Situation in the Land. Tension is rising rapidly. In Gaza the temperature between the various factions is boiling over into gun battles and the danger of it spilling over into Israel itself. Israel is ready for any explosion involving its own security, but the fact is that the people are in a desparate state. My flatmate just came out the day before the escalation (infact she saw evidence of it as she left). Gun men from rival factions facing off either side of street corneres. Streets practically deserted because of the danger of getting caught in the crossfire. Actually as I write, she has gone back in for another few days, visiting the church there and I would appreciate your prayers for her, and for her safety. Please pray for Pastor Hanna and the church in Gaza, as it is going through a very difficult time. Came across an interesting passage I had seen before ....Zech 9: 5-7
The situation with Iran is also one which is obviously causing alot of concern here. We don't know what is going to happen, but certainly Israel has reason to keep careful eye on it. Sharon has been moved to a rehabilitation centre in Tel Aviv, and Ehud Olmert has taken over as Prime Minister. Many of the believers and indeed Israeli's are concerned about what kind of leadership he is going to give. We will have to see.
Personal News Well, once again I am facing losing my flatemates. It has been a very nice peaceful situation with the two women that I have had here.......a real blessing. I have not been able to get a committment from them as far as length of stay and now Margot is going to USA for 3 months. She will contact me when she gets back to see if anything is available, as she really enjoyed living here. Betty, the other woman, is planning to go back to the States in June sometime, for health reasons. So back to trying to work things out, and all before I have to leave to work for a while, towards the end of this month. It would be so nice not to be so dependent on having two people in the apartment, but that is the way it is at the moment. I would really appreciate your prayer with this. I need someone to care for my pets while I am gone also. There is an Israeli girl Liza who will be here but I think I may need a second person as she is very busy with work and study.
Good news on the hospital front here. Have had the opportunity to go into Hadassah Hospital and show them an example of a slide sheet which is able to save nurses backs. When I get back from Oz, I will be going into the hospitals showing them methods of dealing with moving patients in the bed and from bed to chair etc. In UK and Australia it is compulsory to do a course every year....just to get your registration. They have nothing of that here. Well things will be quite crazy until I go now. Catching up with people before I leave and organising things here. Also I have a couple of hospital to get to before I go.
It is Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) at the moment and the Synaguoges are full all day and night with people reading Torah. You can go for lessons at 4 in the morning if you wanted to.
Anyway will leave this for now. I will be seeing you all in Australia very soon........... leaving here the 17th of June and leaving UK on the 21st June and arriving in Australia on the 22nd.
Take care for now. and lots of love
Jenny