From the mall we went to Rute’s mom’s cousin’s house. It was a grand family reunion for everyone, lots of babies and little kids, and lots and lots of Hebrew. Today was the first day I felt so completely lost in translation. Maybe it was because I was exhausted…or maybe because six year olds were speaking so fast in a language so foreign to me. Whatever the case, I was lost. From this get together we went back to home base at Sabba and Safta’s house for dinner with Rute’s Dad’s family.

Dinner was delicious, as always. Safta made lasagna and kept pulling bottles of coke and fanta out of thin air. After dinner Rute, Boaz and I went to Mayumana, an Israeli “Stomp” like troop. They were incredible! Lots of loud drumming, singing, and dancing. I had a great time at the show and now my adrenaline is totally pumping because of it. Rute and I also met a little kitty that was adorable and lovely and awwwhhh.

Tomorrow is the Dead Sea. *Squeal* I am SO excited to go and float and put mud all over my pores and soak in one of the wonders of the world.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss my Julia and Philip. xoxo, marypopkens 

Because I’m sure everyone is wondering: today was fine. Better than fine. Today was beautiful.

After an interesting night, and hard morning, I woke up for the second time to find the sun shining and the Old City awaiting me. This morning I got up, got dressed, and we took a taxi into the Old City of Jerusalem again. We ate breakfast on the top of a beautiful restaurant’s roof that over looked Jerusalem. It was breathtaking, and the food was delicious. Then, I bought ALL of my gifts for back home except for one individual friend that is impossible to buy for. I just need one more present and then I’m free to buy for me! Specifically today, I bought a candle and lit it from the flame burning outside Jesus’ tomb. I did that for my mom. For my mom, and for my Yia’s well being as well. It was beautiful thing to do. I also put all the cross gifts that I bought on the “stone that Jesus was baptized on.” I did this for all my aunts, and other friend’s that I had bought gifts for. It was the perfect amount offaith today. Not too much, and yet I did something special to commemorate my mommy too.

It felt very right that all of this was happening today. Many blessings, and much love. After the more emotional part of my day, we visited the Wailing Wall, witnessed a Barmitzvah, and went on a tour of the caves of the old city. One word: amazing. We were walking on stone over 2000 years old, and learning all about the Jewish history behind the Wailing Wall. It was incredible. Absolutely incredible. The stories are so rich, and the people there are so in love with their faith. I respect all of it.

Rute had a great quote: “I want to be God…and read all the notes in the Wailing Wall.” Brilliant, absolutely brillz.

After that day in the Old City, I had a great dinner with the guys, said goodbye to Sabba, and now we are back in Tel Aviv.

For everyone back home, I am doing fine and I will be fine. If you absolutely need me today, email me: (alexandrap714@gmail.com) because facebook is out of the question.

We’re going out tonight, per my request, and it’s going to be great. xoxo, marypopkens 

my mother, the queen is forever missed and loved forever.

#memoryeternal

Today was the “big day” tour wise. We took a close to 4 and a half hour tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. Make sure you bring your walking shoes when you come is Israel, that and train as if you are walking a marathon. Today I saw everything that any Christian, or MBC camper, would love to see before they die. I saw Jesus’ tomb, I saw the tomb of King David, I saw the stone in which Jesus was baptized on. I saw, I touched, I took pictures of everything. Tomorrow we will go back and I am going to light some candles and see even closer all of the landmarks I saw today. So much history was shared with us today that I can’t even begin to explain without my pictures. There’s close to 200 from just today. Something awesome, Rute’s grandfather who is 85 years old today was walking around Jerusalem, up and down the hundreds of stairs, and keeping up with the tour guide better than half of our group. He’s like a robot, and he is such a character. I only wish I could understand his hebrew jokes.

After we toured, we walked around the market for an hour or two. I started buying all my presents for people back home. Ayee, there are so many things to buy and not enough time, or patience in my case. I’m trying very hard to get something for everyone. So far I’ve purchased many bracelets, t-shirts, nic nacs, and crosses. I can only imagine what the next few days bring, present wise.

