July 29, 2006

As you all know by now, I am about to leave the OC’s
too-idyllic shores, to live in Jerusalem—more than a
world away—for a few months. If all goes well, I will
arrive in Israel Monday afternoon, July 31. Since early
2006, when I first started planning this trip, I have of
course been following the news about the Middle East.
Although the region’s dangers are well known, I didn’t
specifically plan to go into a war zone. Nonetheless that
seems to be precisely what I’m doing. The truth is,
however, that since it has turned out that way, I can’t
wait to get there. I want to see and hear and at least
begin to understand facts, stories and realities that
we’ll never read about in the mainstream media. I want
to live among interesting and thoughtful people who
are very much alive, but well aware that it all could end
in a sudden, deafening flash. And I want to stand with a
nation that I have admired, applauded and loved all my
life. Every week or so, I’ll try to post on this website a
few pictures and stories about what I’m learning. That
way you won’t be bombarded with e-mails you don’t
have time to read. You can write your comments to
this address: talktome@thejerusalemjourney.com. Of
course, you can always write to me at my regular email
address. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
And, pray for the peace of Jerusalem. – Lela