No, I didn't die...

Hey all....so sorry I've been out of it of late. My life is so very interesting, and I have neglected to share my adventures with you.

Life has gotten much more routine, and with meeting new people and new experiences it has only become more and more busy.

I am now in a Hebrew class at a local Jewish Community Center. I have taken two semesters of Hebrew, but going into this class I felt like I knew next to nothing. The teacher is tough--in the best sense of the word. She likes to speak to us in Hebrew rather than English; altough, she will use English when our eyes start to glaze over;) The Lord has been gracious, and I am catching on.

Learning Hebrew creates all manner of interesting experiences. Take yesterday for example: I went into D.C. with my sister who is interviewing for jobs. I had the day off because Mr Wichterman is home this week. Anyhow, while Jeanetee interviewed, I went and sat in the park located next door to the White House. I amused myself with many things: studying Hebrew, playing with the overly tame wildlife, reading, and observing the many people around me.

As I was studying a police officer came up to me. I didn't feel cause for alarm...I wasn't even feeding the wildlife:)

He asked about the Hebrew I was studying. (I had my book out, and I'll admit, a red headed young person studying Hebrew is rather random.) He was amazed at my interest in the Middle East. His father is from Iraq, (believe you me, I would never have guessed this guy to be his son, with blond hair and all). But, as he pointed out, he has a middle eastern nose--unlike my stubby, non-middle eastern nose, and he also jokingly pointed out, *wink* His mother from the states. His wife is a Jew, he is Muslim. Yeah, that was my reaction too. I even asked about how that worked exactly. They just had their first child, and he explained that it was becoming a bit more of an issue, but that because neither really seriously practiced their faith it wasn't too bad.
We talked for 40 minutes. We talked about our families, we talked about how he was one of the police officers walking next to President Bush during the inauguration, *sniff*, we talked about the war in Iraq especially concerning his father, and we also talked about his job patroling the park.

Julie, "Any protests today?"
Policeman: (don't remember his name), "No, but we arrested over 300 people yesterday during the anti-war protest. Today, I'm just watching that guy with the big white cross."
Julie: "What?"
Policeman: "Yeah look over there by the White House."
Julie: "What is his issue?"
Policeman: "Well, his signs say that the CIA kidnapped his daughter, and that President Bush is keeping her locked up in the White House."

My straight face was gone, and gales of laughter followed. All in a day's work, hehe.


For the homeschoolers out there, we are socialized!! hehe, just had to say that. He seemed amazed at my, zeal? for life. I think zeal is a good word. We didn't get into the discussion of my religion yesterday because I had to leave, (amazingly he didn't want me to go--I think he was enjoying the conversation 'cause walking around a park all day can get dull.)
After discovering that his family lives about two blocks from me, we decided to keep in touch--babysitter, you know?:)

So, I do ask for your prayers. He even talked about how random our meeting up was. I see it as an opportunity. It does seem that he and his wife are searching for something.

So, if you think of it, pray for him, k?


My work as a nanny is swell. The kids are more and more at ease with me, and I am really enjoying them too.

I've gotten involved in a church out here. It's big, but I am starting to meet people, which is always good for a people lovin' person such as myself.

So, that is a quick summary of my life so far. I know I've left much out, but that will have to suffice for now.

Later.

Julie