Shalom Dear Family and Friends ~

As my birthday passed, I reflected on my 27 years of life. I distinctly remember stating, "next year in Jerusalem," at my birthday dinner a year ago. Thank G-D, that has come true. I want to thank those of you who remembered my birthday and esp. to my brother, Stu, for being such an exceptional twin! I am very happy with where I stand today and feel more blessed than ever, for many reasons, especially for the impact each of you have had in my life.

On my run the other morning, I started to think, I know I'm in Israel when...
* The only other person I see on my run at 6 am is a soldier returning home, duffle/gun/backpack in possession, for some sleep and good food (I am told).
* The airport closes for a full day because the government workers decide to go on strike!
* A guy gets up and walks half way back to the bus door, to help a woman get her carriage and 6 children onto the bus before it sweeps away, in the process,
the mother hands her infant to the closest woman to watch her children while she goes to get her bus pass hole punched.
* Your dishwasher is bigger than the washing machine!
* The Hebrew word for Saturday is, "Shabbat" and the newspaper weather report reads Sunday-Friday then SHABBOS forecast!

Just a few instances, I have witnessed recently, which make me glow with delight that I am living in such a HOLY, wonderful place with exceptional people.

I am doing really well professionally, for I have started serving on the Board of Directors for a cancer organization called, Ma'agan which is great. In addition, I will be attending a 2 day conference with all the top professionals from Israel and the US to learn about bereavement, spiritual care and programming. It is very exciting and will be a tremendous opportunity to network. I have also been offered another management position with a cancer center that works predominately with the religious population. I am also continuing to do private counseling and even have the honor of working out of a very nice office, donated by an incredible counselor here in Israel. All good stuff.

I am making a lot of new friends and thank G-D, sustaining old friendships in the process. When I wake up each morning, I always take time to express thanks
for the support and love I have from you, my family and friends. Thank you so much.

I am really living my dream right now. I am also getting better with my Hebrew, conversing with taxi drivers now. They seem to be good people to practice with considering they love talking anyway! I am also continuing to nanny and go to a lot of work-out classes which keeps me on my toes!

I hope each and every one of you are doing well and smiling. I love to hear from you and really thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for keeping in touch and sharing your life experiences with me. It means the world to me!

In honor of this holiday time, I want to wish each of you a season and year filled with much light to illuminate your lives as well as clarity, love, health, peace and joy to each of you and your families. I look forward to seeing some of you when I
come for my visit to the states.

Until next time, take care and know there is a lot of love being sent to you over the miles...

Blessings, Emily

PS The pics are mostly from a tiul (trip) I went on today. It was amazing and so peaceful!

Incredible to learn about the Bible and then step on the land the instances took place. So special!