Magda
Housemother - with all her heart, each and every moment
Magda has been working at the Ebenezer Home since 2012, and three of those years as the house mother. Her daily tasks are very diverse, like those of a mother ... ;)
She makes sure, the residents are well off, their rooms are furnished according to their needs, and if they have specific needs, she goes and shops for them. Another part of her daily work is domestic economics. Every week Magda meets with the kitchen staff to plan the menu, taking into account the diets of the individual residents. Magda also is the first person to contact about laundry and house cleaning. In short: She oversees everything related to the domestic economy. During the year, she organizes various feast celebrations for the residents in the Ebenezer Home or the adjacent garden. Magda is also in regular contact with suppliers, compares prices, and orders food.
The ambience at Ebenezer is very friendly. It feels like a second home to her, and Magda enjoys being at Ebenezer. She explains, "In my daily work, I experience how God gives me the strength, wisdom, and joy to accomplish all tasks. He brought me here. For me it's a privilege to serve Him and the residents here, and it's incredibly fun for me. I want to work for Him with all my heart, each and every moment."
Getting there
from the Ben Gurion Airport to Haifa
The address of your accommodation is: Haganim Street 44, Haifa (German Colony).
Most Israelis understand and speak English well and are willing to help.
By Train
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Haifa from the Ben-Gurion Airport is by train. For this, you have to take the train from the airport and head in the direction of 'Nahariya', but will get off at the station called 'Merkaz-Hashmona' in Haifa (about 1 1/2-hour ride, and will cost 40-50 shekels). From there, just ask for a taxi to your accommodation address. The taxi ride takes only a few minutes and should not cost more than 30-40 shekels. It's best to set a price before the ride. If we can, we will pick you up from the train station in Haifa. Please note that there are no trains on Fridays and Saturdays!
By Shuttle
The second option is to ask at the airport for the shuttles (also called "Sherut") to Haifa. It costs about 120 shekels (about $35). You may have to wait a bit longer for more passengers to fill the minibus. In the event that the driver wants to drive before the shuttle is full, passengers can agree to pay a little more. A sherut is also available on Fridays and Saturdays.The second option is to ask at the airport for the shuttles (also called "Sherut") to Haifa. It costs about 120 shekels (about $35). You may have to wait a bit longer for more passengers to fill the minibus. In the event that the driver wants to drive before the shuttle is full, passengers can agree to pay a little more. A sherut is also available on Fridays and Saturdays.
By Bus
The third option is you can also take a green 'Egged' bus from the airport to the Haifa bus station 'Hof Ha Carmel' ('Egged' is Israel's largest bus company). From there you have to take a taxi to the volunteer apartment HaGanim Street 44 (or also to the Ebenezer Home at 41 Meir Street). The buses will not run from Friday afternoon until Saturday night.
By Taxi
A normal taxi (generally called "special") is the last option, but is quite expensive (a few hundred shekels). If you choose this option, it is important to agree about the price and the currency before departure. Please also inform the driver in advance that you need a receipt, which you will then only receive in Haifa. If you suspect that you have been charged more than the normal fare, note the number of the taxi. Above all, it is important that you request a receipt and keep it.