The only thing better than spending an afternoon in the Shuk is spending an afternoon in the Shuk on the first day of Hanukkah. Everyone is extra happy, it's so much fun to walk around saying "Chag sameach" to the shop-owners and other people you meet. Not gonna' lie though, the best part are the Hanukkah doughnuts they sell at every bakery for 2 shekels (about 50 cents)...filled with raspberry filling and topped with powdered sugar. Oh, how I love Hanukkah. Dr. Chadwick started it off for us last night with the story of Hanukkah, some awesome music, and the lighting of the first candle. And we have 7 more days of it! How come American holidays aren't more like that?
The earlier part of the day was spent on the Temple Mount and doing some hardcore souvenir shopping. I think that the shop-owners loved us today. I can't believe that I come home two weeks from tomorrow! As we drove up the hill yesterday on our way home from Jordan and the Center came into view, Brother Muhlestein said "Three months ago today, we drove up to this and said 'Welcome to your new home.' Welcome home." This really has become my home. It's going to be really weird to go back to America...I feel like I don't even remember living there haha. I have some major mixed emotions...I cannot wait to see people and to eat a Cafe Rio chicken salad, but I am definitely going to miss my 'family' and my home here. Also, as I was out in the city today, I realized how much I love the people here. I am so blessed to have had this opportunity! Also, we just found out that Mt. Carmel is on fire...we were there just a couple weeks ago. 40 people have died and it's threatening the city of Haifa. They are working to put it out with the aid of over 20 countries, including the U.S. It's kind of scary to hear about these things when they're happening so close to home. Pray that things will work out! Love you all. :) I will blog about Jordan later!
