July 1, 2002

Sharing stories of Palestine as we travel.

After visiting the doctor this morning, and some intensive visiting time with our old cat (and our old neighbors), we caught our flight down to Louisville. As of today, we are employees of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and our work in Zababdeh is now part of the Presbyterian Church's mission program. We have been in conversation about this for almost three years now, so we are very relieved that this has happened. As one of the staff people said upon meeting us, "at last!" As such, we are beginning our mission orientation today.

For a week, we'll be in Louisville along with other Presbyterians, moving back up to Chicago for two weeks of ecumenical training. Because of the Church's anticipated budget shortfall, there are only eight new mission staff going into the field. Two are headed to Malaysia, one to Russia, one to Kyrgystan, and two to Vanuatu (where?). It will be an interesting time hearing the stories of these folks.