Israel

Sunday, July 9

I’m happy to say that I have the system figured out. After we returned from the dig, I was dusty, sweaty, and I needed to contend with dirty clothes. Then the idea struck me. Why not take care of two tasks at once? For the first time in my life, I walked into the shower with my clothes on. I poured liquid detergent all over my shirt, pants, and socks. The result? My clothes are clean, I have less wrinkles, and I smell powder fresh. I then put the clothes on the drying rack outside where I hope the birds don't poop on them. It's the little hopes that keep me going.

Today, Michael and I got to spend 6 hours together in a pit that measured 5 feet by 4 feet. It’s difficult enough to safely swing hand tools in any condition, so Michael and I had to maneuver carefully in the small space to avoid impaling arms, legs, and other dangly bits. At one point, I picked up the wrong tool, then immediately apologized. I didn’t think I knew Michael well enough for me to grab his pickaxe. In his cheeky Australian accent, he responded, “Not without dinner first.” 

It may not look like much, but this was our hole sweet hole. 

Surprisingly, our little pit produced the most artifacts today. We uncovered a lot of pottery, glassware (about half of an intact bowl), and six coins that are over 1500 years old. Here’s what it looks like to find pottery in situ. 

There’s a chance I will be moved to another area tomorrow to work on the Burnt Church. More on that soon.

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