February 8, 2003

Gunner atop an Israeli tank in Zababdeh.

Tanks grinding through the hills woke us up this morning, as did shooting at the edge of town. It's amazing what you can get used to - both negatively and positively. The sound of tanks has become normal, when a year ago it would have caused us, and everyone else in town, panic. Shooting, however, was par for the course until about five months ago. Now, we've acclimated to the absence of it - enough so that its return woke us up.

As Elizabeth walked through town towards school, she could hear the tank moving along the main road. No matter how far away they are, they always sound like they're right inside your head. We more than half-expected absences today, but the kids and teachers were all there - except for those who have "gotten away" early for the upcoming 'Eid al-Adha holiday. We're looking forward to the break, but not sure how we'll spend the time. Surely we'll figure out something.