Tomorrows the day. I know, you know, I know that everyone else knows. The one thing I do not know is how I am going to react. I’m half way across the world in a beautiful country, surronded by beatiful people, beautiful history, beautiful everything. But, still, I personally cannot get over the fact that it has been one year since I’ve seen my mom. The reality that she is never coming back hits harder and harder with each day and makes it harder, in a way, to move on. I feel selfish, in a way, for being in Israel away from Julia and Philip but I don’t know. When we have the church service and I’m surronded by my family, my cousins, my close and loyal friends, that’s when I’ll have the day with everyone to remember my mom. A day is just a day. And tomorrow will be another day in Jerusalem, another day in Israel, and another day closer to graduation. =P

The grape juice here is to die for. So is all the breakfast food. Rute and I are having slight facebook drama withdrawal. We usually get to sneak an hour online at 6 o’clock our time, which is only 11 am in the states. There’s little to creep on. Tomorrow night we will go back to Tel Aviv to stay with Rute’s Dad’s family again. I look forward to living with them again! The rest of my week looks as follows: Thurs: Old City, Back to Tel Aviv. Friday: A “Stomp” like Show in Tel Aviv Saturday: The Dead Sea Sunday: Massages Monday-Tuesday: Finishing off every last thing Wed: Back to America

It’s almost over, which is crazy. So much left to do and so much left to buy!! xoxo, marypopkens 

McDonalds: I will not eat the McDonalds in Israel. It is much more expensive than the one in America and has different foods. (Such as pita sandwiches and such.) But, it is funny to see all of the McDonald’s signs everywhere.

Orthodox Jews: Here in Israel there are Orthodox Jews who walk around with Black hats, long beards, and long coats. To me, they just look different but to the Israeli’s living here, they are bad news. Jamie, the 18 year old family friend, was talking about them last night. I listened carefully to what he was saying. To him, they are men who do not pay taxes nor join the army. They are paid for by the government to strictly pray. Jamie next year as an 18 year old will join the Israeli Army and have to serve for three years minimum, no choice. I understand where he is coming from with his anger towards the Orthodox. For me though, I do not have an opinion either way. They just look silly.

Rute’s Aunt: We are staying at Rute’s Mom’s Sister’s House. Her name is Ayelet (Pronouced: I-yell-it) She was described to me as a “hippie” from Rue’s family but, she seems very normal to me. She works at a school in Jerusalem with children with Autism. We visited by her school today. I have great respect for her and what she does as a job. She’s been with these children for 10 years now and has taught them many valuable lessons, such as eating your vegetables. Ayelet has a very nice home with many nicnacs everywhere. Her two sons, Rute’s two cousins are also in the house. They are very shy, so I don’t talk to them much whatsoever. They love playing video games. To each his own.

DoppleGangers: Brilliant, Brilliant game. So far we’ve seen Israeli Natalie (our Little Prince Director), Israeli Philip, Israeli Jackie’s Brother, and Israeli Charlie. Mwahahaa I cannot wait to go out and find more.

President/Prime Minister’s Houses: Both the President and the Prime Minister live in walking distant from the house we are staying at. We walked by them both last night on our way home from being our. It was the closest I’ve ever been to a machine gun. The homes are beautiful and huge and guarded from any outsiders. If you ever tried to run towards the homes you would be dead in a matter of seconds. The president in Israel is more of a symbol, or figure. He doesn’t do much while the Prime Minister acts more like the President of the United States. I thought that was very interesting.

Odds and Ends: Israel is the size of New Jersey. The water tastes different. The people do not look like me, they look more like Rute. Handheld showers are hard. The food is the nommmiest. Naps are a way of life, and preserve life. Their chocolate spread > Nutella. Everything is smaller.

Today we woke up and went out to breakfast with Rute’s grandfather. I had an Almond Croissant with a Cappachino. We walked around the market, I took a ton of pictures, and I bought a very nice dress! Then we walked a ton more, visited Ayelet at school, walked more, ate lunch, walked, bought conditioner, walked, washed our hands again, and walked home. Now, we nap.

Until I blog again, xoxo, marypopkens 

Today we woke up at 9, all showered and were ready to go to Jerusalem by 10. I had a little breakfast with Rute’s Safta. She speaks English very well. We talked a lot about my family and where I’m from and all that. I didn’t realize how much I would miss my family. I guess this two week adventure is a first glimpse at what college is going to be like. Though I will not be halfway across the world when I’m at college, at times it will feel like I am. I’m desperately missing my Philip lovin and Julia stories. Though their hysterical emails and picture tweets of Disney are keeping me giggling.

Jerusalem is very different from Tel Aviv. The entire drive was uphill. All of the building in Jerusalem are made from the same sandy stone. It is the law here. The reason is to preserve its original state and aesthetic.

