Storm

Most of our plants toppled by the wind

The storm was slow to arrive in Jerusalem though it hit the coastal cities yesterday night. The wind was very strong in the morning in Jerusalem but there was only drizzle. Most of our potted plants and enormous jasmine climber (1 storey high) were toppled. But after 1pm the rains came .... hard and heavy. I thought it was hailstones because it fell so hard. I had to go out because by chance I met a former student and her husband while going home yesterday. They had some free time after lunch so we decided to meet. But what a weather to meet. Lightening and thunder came later at 2.30pm. The wind was so strong I was almost blown over down the street. We stayed inside Jacob's Pizza till it was time for them to go. I walked home and was totally drenched.

On a national level, floods and accidents occurred everywhere. https://www.timesofisrael.com/two-children-rescued-from-roof-of-car-stuck-in-flooding/

Students preparing for exams
yesterday in the library

Tomorrow is the feast of Epiphany and so there is the solemn entrance of the Custos into Bethlehem. There will be vespers soon and then the midnight prayers before solemn high Mass tomorrow morning. However the processions in the streets of Bethlehem in this storm will be quite a sight ... all the civil and ecclesiastical dignitaries wet. Last week's midnight Mass also took place in a thunderstorm. Everyone in the Basilica was wet while walking through Manger Square into the Basilica entrance. Quite a coincidence that both feasts occurred in storms. Rain is a blessing here in the Holy Land, a drought stricken land ... so jews, muslims and christians are all very happy.

Well one good thing about this storm is it's keeping the students at home. Next week the mid-term exams begin so they're studying hard in the library instead of being distracted by the New City attractions. I'll just have to make sure the library is warm enough ... it's 6 degrees now ... and the students find all the books they need.