Feast of St. Ephrem the Syrian

Some news from yesterday's newspapers have been rocking the fragile boat that this country is in. Firstly a news breaker that during this Easter/Pesach holidays, arabs swimming in an ancient rock-cut pool (public) in Palestine (Israeli area A meaning where Israeli military keep a presence in Palestine) were forced out by soldiers and police so that Jews could use them exclusively. You won't dream of this happening in your country. If it had been the other way round, there'd be cries of anti-semitism. But back here it's normal and ok to do it to non-jews.

Second news involves China demanding that it's workers contracted to Israel may not work in the West Bank Settlements. So far China has never made any comments nor decisions regarding the occupied arab territories and settlements ... but there is a rising world-wide movement against it. China's sudden demand has shocked Israel into seeing reality on a worldwide level ... that even longtime neutral partners are showing an interest in the occupation of Palestine by the jewish settlers. A little spin and crisis-management is required on the Israeli govt's part. The dragon has awakened and a political earthquake might just be round the corner.

On the other hand I totally agree that Israel defend itself against Gaza missiles. Ecery country not only has the right but the obligation to protect its citizens.

Sr. Jacinta enjoying the geraniums

So much for the political cloud smothering us. The weather is still on a hot streak ... last night was so hot I had to finally turn on the aircon. It didn't mean that I got to sleep. Only slept 2 hours last night .... so in 72 hours I slept 6 hours. Must be a record. I've lost my short-term memory ... forgetting people's names or what I'm supposed to do now. My diaphragmic hernia still hurts very much. Have hardly been eating. Today someone said I looked thinner ... or gaunt. Actually I feel bloated ... from all the medication. Been feeling nauseous the whole week.

Today is the Feast of St. Ephrem the Syrian, the prolific aramaic-speaking theologian of the 4th century who fought heresies by using hymns and songs which were taught to the people. Sadly magnificent church of St. Ephrem in Syria has recently been partially destroyed and the shrine converted into a mosque by ISIS. May St. Ephrem in heaven come down and protect his christians from the clutches of the devil.