April 28, 2001

Since we've been nursing our colds, we haven't had a chance to do as much visiting as is the norm for the village. Particularly around Easter time, visiting is of primary importance - going to wish members of your family "Happy Easter," bearing gifts of sweets (especially date-filled holiday cookies) is a required activity. Since we don't have any blood family here, we get a grace period - but not too long!

Gathering outside for conversation is a favorite pastime here.

We caught up with some of the families who plied us with coffee and simple Arabic early on - good to reconnect. We also continued talking about possible projects for the coming years in Zababdeh. We are hoping to take a trip to Haifa with one of Zababdeh's residents to move one of them along. Unfortunately, getting out of the West Bank for Palestinians is next to impossible, even if you have official government permission to work or travel. Technology won't work as a substitute for some things.

A piece of good news - an article we wrote (along with some of our photos) for Christian Century will be appearing as next month's feature piece. Cool!