A case for familiarity.
The past five days I have spent my time with my mom, and I loved it.
She kept telling me how I was so accustom to things here that I probably didn't notice them like she was. It's true I noticed the palm trees a lot more in August and September. The weather doesn't seem to change here either. I have become familiar with this place. I can usually find my way to places with just a map and a landmark (of course I have my moments.....mom can attest to that). I am used to seeing the transitions from the Muslim, Jewish, Chrisitian, and Armenian quarter in the Old City (some of you may not even know what I am talking about). I have a new familiar vocabulary using words like Sherut, Mosad, checkpoint, falaffle, Ultra-Orthodox, Messianic, Wye Agreement, and Shekel. I still have my touristy moments, but some of that magical aura that is tourist has worn off to give me a bit of a better focus on what Jerusalem is. I can say that like any big city Jerusalem has its issues. We just like to see this place as one of meaning as well we should.
I have to remind myself daily that this is the place where my Lord Jesus Christ was nailed to a cross, buried in a tomb, and rose from the dead for the payment of the sins of me and you. You would think that Jerusalem of all place would make this very easy to do. Early on I can say that I was reminded simply by the church bells of Dormition Abbey (right behind my school), but now that is familiar and I face this challenge unaided. What I really need is time to reflect on everything I have seen done, passed on the street, and heard. I want to articulate all of this, but the familiarity of it all almost makes it mundane. The paradox is what I am most familiar with, home, brings out all of these new connections and observations to the forefront of my mind. This was made apparent when my mom came to visit me for a short period.
Spending my time in a foreign country and having to build new relationships as I went through that transition more or less destroyed my sense of familiarity. I mean yes there were some foods, smells, and even interests that remained throughout this semester, but there is something to be said for continuing a conversation with someone you know so well. My mom can say simple sentences that to any eve dropper would ignore, but I understand and can reply in the same way. She can ask me simple questions that I had when I first came and I can usually answer them or know enough to say it requires more time than what I have had with it so far.
What I want to say is I realize that familiarity (spelled it right the first try!) is built up in my life so that I can become unfamiliar and then explain the difference. Familiarity should not translate to stagnation though.
Blessings!
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