Happy New Year!

The past few months have been packed with a lot of adventure, discovery, and blessings for our family. Being in Israel has been challenging at times, but also very rewarding, and not just because of the road trips (althoug we have had some memorable ones). We've floated in the Dead Sea, walked the Villa Dolorosa in Jerusalem, played in the sand with friends in Jaffa, celebrated Christmas Day in Bethlehem, visited the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, and stood atop Mount Tabor (Mt. of Transfiguration) on a beautiful sunny day. We really can't complain. Despite the struggle with language and a bit of initial homesickness, moving here has been one of the best experiences of 2008.

Nathan has really enjoyed making new professional contacts, getting to know some great people, and learning to juggle two jobs (he's still working on stuff from the Sand Diego lab). He loves the pace of life here and enjoys the small town feeling of Rehovot, especially because despite it being small, the Weizmann can boast of having several prominent scientists, especially in Nathan's field. This trip has also been a source of much inward reflection for him. Nate came to Israel over seven years ago as a college freshman on a study abroad program. It's been interesting for him to see how his life is so different now. He has changed alot since those days. I personally like the man he turned out to be, I think Anabelle agrees. She's always telling him, "Daddy, you are my friend always." I think that there is something to be said about a person who can win a child's sincere friendship.

Anabelle's reaction to our big move has really taken us by surprise. From week one she has adjusted amazingly well; even the time change did not faze her for more than one night! She's taken to Israel like a fish to water. She knows several words in Hebrew and uses them regularly in everyday speech. She loves calling me "Ima" (mom) and she likes telling me "lo hayom" (not today) whenever she doesn't want to do something. Every time we go out she calls out "Shalom, shalom" to people we pass. She's even picked up some Dutch words from her new "little friend" and neighbor, Sarah. Wherever she goes she makes friends and just as many, if not more, admirers. She gets free treats on a regular basis!

For us adults, making friends was a bit slow at first, but the ones we do have now, we will remember long after we leave Israel. I am especially grateful for the warm welcome and friendship that those in our small Tel Aviv congregation have shown us. Our Church is quite small here, but what they lack in numbers they more than make up in warmth. I've had he opportunity to teach our scripture study class here, but I think I have gained far more from those I teach than what they have learned from me. They really exemplify kindness and selflessnes. I have been impressed by the sincerity of the Israeli people overall. My Hebrew teacher told me that a key to learning Hebrew is understanding that the language is all about using words efficiently. No need to be verbose and over-flowery. The less words it takes to say something the better, direct and precice. I've found the people to be similar. I feel like they are more likely to tell me what they really think and feel without beating around the bush too much. It's very refreshing. I must admit I'm still working on those skills though (as you can tell from the length of this letter).

As this new year begins it is our hope that each one of you knows that we love you and that we are grateful that our lives have touched at some point in this wonderful journey. We miss you and remember you fondly. For those of you who have inquired about our safety, please know that we are doing fine. We are staying informed and have registered with the American Embassy (and thus receive email updates from them). In addition, the Fulbright offices (the source of Nathan's funding) here in Tel Aviv have expressed that if at any time they deem it unsafe for us to stay here, they will advice us immediately and aid in our return home. So, don't worry too much about us. Know that we will do our best to stay safe and more importantly remember that we love you. Happy New Year!