Temi have their sweet baby girl dedicated during church. They are both so full of Christ and I just love them. I’m so excited to watch her grow for as long as we are both present here in Be’er Sheva.

But perhaps one of the most wonderful moments of the day was Lauren coming to the rescue with a delicious supper. She had chicken, I volunteered my zucchini and sweet potato, and she completely the rest of the magic with spices and incredible cooking skills (: I can’t think of a better way to wrap up a weekend in Be’er Sheva.

This week was tiring and at times depressing. But it was also encouraging and hopeful. The beauty isn't always were we think it should be, but it is always where God meant it to be. And eventually we realize it's even more glorious than we could have imagined. But in the mean time, we can cling tightly to his promises and love. And to the community he provides. Much love for everyone <3