Change

Change is rarely easy!

How do the people of Gaza live with the constant changes being forced upon them? The trauma of bombardment and invasion fresh in their lives and always a possibility for tomorrow, the day after or in the future. People forced into temporary housing they remain in tents or crowded accommodations with friends or family; a temporary change that has no end in sight. They've lost jobs, houses, relatives, friends. I don't know how they adjust to the loss, the changes in so many areas of their day to day life.

When change involves the loss of someone you love it is often unbearable. The death of my brother is almost impossible for me to accept. I do not want to hear that he is gone. It's impacting every area of my life...and in such a sad, sad way.

As I'm reading over this, I am reminded of many people in Gaza who have lost all their possessions I remember seeing the unrecognizable remains of orchards....orchards handed down in the family from generation to generation; the family's source of income; ripped from the earth and bulldozed beyond recognition. They were family heirlooms!

We take things/possessions for granted here in the US. My brother John was fortunate, he was able to inventory his family possessions; specifying gifts for his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and one great-great niece. We appreciate his gifts....forgetting how privileged we are he had them to give to us.

Next week my daughter and I are driving to his home on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. We'll take possession of the family heirlooms and treasures left to my children and grand-children and me. Ironically, the oak dining room table I mentioned in my last post, was left to my daughter. Also, it needs a good waxing. I'll pass the secrets of waxing on to my grandchildren. Traditions!

Change: The November dates for Gaza presentations have been canceled; leaving me up in the air about whether to re-schedule them for December...a very busy month for most people. My plans for contacting schools and churches about scheduling presentation have come to a halt. I had hoped to send those emails and mailings off two weeks ago....they too wait for action.

Change: Sadly, my return to Gaza is being re-scheduled from January to May. I have health and medication issues....they must be stabilized before traveling to Gaza. Saying this is a major disappointment, is an understatement!.

Change: I no longer have my brother; my family treasure!