Out and About

We visited the Shuk, which is the big market area filled with fresh everything: olives of all varieties, huge red strawberries, bread in all varieties, fish with their heads intact and a lot of people. I've been told to visit it on a Friday as people prepare for Shabbat, but we were there Thursday and it was plenty busy. It's similar to most European open air markets, except no pig heads hanging around.





Once I get my legs under me I plan on actually buying something. I guess technically we did buy something -- pizza! Two different kinds, one with a top crust and one folded over the top in a triangular shape, so all the cheese and sauce stayed inside. Since they don't eat pork the varieties of toppings (or fillings) is interesting. This time we had red pepper and some type of cheese, perhaps gouda. Delicious!

We then went to the central bus station to get our transportation, or RavCav, cards. Another unique Irsaeli experience, there was no office, just a desk set up in the hallway. The man who helped us was a gift from G-d. There are a lot of technicalities to the card, and if you're a student or a native then you get discounts. But Tom's school is not recognized by the system yet, due to paperwork and the newness of the lightrail. We didn't think we'd get any kind of discount, but our friend George suggested we at least try to get a discount. "Stranger things have happened in Jerusalem," he said.

And sure enough it happened! Not only did Tom get a student discount, but I did as well (technically I get to take a class each semester) and Cassidy got a discount as well, for being, um, cute, I guess. We are blessed to have the cheaper rates, since we'll take the lightrail to Cassidy's school five days a week and anytime we go south of French Hill (or north of Talpiyot for now). As Pop said, a penny saved is a penny earned.

Am Israel Chai

Our first trip to the Old City was a success. We took the #8 bus north and got off on the right exit, then headed towards the Damascus Gate, but just before we got there we veered north and found Cassidy's new school. Tom's navigating has been spot on and we're getting where we need to go.

Jacob's Ladder is a Messianic school that prepares children for 1st grade in Israel, which is taught in Hebrew. We met the director, Bess, who is actually moving back to the states on Thursday, and the other teachers. Celia will be Cassidy's teacher and she stresses Hebrew to her young students, who speak mostly English. Bess introduced Cassidy to the other students, including her grandson Elan, who seemed very sweet and wore Crocs, just like Cassie's best friend in the States. Cass was happy to introduce herself to everyone and very excited about the idea of going to such a fun school. Class is Sunday through Thursday, from 7:30 to 2:30, which will be an adjustment, but I know she will learn a lot at the school. She'll probably start shortly after we move up north.

When we finished the tour of the school we headed east again toward the Old City. It is only a block or two from Cassidy's school. We entered from the Damascus Gate, which means going through the Muslim Quarter. It was another awakening to a new culture, much like our flight from Chicago to Amman on Royal Jordanian Airlines. It was a long, winding corridor crammed with food, clothes, toys and people. It's a strange thing to see Muslims and Jews mingling so freely in a tight space, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. 

At the end of the corridor we went through security and immediately we were there -- the Western Wall, known to Israelis as the Kotel. I wasn't expecting to come upon it so quickly and both Cassidy and I were surprised to be there. It's not that it's massive, although it is large. Or that there were a lot of people; we had just come through a really tight crowd of people that quickly dispersed as we got to the security check. I suppose it's the anticipation of seeing this piece of history that is so shocking.

Tom had the foresight to get out some paper for us to write prayers on, so we could stick them in the wall, as the tradition goes. Tom asked Cass what she wanted him to write and she said, "Dear Jesus, We're here in Israel. I'm excited to go to school. I wish the temple was rebuilt." We folded up our prayers and headed for the women's side. As we walked toward the wall we heard men singing on the other side of makeshift divider. The women were standing on plastic chairs to look over at the men so we popped our heads over too. We saw a few men and some boys dancing in a circle singing, Am Israel Chai (The children of Israel live). To hear them singing that song in Jerusalem made my spirit jump; it wasn't that long ago that the children of Israel regained Jerusalem.

Cassidy and I prayed the Shema and then she put our prayers in the wall. I wasn't sure what I expected to happen while we were there, perhaps an intense encounter with the L-rd or the warm sensation of the Holy Spirit drawing near, but nothing dramatic happened as I held Cassidy and prayed. It just felt good to be there and I was briefly reminded that one day He will return to this city, and we will all have our reunion. 

We walked back to meet Tom and as I turned to look at the Wall one more time I noticed the glaring gold Dome of the Rock to the left of the Wall. It surprised me just as much as the Wall itself. (Notice I did not include a picture of it.) We had an interesting time explaining it to Cassidy was we walked through the quiet Jewish quarter. There are about as many cats as there are soldiers in the Old City, so we only held her attention for so long, but I'm sure sometime when we're there she'll hear the call to worship for the Muslims and we'll have another conversation. She said she's looking forward to learning new words, and while I know she means Hebrew words, I can't wait for her to truly understand what it means to be grafted into Israel. Hallelujah!

Year End Wrap Up

Obviously we've been a little busy, but after a day of naps, stomach bug and more rest I'm ready to update this blog with some photos. We sent two suitcases with John and it feels good to know that yes, we're one step closer to going. In the last month we've tied up a lot of details, like packing and cleaning the house, selling the house, spending a lot of time (but not enough) with family.

I'm realizing that it won't feel real until we're in Jerusalem. Even with all the change, it's hard to believe we'll be halfway around the world in six and a half weeks. But I'll get there... literally and figuratively. Ha!

