January 21, 2001

A walk to the University with neighbors took us through the fields to see the blessings that recent rains have brought. The red flowers (Crown anemone - Anemone coronaria) are everywhere and look too perfect to be real. Farmers have been able to plant their important winter crops (alfalfa, beans, squash, etc.), leaving the land in a patchwork of brown (ploughed) and green (planted). The lush new growth on nearby rocky hills reminds us more of Ireland than John the Baptist.

Because of our trading off illnesses, we have not been able to go for a walk since late December. But the transformation of this place from brown, hot, and dusty to green, lush, and muddy is remarkable. We have been promised that it will only get more beautiful in the months to come.

A walk in the hills of Zababdeh.

Crown anemone.

The winter rains mean the hills are lush and green.