Summer has arrived!

As I wait for some friends to get off work, I am amazed at how quickly summer has finally arrived here on the island. Today was the best day I've had in such a long time, I can't help but have a goofy smile on my face...

Best day re-cap:
1. Get up around 10am to watch the runners go by (The Lilac Festival started Friday, and today was the annual 10k race around the island) as I sip my morning coffee.
2. Like a kid on summer break, I throw on my grubby clothes and running shoes and iPod, and head out the door for a long run in the woods (to avoid any racers or other humans for that matter...)
3. End run at the Iroquois, and grab lunch in the EDR (Employee Dining Room) My coworker asked me why I destroy the blueberry muffins they typically have left over from the restaurant's breakfast...Well, to get the blueberries out, of course.
4. Go home to change into swimsuit to sneak into the Murray Hotel's rooftop pool/whirlpool :-)
5. Meet up with friends in the park to lay out and play Frisbee
6. Ride my bike around the island...and accidentally inhale a few bugs (yuck.)
7. End bike ride at the Iroquois (see a pattern here) to have dinner.
8. Go home to shower and change for evening Mass. (very enjoyable, as I have not been to church in months)
9. Walk my boss's dogs.
10. Ride my bike up the hill to hang out until the restaurant closes, and people get off work...

So, that is the rundown on what a perfect summer day is for me.

You ever have that Zen feeling, of total relaxation and at peace with everyone and everything? That's me right now. Nothing can bother me today. The day has been so perfect, except...

I know too much.

I know that there are others in the world who do not get to experience this sort of peace, or carefree summer days. I can't help but wonder what I would be doing in Jerusalem on a day like today? Probably frying in the soaringly hot temps. Or going to Jericho with friends. Or to a protest somewhere. I think of my friends and acquaintances there, and pray for them often.

I will always know what time it is in Jerusalem.