First lessons learned about the Middle East

So, I'm taking a course at St. George's College while I'm in Jerusalem called the Palestine of Jesus. When I registered, the June dates were full, so I registered for July. Not a problem. Participants stay at the Guest Houses at the Cathedral, which is convenient, really because I will already be staying at the Guest House. Fabulous. Things came together. Quite excellent.

I mailed a money order (mistake #1) for the cost of the course, minus residence fees, to the school and checked that item off my To Do list. Thank you to my diocese for that financial support, since without it, the course would not have been possible!

Then I received an email informing me the residence had been changed for the July dates. This sparked a flruy of exchanges between participants and instructors (publically for all recipients to view). This was interesting, and I reflected at the time how the public discussion/open critique may have been more stifled here, sent to people privately, one-on-one. That said, I assumed I would remain at the Guest House, travelling each morning to meet the other participants at their logding (mistake #2).

I received an email this week from the school regarding both my money order (which I had sent via registered mail) and the course location. The first issue appears to be that banks in Israel are not equipped to accept Canadian transactions in American funds (the course fees are paid in American dollars). Despite my forwarding a money order and not a cheque, this is not possible. The second issue is that of my location during the course. I really should be staying with other participants in order to foster community and fellowship. My staying at the Guest House during the course is a savings of roughly $900, making a shift in location for me, simply not possible.

However, the good news is two-fold! Bishop Chapman is currently in Jerusalem, which for me is...well, convenient! He his helping facilitate the via electronic transfers between diocese and bring the money order back (which saves a 3-week delay and worry on my part about money travelling by air). Plus, I have been given the OK to register for the June session of the course, which was previously full, which means I can stay at the Guest House.

All has worked out well. Quite excellent!

My lessons learned: 1. Things can change quickly and often. 2. I should not expect their systems to work as ours do. Our worlds are quite different.