Day 4- Thursday, May 12th
Today our big class of 6 went to the Bahai Garden in Haifa. From there we saw the view of the city of Haifa. Ori pointed out the cities of Nahariya, Rosh Hanikra, and we could also see the view of the border of Lebanon. From where we were standing we got to see the beautiful garden with the lovely flowers and trees. While walking through Wadi Nisnas in Haifa we saw many different pieces of artwork. This part of Haifa is where the Jews, Christians, and Muslims are able to get along very well and live together. It doesn’t matter what religion you are.
We went to lunch, at the MALL!!! and ate in the food court. We then went to visit our pen pals at the Emunah Center in Afula. All the kids that go to this program have difficult lives, being either neglected or sadly, abused mentally and or physically. There are around 200 kids that live there currently. Kids can come there starting at the age of 5 and usually stay for 4 years. The people that work there said that after a few years they try to get the kids back to their homes and families, but it is difficult. Sometimes the kids will stay in the program until they turn 18. Our pen pals were so happy to be able to meet us and we were psyched to see them. It was a challenge to talk with them. They speak English like we speak Hebrew, very tentatively. After we made our Israeli flags in the art room, our pen pals took us to view their rooms. We then attempted to play soccer (they call it football). Then we got to make challah for Shabbat. While they were baking we visited the PETTING ZOO!!! Jessie was so good with the bunny (SHOUT OUT TO KEVIN...DAD I WANT A BUNNY FOR MY BIRTHDAY =D LUV YA ;)) Soon it was time to leave so we gathered together and said our goodbyes.
Ryan and Ori were very impressed by how dirty Leah was able to get without even trying. The last thing we did during our fourth day was sailing on a party boat. At first we just danced but about halfway through the trip one of the DJ’s came over and taught us how to drum. We had a fun time trying to find our rhythm.We finished our cruise dancing to the dock. A great time was had by all.
L’hitraot,
Jessie, David, and Nathan
<3
PS: we are sorry there are no photos. they are taking forever to upload. we are going to see if they can go into the newsletter. hopefully!!!
Hi Guys - At one of the early trip meetings someone had the very sweet idea of bringing back some tchotchkes for your reading buddies. Just reminding you in case you'd like to do this but have forgotten about it. It should probably be all or none.
ReplyDeleteYou are all missing lots of rain here. Flooding even. Whoopie.
Susan, the Monday morning group has carried on without you! Leah is the new Susan.