December 10, 2002

Today, Elizabeth had another appointment at Hadassah, and again made the long taxi ride out of town and up the hills. On the way there, the driver pointed out the site of Israel's last bus bombing; from the taxi, a small memorial was visible around what looked like a charred bus stop. The driver noted how afraid people are of taking buses now. Certainly we avoid buses when we are in Israel, taking shared taxis or, as is the case with these trips to Hadassah, special taxis. This, however, costs many times the price of the bus, and many people can't afford any other option than the bus to get to work or school. However, for the driver there is some good news, as the taxi business is up. Some people benefit from other people's tragedy.

School busses arriving late through the checkpoints and closures.

Today was the last day of school before exams begin. As has become all too familiar, the Jenin bus arrived late - an hour late, to be exact. The road situation is never predictable, and today was no exception. On top of this, Tubas is a "closed military zone." But students did arrive, thankfully. School finished early to give students time to study.

Knaffe is a special treat.

The teachers met with Fr. Aktham and Vice-Principal Iyad to go over details for the coming exams. It was also a time to celebrate the completion of a successful semester, despite the many, many struggles faced over the past four months. And so, it was a large platter of the Nablus delicacy knaffe that greeted us all.

Marthame went up to the University to meet and continue plans for the group coming in January. Soldiers were on the hills near Telfit, the little collection of shacks that stands on the road between Zababdeh and the University. They had stopped a couple of cars and others were waiting by the side of the road. Nowhere is quiet anymore.

Preparing the creche for Christmas celebrations.

In the evening, Marthame went by the church for music practice, a small group preparing hymns for Christmas. But, as we are often reminded, Arabic is not a literal language: "we will meet on Tuesday at 5:30" apparently doesn't mean "we will meet on Tuesday at 5:30." But he did find Fr. Aktham and the Rosary Sisters preparing Christmas decorations, particularly the manger grotto - it'll be twice the height of last year's grotto. There's a certain character to Christmas here, an intangible character, that is wonderful.