Today we visited with Rute’s Mother’s Father. He lives in Jerusalem, speaks fluent english, and has the best house for a nap. Today, Rute and I both slept from 2pm-4pm. It was joyous. Absolutely joyous.

We went out to lunch and had the big salads again and I had a chicken kabob. Before that Rute’s grandfather brought us to a great sight at the top of a hill. From there, you could see all of Jerusalem and also the Arab mosques and such. I have some great pictures I’ll post later.

Tonight we went out on the town with Rute’s family friend, Jamie. He was very nice and speaks English very well. We went to “downtown” Jerusalem, walked around a bunch, and experienced nightlife a tad. We washed our hands at the “Lush” of Israel with the grainy soap. My hands feel brand new!  It was a Monday Night, so I was not expecting much and still had a lot of fun! OH! Tonight I had my first Falafel. Ohmygreatgoodness it was delicious. Pita, falafel, hummus, cucmbers, tomatoes. Yumm.

Now I am going to bed. A lot of walking today, and I am very tired. I think I may be still jet lagegd a tad. My body is having a hard time grasping the concept that I am halfway across the world. I may not even grasp it until I go home. We’ll see. I look forward to the next three days spent in Jerusalem and all the history that is to come.

Let me know what you think of my journal. xoxo, marypopkens

Rute and I slept from 10pm to 12 the next afternoon. It was the most beautiful sleep I’ve ever had. after being awake for 48 hours. Rute and I are sleeping on trundle beds next to each other in one room. It’s very comfy, very cozy and has great wi-fi. We woke up to Rute’s grandmother (Safta) asking if we were hungry, and wanting to give us freshly squeezed orange juice. Ahhh

Today we went on the town, walked everywhere, and I got the Israeli bug. I love it here. The cab drivers are nice, and the food just keeps coming. Today I ate Schenitzl, which is Israeli chicken cutlets, along with eggplant everything, french fries, and pita with hummus. Nomnomnom. Also, the Coke tastes different here but it is so tasty and fresh.

I feel very safe here. Before you enter the mall, they check your bags and the trunks of your car. I feel like everyone is looking out for each other. Today in the mall I bought a perfect Opera Trip dress for 200 shekel. Don’t worry, dad! That’s only $50 which is good for a beautiful dress!  

Rute’s grandparents are the cutest ever. Currently, Rute’s Safta is laying on the Yovi’s air mattress tucked in like a pig in a blanket in the middle of the family room. She reminds me of my Yia Yia very much. Rute’s grandfather is 86 and he is more in shape than my father. (Sorry, dad!) He’s very shy but very stoic. Rute’s grandmother is the opposite. She’s “saucy” as Rute says.

As we were coming home, we stopped at a location at the top of a hill. You could see the entire skyline of Tel Aviv. Though my pictures came out bad, it was beautiful. Now we’re all hanging out in the house before the soccer game comes on. Tomorrow we will go to Jerusalem for a few days to stay with Rute’s Mom’s Family, tour, and see the Old City. I cannot wait for that.

Words of the Day: L-o = No / See-ha= Excuse me/Sorry.

Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home is stuck in my head. Damn, Fermatta.
xoxo, marypopkens

To start, I left the 01867 at 2:45. The first flight we boarded was from Logan to Heathrow airport in London. The flight was 6 hours long, Rute sat next to a girl that smelt like curry, and my ears were popping like crazy. We were 38,000 feet above the air. Woowza

We arrived in London at 5:00 AM London time, 12 AM Boston time. The airport wasn’t even open when we got through security. We had three hours to kill. Amazingly, Rute and I both found a nook in the Starbucks Lounge and took much deserved naps. When I woke up, it was 7:00 and our flight was departing at 8:15. Perfection.

The flight from London to Tel Aviv was beautiful. I slept for the entire four hours, and Rute and I had three seats between the two of us. Just beautiful.

Then comes my first, of many, culture shocks: having to go through immigration. Rute got the fast pass with her Israeli Passport and I had to go through the “Foreign Passport” line. Though I could see Rute from over the counters, the 100 odd people crowded around me speaking all different languages was overwhelming, to say the least. It was my first: “I’m 12 hours away from home, my family is in DisneyWorld, what am I doing?” But I was able to answer that question, I am here to experience one of the coolest, and the holiest places in the world. I’m here for culture, food, and people.

