October 27, 2003

We have added English signs to the school bus in hopes of making the checkpoints more passable.

This morning we rode the school bus, which passed the checkpoint with minimal wait. The soldier focused on Marthame's presence.

"What are you doing here?"

"Here's my visa. I'm working at the school."

"OK. You can pass here for work, but not for anything else. Not in your car."

"I don't have a car."

"Even so, you can't pass unless it's for work."

"I don't go anywhere unless it's for work these days."

The rest of our day was spent working at home, where we were glad to arrive safe and sound. This afternoon a group from Chicago was due to come visit us, but they were refused entry at Hamra checkpoint. "This is not a place for tourists. If you know others on their way, tell them not to come," was the message from the soldiers. For those of you keeping stats at home, our record with visitors is now one for two this month.