July 4, 2008, celebrating in Tel Aviv

[Hebrew sign]
The lemonade of Li and Nadav
buy it for four shekels [about $1.50]

Friends, I am feeling the heat and humidity. On Tel Aviv's Rothschild Boulevard, children are selling relief (fast and temporary) from their park bench lemonade stands. Although I am scantily clad, sweat pours over my face, my neck — everywhere.

Yet, neither heat nor humidity can spoil this day. It is the Fourth of July, Independence Day in the United States of America today celebrating its 232nd birthday. Gratitude for America fills me just as gratitude for Israel on its 60th Independence Day filled me two months ago. I am a citizen of both democracies where I live, one country at a time.

It's the first time in years that I am not in America celebrating Independence Day... yet. My plane from Tel Aviv lands there this evening, ending a five-month adventure here.

It's also my second blogging birthday today. Two years ago, I published my first post, July 4, 2006, at Atlanta's Open Door Community picnic for more than 500 guests who live on the streets.

Thank you, framers of America's Declaration of Independence. Thank you, champions of independence everywhere.

Sold out: bottled water from a rolling stand
in Jerusalem's Old City last week