just one week left :-/

yes, that's right, i only have one week left here in Israel, and i definitely have mixed feelings about it. i miss everyone back home, but it is starting to feel like home here. although i know that staying would only make it harder since things are changing as everyone leaves. today was my last day of classes, but some people have some on monday. thankfully i don't since i have two finals on tuesday and one on wednesday morning and i'm working tuesday night. so guess who's going to be studying ALL weekend and monday as well? yep, that'll be me. but, i'm thanking the Lord that He's been so faithful in SO many areas of my life. for example, today i had a HUGE quiz to take in Hebrew and even though i couldn't remember one of my vocab words, i think i got all the rest right, which means 1) the Lord is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING for the grace He provided me in helping me remember all that i studied and 2) that i could have possibly gotten the best grade i've ever gotten on a Hebrew quiz!!! yeah, i am definitely praising the Lord for it :-D He is SO GOOD!!!

some other interesting news... last night todd bolen (one of the profs here) had a "dating" talk with anyone who wanted to hear it. pretty much everyone went and it was well worth it in my mind. a lot of what he said really challenged me to keep my relationship with happy going on the right path. not only that, but appreciate where the Lord has me right now, no matter where that is. one thing i've been thinking about in particular is the fact that i'm going home and won't see happy for a month, which is probably going to be harder than i think. another thing todd said, on a funny note, was that time in IBEX tends to be double time and he paused and was like "happy and amy, this has really been six months for you." haha. cracked me up. i hadn't thought about that, but i think it's true. we seriously get to spend SO much time together here, and not just the two of us, but everyone. it's really difficult to get away from anyone you might have a problem with, which is turning out to be a good thing.

ok, but back to todd's talk. there were a few points that were encouraging to me because happy and i both have very strong convictions about some things, so we've already made extra special effort to clarify some things. he also said "TAKE IT SLOW" which was great to hear. everyone seems like they are in such a rush. i just want to enjoy being 21 and in college. and now that i have a boyfriend, i want to enjoy getting to know him and seek to honor the Lord in that.

so i'm glad that i got to hear todd's thoughts on dating. and i'm glad i got to go to Israel for a semester. and i'm glad that i thought i wouldn't have to think about boys, but i'm even more glad the Lord had other plans. and i'm glad i'm going to see my family and friends soon!!! i miss home!!! well, i'd better get going. it's our last shabbat dinner tonight! :-( but praise the Lord for such a wonderful semester!!! good night all and God bless!