Hi Josh,
Hope the trip was tolerable and that you are settling in. I'm very envious, having spent just one day in Jerusalem 3 years ago and realizing how much more I could have seen and learned in 3 weeks! Are you living at the school?
Your account of teacher PD and staff politics was fascinating reading--you observe well. I get the sense that the teachers' federations discourage extras, and that probably contributes to the teachers' sense of being forced into reading a book. And getting a group of teachers all going in the same direction at the same time is also a big challenge.
I'm sure you will see some similarities in Israel, but your time in Tchad will have emphasized how important local culture is and you'll see that big time in Israel, I'm sure. Just as you noticed things about the professional culture in Calvin Park, because you are an outsider just dropping in, you'll be noticing things in Jerusalem that everyone around you takes for granted, as you are trying to figure out the patterns of their culture.
I hope it's as rich and exciting as you hope and a whole lot more!
Yours,
Tom