Greeted at the airport by Rute’s dad and grandmother, food was instantly waved in front of my face and a shower was in order. Rute’s grandparent’s house just out of Tel Aviv is the cutest house I’ve ever seen. It’s so what I pictured an Israeli’s home to look like. Arts on the walls, knick knaks and so. I love it.

Tonight we went to Rute’s cousin’s house just about 35 minutes away. We ate a delicious meal, listened to (loud) Israeli music, and tried breaking the language barrier with the lesser-speaking english cousins. It was great fun, but I was very, very tired.

Words I learned: To-da = Thank You (Not TA-DA, like magic. I already might have made that mistake….)

Well, it’s 2:46pm Boston time and 9:46pm Israeli time. I’ve been awake since Friday, the 17th since 6:30 am for school and am going to crash in any second.

And so the adventure begins! xoxo, marypopkens 

             At 6 pm my best friend entered the funeral home nose red, shivering from head to toe. “I’ve been here since 3 waiting in this never-ending line, please don’t think I came late. The Dunkin Donuts across the street ran out of hot drinks, and I’ve been waiting in some stranger’s car to keep warm. There’s just so many people I can’t get over it, but more importantly, how are you?” Exasperated and holding my warm hands to bring feeling back to his fingers, he continued blabbing on to me; it was all a blur. I drifted out of my place in line and passed by hundreds of people staring at picture poster boards and thought to myself about the woman we were commemorating. Even in her death, she could close down a Dunkin Donuts. She bonded strangers in her own funeral line. She possessed the gift of a listening ear and engendered trust in anyone who called her a friend. She died suddenly February 23, 2011. She was my mother.

As the oldest sibling in my family, I instinctively possess the qualities of a caretaker, yet, that in no way diminished the abandonment this jolting, life altering experience left me with. Given little choice, I moved up in the ranks and was forced into the role “mom” immediately after my mom’s passing. It wasn’t the intention of my family and friends to burden me with this newfound rank; it’s simply what happens in the case of a sudden death. Swallowing my own needs, my internal caretaker kicked into overdrive. “Oldest child syndrome” is almost a cliché at this point, but for me, this cliché has always been my reality. I’ve always been the built-in babysitter, the advice giver, and the protector of my two younger siblings. As the oldest, I feel a responsibility to do my very best to make sure I look after the members of my family. Over the course of my seventeen years, my title as caretaker has blossomed outside of my family and overflowed into my friend groups.

I guess I should have seen the proverbial handwriting on the wall, when ironically, every drama role I have been cast is that of a caretaker. Freshman year I played Ms. Darbus inHigh School Musical, and sophomore year I beat out many capable upperclassmen for the role of Jack’s Mother in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. Jack’s Mother’s character struggles to teach her absentminded son the importance of acceptance and satisfaction rather than insatiable greed. Cast as the role of Jack’s Mother, both onstage and in my personal life, I’ve had to accept the advice of my character. Like Jack, I struggle with what feels like personal greed. The struggle of wanting to “go out” but needing to babysit, the struggle of having no patience but needing to be patient, and the unbearable struggle of having no mother but needing to be mothered.

Since that dreaded February day, my role of caretaker has grown exponentially to the point where it’s no longer just a tendency but, rather, an obligation. I’m the one to drive my sister to and from her many activities and my so-called “free time” has been filled with entertaining my not-so-easily entertained brother Philip. Even though I had many of these roles before my mom died, I now bear them alone, with no one consistently there to pick up the slack when I just, for a little while, want to be my age. The impact of this experience remains ongoing and will for the rest of my life. She was my one and only mother after all.

Through the chaos and tragedy of losing my mom, I’ve gained the character of a much more mature person. As with most tragedies, there is a dawn after darkness. My dawn comes in the form of personal gain; I’ve found inner strength I didn’t know existed and have proved to others, but more importantly myself, that I have the capability to overcome any darkness. My junior year seemed more of a pop quiz than a test, with little time to prepare for the sudden tribulations thrust upon me; I had to succeed under pressure. Thankfully, my internal caretaker surpassed all that was expected and continues to enlarge with every moment I am blessed to live.

“I MADE IT THROUGH ALL OF LAST YEAR AND I’M HERE. CHRIST KNOWS AT LEAST I WAS THERE. AND I’M HERE. LOOKS WHO’S HERE. I’M STILL HERE HERE HERE HERE HERE HERE. YES.”

caykekmaker mayke mey uh cayke
leyts guh caytch sum dragoon flyes.