Heatwave

Sunny and hot

We've hit a heatwave these past few days. The hottest autumn days in 74 years. Daytime is over 30 degrees. It feels like summer again. All the plants and animals are confused by this reversal of weather. Winter and Spring bulbs just sprouting from the chilly weather last week are not burnt from the scorching sun. 

And this strange wether has many people worried. A group of religious Jews had gone up to Galilee to pray for rain, as it appears we'll have a drought in 2026. Any hot weather now instead of the expected rains simply means there'll be not enough water for summer next year. I guess soon even muslims and christians will be praying for rain. I remember almost 3 decades ago when we had a severe drought, there was a mass call for prayers. Muslims gathered in the Al Aqsa compound while the imam climbed the pulpit specially opened for prayers for rain; Jews gathered at the Wailing Wall for prayers; and we climbed Mt. Calvary on our knees praying for rain. Dramatic. But if you have never lived in a semi-desert area dependent on rain for water, you'll never appreciate it.

Drones and fighter jets continue to fly overhead. It's rather unsettling. Security remains tight in and around the Old City. we're not sure where this ceasefire is leading us. Everything is so uncertain. People continue to suffer financially due to lack of tourists. Requests for aid: medical, water & electric bills, rent continue to come in. It's very disheartening. But still we must trudge on. Heatwave and all.