February 3, 2002

Early in the morning, Elizabeth boarded the "Zababdeh express" taxi towards Jerusalem. She and a friend from the Arab-American University of Jenin have a meeting tomorrow in Bethlehem to discuss the possibilities of a summer environmental program. The ride was long and typically circuitous, but luckily not eventful. The two of them spent the afternoon running errands in Jerusalem and spent the night with friends.

Zababdeh’s Anglican Church.

Meanwhile, Marthame held down the Zababdeh fort, worshiping with Fr. Hossam at the Anglican Church of Zababdeh. The Scripture was Jesus calming the storm on the sea (Matthew 8:23-34). Hossam asked the question, "If Jesus is already risen, why do bad things continue to happen?" You know, something light to tackle in a ten minute homily. No better question to ask these days in this place.

In the afternoon, several new teachers arrived at the University. Marthame took them on a tour of Zababdeh, pointing out to them all of the important sights - especially where you can get salsa, mayonnaise, and peanut butter (but not together).