Host Family.

Shalom readers! I have finally arrived in the town of Mughar where I will be volunteering the majority of the time. The trip was quite strenuous from Jerusalem having to carry all my bags/catch the train + a few hour bus ride to this Northern part of Israel. Luckily good conversation was at hand the entire journey and it was great to arrive (no matter how hot and bothered we were) to a bunch of smiling locals ready to escort us to the Mughar Community Centre.

There, a whole bunch of introductions were made to camp leaders/organisers and another feast of pita bread, hummus and drinks was shared around the entire group. Once eating commenced, members of each host family began to arrive (nervous smiling/giggling was present on both sides) and we were eventually passed on to our new best friends for the next two weeks.

The blessings keep coming, as my host family is so wonderful and generous, I feel very fortunate to have landed a spot in their household. The house is a quaint place and in top condition with the mother, Noha, telling me specifically that they cleaned from the ceilings to the floor anticipating my arrival. Zaki, the father eagerly shares the history of Mughar any chance he gets and continuously explains any and all queries I have of their Druish traditions. Siwar is my host sister who from what I understand is the reason why I’m here, as she is very eager to learn more English in order to further her studies and enter university here in Israel. She is all smiles and has a gorgeous energetic vibe no matter what she does. It’s highly contagious!

The communication barrier has had its moments, as Zaki is quite proficient in English (having been a teacher for many years), however Siwar and Noha both struggle at times to understand what I’m saying. Role-play worked for a few turns, but then a cat and mouse game ensued through Google translator every time we weren’t sure what one was saying.

By having a guest in their house, it seems very important for the Druish people to make sure I’m feeling right at home and definitely not lacking in any necessities. When I say necessities, I mainly mean food. It’s like it never stops coming! Noha had cooked a special dish of chicken, rice and salad for my arrival (which I of course could not refuse) however it’s tricky to communicate the idea that I’m actually quite full and satisfied. ‘No thank you’ is more towards the area of ‘yes please’ hence expressing my contentment is going to need a bit more work at this stage.

It has also been lovely meeting some of their family relatives and Siwar’s friends. A few girls from the same family actually provided me with a bit of English relief as they have previously lived in Toronto, Canada. Invitations to go shopping and for one of the girl’s engagement parties has already come my way, which just shows friendliness and generosity in this town certainly lives in everyone.

Of course English is not the only language wanting to be learnt by someone! Siwar has been teaching me both Hebrew and Arabic, so hopefully by the end of the camp I’ll be able to speak some basic words without any hesitation!

It is my second day here in Mughar now as I post this entry – so tonight all volunteers have been invited to go to Nada’s house (one of the Community Centre’s leaders) for a welcome celebration. The temperature is slowly creeping down, so hopefully we’ll be able to spend the night in comfort with each other. 

Balcony view. 

Siwar - Host sister!

Host family house. 

Host mum Noha (in the chair) enjoying her day off. 

Mughar!