Rain again

Rain at 5am

It rained all night like forecast. There were several moments of lightening as well. Everyone thinks it's so strange ... we're at the end of April and it's still raining? The temp. has dropped and everyone is feeling the cold. This morning I saw people in scarves and down-jackets. Winter is back. I had to bout in the streets at 4.45am as a group informed me they were coming to make the Way of the Cross and they wanted some books from me. Well I was out in the rain waiting till 5.30am. Luckily the shop opposite was already open and the owner boiled a cup of turkish coffee for me and I stood under the awning. By 5.30am there were 5 groups numbering 200 people making the Way of the Cross in the rain. Unbelievable but many groups prefer the early morning devotion because they can avoid the crowds, shop-keepers ... and the Holy Sepulchre (it has the last 4 Stations) will be open and with only a few tourists.

Thyme flowering in the park

There wasn't much time to catch up with sleep as I had an appointment with the Archbishop at 9am ... then another meeting with the Custos at 11am. Then I had to meet a group from China at 12.15pm, headed by 2 of my former students now priests. Then it was a mad rush back home because I must prepare for class at 2pm. The meetings with the archbishop and Custos required me to have information in hand that was prepared for several days. It was cordial but we had to discuss important business so facts were very important. That is stressful. But meeting my former students was a great joy. I have not seen them for over 10 years.

Meantime just a few hours ago we've received news that Russian was sending a shipment of weapons to Syria to be used against Israel. We're worried.  https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/US-intel-Arms-shipments-from-Iran-into-Syria-may-be-used-against-Israel-552686

And in an about-face, the govt. has finally abandoned the lw to repatriate African asylum seekers. Almost everyone from religious rabbis to the police refuse to endorse or carry out the orders. So now the asylum seekers can feel less fearful of being arrested and harassed as the law is rescinded.  https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5239864,00.html

Some plants are enjoying the rain ... I noticed the thyme planted along the City Wall all blooming with soft pink flowers. The nearby rosemary have their deep purple flowers. Walking along the City Walls is quite a nice experience ... with stunning colours and perfume of spices.