December 17, 2000 — Mudeif Productions

*The puppet show has the crowd at rapt attention.*

Today following the worship service, we had a special treat for the children - the Bible Society of Jerusalem sent a group of five young adults for an afternoon of puppet shows, games, and presents. The organization had a number of projects underway when the Intifada began (including a new Bible museum in Bethlehem) and had to abandon them. But they realized that they needed to do something for children who are living under these conditions, and began traveling around to schools and churches to perform puppet shows centering on the theme of forgiveness (the play is loosely based on the story of the "Prodigal Son"). One's ministry must always be open to the Spirit.

The games, on the other hand, are a nice diversion from the constant images (whether on TV or in real life) of violence. The presents, are because (duh) it's Christmas time. To the fascination of the older boys, there were two young women from Norway who were traveling with the Society as volunteers (an opportunity for the youth of Zababdeh to practice their Norwegian :-).

*Marthame and a friend on a walk through the hills.*

That afternoon we went for another walk around the countryside with our neighbor. The people think we're a little wacky for walking leisurely - why would you walk somewhere if you don't have to?