November 11, 2002

Students milling around before school.

The Jenin students came! It's hard to describe our elation. Elizabeth was in the school book store, enjoying a free class period, when the bus rumbled into the playground. She hustled out to greet the kids "ilhamdillah as-salaame!" This is a traditional phrase used upon someone's safe arrival (Praise be to God for your safety). Even though the Jenin kids are a minority (about 10% of the enrolled students), their absence has been sorely felt by all the teachers, including Elizabeth. Some of her brightest and most dedicated students have been missing for several weeks now. To see them back here safe and sound is particularly comforting.