October 16, 2003

Marthame went to Tubas today to help with some internet work there. Our friends at that small congregation have put together a monthly publication called "Al-Haq," which means "The Truth." The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate now considers it an official publication, and they are moving towards web-publishing and a larger audience. Today, Marthame helped them get a rough website up. Considering that internet access has been spotty at best over the past week, this was no small feat! Marthame noticed with amusement that the computer error messages always focus on possible problems within the computer or modem - never suggesting that the problem might be related to military incursions or faulty regional infrastructure due to the latter.

It’s always a treat to hang out with the other ex-pats in and near Zababdeh.

In the evening, Marthame went up to the University to hang out and do a little music jamming. New reggae lyrics: "You gotta conjugate verb. If you don't know your past, then how will you know your future?"

In Nablus, Elizabeth and Andrea spent the evening as guests at a lavish engagement party. We went with Fr. Hosam (the Anglican priest), his wife, Martina, and another family who lives in the Anglican compound. The hotel reception room, where the engagement was being held was packed by the time we arrived, several hundred people - Christian and Muslim - seated at long tables. The lights were turned down and ceremony began when Fr. George and Fr. Justinus (Orthodox priests in Nablus) entered, followed by the couple and their families, all carrying candles. The priests proceeded to chant prayers and blessed the promised union. After some dancing, the couple cut an elaborate six or seven part cake with a long ceremonial sword. More dancing ensued as cake and drinks were served to the guests. Soon a line developed for guests to congratulate the couple and their families.

As most guests went home, family (and us as part of Fr. Hossam's retinue) went up to the ninth floor for the celebratory supper. Perhaps a hundred people enjoyed delicious course after course of food, and the dancing (both traditional dabke circle dances and more modern moves) never stopped. Near midnight, we took our leave, while the party was still going strong.