April 6

April 6

The Russians invaded via ruthless rapid surprise attack early this morning.  They certainly caught me with my britches down.  I bolted out of bed and rushed to meet them head on…  We’re staying at a Russian church during our time in Akko.  Hani (our Arabic Israeli Christian pastor friend) uses the Russian church sometimes to conduct his services.  He talked with the Russian pastor who is kindly allowing us to stay in the small children’s room where there is a pullout bed for us to sleep…  So, the Russian pastor, his daughter, and another helper rapped noisily on the echoing metal door at 8:30 this morning.  I literally bounded out of bed to open the door for them (we deadbolt the door at night so they can’t open it with the key).  Talked with the pastor’s daughter.  She’s spent her whole life in Israel.  She’s never even been to Russia.  Had yummy chocolate pastries from a bakery down the way and some fruit from an outdoor market for breakfast.

Explored the old city of Akko – narrow cobblestone streets, beige brick buildings, a mosque at its center; very Arabic.  Sort of got gypped by an Egyptian guy at lunchtime.  He suggested I try the shwarma.  I agreed.  He brought me lovely pitas and salads and shwarma meat… and charged me $20 for it!  I guess that was the set price, but I had no clue what I was ordering.  Turns out I was ordering the most expensive thing on the menu.  Went to the beach after lunch.  Did a small workout on some really neat equipment right on the beach that utilizes body weight for resistance.

Prepared for church.  Went with Hani to his small Arabic-speaking church.  The worship was beautiful – evocative, poignant Arabic-Christian praise music with voices and a piano.  Hani preached afterwards.  His wife sat behind us and whispered the English translation in our ears.

We went to their house for a late dinner after service – SUCH an honor.  Still, it shouldn’t surprise me so much.  To be a Christian is to be a part of an international family, or, body of believers.  You don’t have to know people, you just meet them, and you know them.  They’re family.  If you have the last name Christian you likewise have family all over the world…  Hani and his wife have two younger kids (boy and girl) and two teenage boys.  The older boys are fun and smart and speak really good English.  The younger two are rambunctious and sociable and really not shy at all.  Anyway, we had a blast with the kids and great discussions with Hani and his wife.  And it’s midnight and I’m pooped.