Practicing her dreidel skills. Next year it will be pei instead of sham.

Blake Family Tradition requires Tom to try to be taller than his brothers in family photos. He is jumping in this photo. And Harrison's doing a pretty good job giving him a run for his money.

Mima reading about the meaning of Christmas and the ramifications of Jesus coming. Baruch Haba B'Shem Adonai.

Christmas with the Franzes. Considerably smaller, but just as cute.

 Can you tell Cassidy is excited about moving? That's her new carry-on from Rachey and EJ. She named it RJ, for Rachey & EJ. Conveniently it's the abbreviation for Remember Jerusalem, as well. Some things were meant to be.

 Cousin Lovin'. There's not much more that can be said.

And some serious Christmas dancing. Enjoy!

A few more days and Tom will be in Israel. We're praying things go well with his travel, meeting various people throughout the country, and home-hunting. Love to you all, near and far.

Grace Before Meals...at preschool

Here's a cute video from Cassidy's Thanksgiving feast at preschool. I love hearing her sing, but as I watch this I can't help but look past her to the little boy on the other side of the table. His name is Joshua and he reminds me so much of our little Wy-guy. It's this strange physical reminder that Wyatt is gone. Yet Cassidy is such a joy and we're blessed she's in this class with Noah. They love each other so much.

On the road

Some of the best conversations happen over the open road. This last week I got to ride with little Hadassah in the back of the van, and she gabbed my ear off. She knew she had a captive audience. She had been talking for a while before I decided I should get my camera out. And she didn't stop once I turned it off. Sorry it's not much to look at, but her little voice is so enjoyable.

Her vocab is a little limited (she's only 18 months) but she's quite the mimicker. She kept talking about her shoes (shocker!) and we couldn't find them. And then we did.

Little Miss Cassidy spent the week exploring silly puddy and all it's fun possibilities. I couldn't resist getting it on camera -- watch how she helps roll the puddy with her mouth.

Birthday without the Boy

A few weeks ago I asked Cassidy what she wanted to do for Wyatt's birthday. It's become our family tradition to get books for the boys' birthdays, both earthly and heavenly. We wrap them up and put them on the dining room table, like we used to when Wyatt was still here. It's a nice, simple tradition, that always reminds me of the birthday morning when they both woke up and Wyatt said, "Look Cassie! Balloons!" He said it over and over, I could hear the excitement in his voice as I laid in bed.

Waiting for her response I could see the wheels spinning in her little mind, trying to think of something we could do, something extraordinary (and more fun than going to the grave). Then, as though it was the most brilliant idea ever, she said, "Let's go to Chuck E. Cheese!"

About two months ago Tom took her there on a special date night and she loved it. So much so, that when her teacher asked the class what their favorite thing was, she answered "Chuck E. Cheese". When she told me that's what she wanted to do for Wyatt's birthday I tucked it away, not revealing that I also thought this was a good idea. When November 4th rolled around she was surprised to find out that we were going to see the big mouse, with Maasen (double bonus).

She played almost every game but only once. After she accomplished that she was ready to go. It was sad to be there without the boys, and the curiosity will always be there about how the three of them would interact as siblings. But celebrating Wyatt's life at Chuck E. Cheese, without him, reminds me of one thing -- Cassidy keeps our hearts full of love and laughter.

A few words

...about my husband. People send cards to women, but very often to men. I don't know why this is, and admit I might be guilty of it myself. On days of remembrance this seems especially true. That being said, today I want to tell you about the man Tom Blake is. Or at least who he has been the last 6 years. I think Tom's smile changed the day Wyatt was born:

People told him they were curious to see him as a father. As an adventurer I think some were skeptical he would settle down and parent, responsibly. He did go on a canoe trip 5 days before Wyatt arrived. But as soon as that little boy appeared Tom has been a compassionate, tender,wise and hilarious father. And though the memories and photographs still sting, I am grateful for November 4th, 2005, and the way it changed our lives forever.

As a husband Tom continually tells me how great I am at mothering; he thanks me for what I do. When he was in the middle of full-time painting he would come home exhausted to the beautiful screams of Wyatt and Cassie, "PAPA!" He would immediately chase them into the bedroom and bounce and wrestle with them on the bed. He is never too busy to play, especially with his kids. And though it hurts his heart a bit he still bounces and wrestles with Cassidy.

And he teaches too. He used the holidays to show the children about G-d and His Word and how it should impact our hearts and our lives. Wyatt knew about the importance of the Word and when Tom would get passionate about a topic with friends Wyatt would run to his room and get his Bible so he could participate. Tom read to Wyatt and Cassidy the night Wyatt went with Jesus. Wyatt was primed to encounter the L-rd because of the way Tom fathered him.

In the last two years Tom has continued to be my rock and my safe place. Because of the way he's endured this pain I've been able to see the L-rd as a loving and safe place once again. Instead of getting angry he turned to the only place that held truth and in turn G-d has rewarded him with an open door to develop his gifting as a teacher. A while ago he told me that he doesn't feel like he's received healing, but rather the Word of God and studying has brought him hope. It feels right; the scars are still there, closed but still present, and some days they hurt more than others. On a day like today we weep for the separation but rejoice in the little life we shared together. Our firstborn, Wyatt William.

Thank you, Thomas, for being Wyatt's Buddy Best Friend.