we've been here for years

We've been here for years
living off the land and collecting rain in our hands
we took the wrong path somewhere and we couldn't get back
the dam broke and the river rose
locking us in

how did you find us?
which way did you come?
we've been here for years
living off the land and haven't seen another soul

we lost our language and our ears
we lost our shoes and our feet
we lost our clothes and our bodies
we lost our thoughts and our dreams
we've been here for years
collecting rain in our hands
the dam broke and the river rose
locking us in

oh, no, we can't go back with you
we lost our shoes and our feet
we've been here for years
living off the land and collecting rain in our hands

oh, no we can't leave
we've been here for years


So much is happening here. Lydia and Margot just turned one. The weather is getting colder. The days are getting shorter. I've been hearing for the Lord & I am going to be baptized next week (hopefully). I am really excited :). My sister is thinking about buying a house. My best friend just got engaged. A good friend from Geneva is getting married in a week. Another friend is coming to visit me on Thursday. And the days I have left away from America are fewer and fewer. It's an odd time. I am excited and sad and hopeful and everything all in one.

The Holy Land is surely leaving its mark on me- relationally, physically, and spiritually. Every time I come to a new place and have to make new friends, I don't think I will ever be able meet people who match all the people I left behind. But, every time, I am overwhelmed by God's provision. I have a few places I can call home here in Jerusalem, one in Musrara with the Fiores, one in Talpiot with the Hills, and one on Mount Zion at JUC. Seriously? Can I be so blessed? I get excited just thinking how lucky I am.

Now, I don't really feel like sharing my soul on my blog, but I'll just say that, since I have been here, I have realized a lot about myself & my arrogance and stubbornness. And the poem I wrote above is about stubbornness & stupidity. I think, knowing that, it should makes sense.

Yesterday was the twin's birthday. This is the first birthday I have experienced where I felt a kind of relief & pride. It's a big deal for a baby to turn one. That they are just healthy and happy brings a sense of accomplishment. So I was kind of celebrating that. We got them through one whole year! Happy Birthday Girls!