Update - Day 1594 (Year 5, Day 133)

Virginia Beach, VA

Once again, I wish I could say that we've done some exciting things since my last post 12 days ago, but alas...  unfortunately, this lifestyle is proving that although we do occasionally see and visit places of interest, for the most part, life is "a day in the life", with both of us working all week, observing the Sabbath on Saturdays so it's just a day of worship and relaxing, and then on Sundays, catching up on household chores and shopping.  Not a very exciting life at all.  Hopefully some day that can change.

One of the major things that has happened recently was a mass shooting in a synagogue in Pittsburgh.  That's something that hit very close to home in Jewish communities around the world.  Our shul commemorated the event this past Shabbat, with an invitation to the local community, including guest speakers, which included a Muslim imam (whom I found incredibly inspirational), a Catholic priest, a Christian pastor and the leader of an LGBTQ organization (who was transgender).  Overall, the message was how we as a nation need to combat hate and accept each other, despite our differences.  It was a very moving service and I almost felt hopeful for this country.

Yesterday (Sunday), the shul was hosting a "feed the homeless" program.  I was humbled to be able to participate with the food prep and serving.  It was good to also see a few other participating volunteer families bringing along their children (we used to do that many years ago when we lived in NJ).  It's so important to create a culture of helping others.

Election day is tomorrow, and political news has been the main focus of any and everything for the past month.  This world has become a very crazy, insane place and we can only hope that enough people will see the light and take action to change the course of things back to normal, whatever normal actually is.

Meanwhile, we leave in 2 days for our vacation and vow renewal in Jamaica.  Next post, I'm sure, will have all the photos and details about that trip.