Springtime renewal in the north

Hello gentle readers,

We took an inspirational day trip to Haifa and up north near Nazareth yesterday to visit with my midwife friends and to see the greenery of spring outside of the Negev. We felt renewal happening all around us: wild flowers, oak tree forests, magnolia trees, jasmine plants, and a birth center. It all smelled and looked so sweet.

Here are some pics of this picturesque city by the sea, Haifa. The gorgeous garden shot is of the Baha'i gardens. Baha'i is the most recent religion to claim its holy sites on this plot of land, nice of them to find a place other than Jerusalem to do so, eh? That place already has too many bidders! The Baha'i have their primary temples and shrines in Haifa, as well as a very impressive Hall of Justice reminding me of saturday morning cartoons, bat caves, and the wonder twins. None of the later to be found on the Baha'i grounds in Haifa, sadly.This night shot is of Haifa and a sliver crescent moon. Don't know if the simple majesty of the evening is visible to you through this photo. All the more reason for you to pop over for a visit.
After a lunch of Chinese food, yes, strange I know, Chinese food, we traveled up to Mindy's place. When we leave Be'er Sheba we try very hard to eat food we can't find here. So yesterday, Chinese it was.

Mindy lives just a stone's throw away from Nazareth in a little village, Bet La hem. Yes, you've most likely heard of a more popular hamlet by that name boasting a famous, or infamous, native son. After a nature hike and history lesson led by Mindy's hubby, Avner, we learned that there are archaeologists in the region who assert that this hilltop is the authentic birth place of one Jesus Christ (can you imagine if there had been more than one?). Considering Ma and Pop Christ could've reached Nazareth from here by donkey in about a half hour it really is quite probable. But, oh my Lord (pun quite intended), that would change everything and we can't go and do something as reckless as that in this day and age. So, a quiet, charming little place this Bet La hem remains.

Here are some pics of my friend Mindy Levy (home birth midwife) and her new birth center. Both gorgeous, as you see here. Home birth midwives here in Israel are still a relatively new option for delivering moms and many work in hosptials, as well. Midwives are the primary folks in charge on brith in any setting in Israel and I am slowly making my rounds, meeting as many of them as I can. I am working closely with Mindy and her Palestinian counterparts to secure some funding to help both groups come together and share their insights gains through their success and struggles supporting women throughout their pregnancies.


Here is a painting given to Mindy for the birth center by one of the fathers whose wife's delivery she atteneded and a new birthing stool crafted for the women who labour with her made from some sweet smelling local variety of wood.

Here is the birthing pool. The room itself is equipped with soothing lighting and private garden outside. The cobalt blue tiles help to inspire a sense of calm clearly helpful for women in staying focused on the task at hand. I really wanted to fill up the tub and get in myself right there and then, but fought the urge. This is the main lobby where Mindy will host trainings, etc. She is getting offers from local pre-natal yoga teachers and such who'd like to use the space, as well. I hope to be able to use this space while I am in Israel over the next few years to host some workshops between the Israeli and Palestinian midwives. See how comfortable Adam seems here, maybe the dream team of an OB/GYN and midwife are not out of the question. Who knows!

Here is the kitchen where families using the facility for deliveries can cook while they are there.

Here is the back patio and garden. Imagine a laboring lady slowly walking through her contractions out here, inspired by the natural landscape to open and let go. The view in the other direction is of an expansive valley, green and lush this time of year.

Here are Mindy and I out front of the center. The center is just down the street from her house, as well. What a set up!

Another great day, to be sure. We have so many of those here. I hope that wherever you are today, perched, reading these words, that spring has sprung and that hope, birth, and warmth are renewing you. Take care!