March 9, 2002

All of our students were able to come to school today! Praise God. The students from Jenin were all on time, but those from beyond Jenin - including two teachers - were late. But they made it, nonetheless. An answer to prayer. We just hope they'll be able to continue coming.

Some of the 12th grade students have taken the extreme step of renting apartments in Zababdeh so that they will continue to be able to come - of course, this means being apart from the parents and families, but it means that they might be able to succeed with the tawjihi (12th grade comprehensive) exams.

Abuna Aktham announced today that we are collecting money from the students to take to the families of victims in Jenin refugee camp. The students came forward, despite their tentative financial circumstances themselves, to lend a hand. We'll be going in a few days to pay our condolences.

Tombs at the village Christian cemetery.

Today was also the Greek Orthodox "Feast of the Dead," not unlike the Western Christian practice of All Souls' Day (which has become candy-filled Halloween celebration). The overwhelming sound of the electric motor was turned off for the duration of the brief service. Families of those who had died in the past year handed out sweets to those who came to pay their respects. It seems like death is simply everywhere.