last days in Jerusalem

I can't really say anything because I am feeling everything. I could write an entire post about my love for this place, my sadness about leaving this family, about how much I am going to miss this life of newness and adventure and precious children. Yet, I could also write about my excitement of returning home. I could tell about how I daydream of Christmas days with my family, of going shopping with my sister and helping my dearest friend plan her wedding and about how I am excited about grad school and living in Atlanta and rediscovering all the people I left behind.
I've got Margot on my lap right now and she is trying to play with the keyboard. I love her big cheeks and her big belly. As I told a friend the other day, every extra little roll gives me a extra joy. I will miss how Margot tries to squirm away when I give her kisses. And how Lydia shakes her head back and forth as if she is always disagreeing with me.


I will miss singing "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" with Mia and being constantly amazed at her beauty and intelligence (she has seriously amazing genes). I am going to miss little Sam singing to himself and hearing those beautiful Godly lyrics coming out in his whispering little boy voice. I am going to miss little hands and giggling and dancing and the look on their faces when they figure out they can do something new. I am going to miss cuddles and kisses and the unconditional love that children give.

I am going to miss things about Jerusalem. I feel like this city has really strengthened me in my faith. I don't see how anyone can be lackadaisical here. Everyone is on fire here...and that goes for me too. It's been an intense few months, but I am thankful for every day.














And working for a Christian family has been such an amazing blessing. They were so encouraging as I kept learning and exploring. I mean, they pretty much organized a church service when I wanted to be baptized, how many employers do you know who would do that? I don't think they will ever know how much they have meant to me over this past year. The Fiores have been such an amazing example of Christ-centered living. And I have been extremely blessed by them.

Finally, the friends I have made in Jerusalem have shown me a heart for Jesus that drew me in and changed me, hopefully forever. I will never forget how they demonstrated the love of Christ in my life. Like I said, I am an extremely blessed girl.

This coming Friday (today is Monday, I will be heading back to Geneva for a few days and then I am going back home to Georgia. I am a big ball of emotions, but the only emotion I am letting surface and rule me is excitement. I don't want to waste my time being sad, I just want to enjoy these last few days, and be the best au pair and friend I can be. I have been given so much, and I want to return the favor. To you folks at home, I am SO looking forward to seeing you! I apologize if I talk way too much about Switzerland, Jerusalem, or the kids, just bear with me. Have a great day!