October 17, 2001

The view from the hills at sunset is breathtaking.

The nearby Bedouin children showing off one of the baby goats.

Yesterday was an extremely long day - about sixteen hours of work, which has left us both a little weary. Between the full school schedule and writing obligations, as well as catching up from a weekend away, we're ready for a little rest. Elizabeth took a walk in the hills with neighbors, where it was very obvious that the weather has changed and winter is on the way. Still no rain yet, but it should be coming soon. In the meantime, the winds have gotten cooler and the clouds have begun to appear. The wanderings brought them to our nearby shepherd friend, whose kids were keen to show off the new baby goats. The baby goats were truly captivating as they jumped around and suckled on our fingers. Expanding the herd is one of the best ways for him to make money.

Marthame modeling his new hand-me-down robe.

Later on, a friend of ours visited us at home. We had a couple of visitors a few nights ago, and Marthame had casually mentioned that he wanted to get a galabiye, or a dishdashe, the gown worn by men at home here. They're very comfortable, and in the summer they're extremely cool. This friend brought one of his for Marthame as a gift - it's humbling. Be careful what you ask for, right? Our friend explained that he had worn it when he was studying to be a monk and living in Bethlehem, working with the Franciscans at the Milk Grotto. So not only is it an authentic Arabic galabiye, it's also authentically Christian. And it looks good.

The news came today about an assassination - this time not of a Palestinian leader, but of an Israeli one. Minister Zeevi (who had just announced his resignation from Sharon's government because it was "too leftist", and who has called for the expulsion of the Palestinians to Mecca as a solution for the problems here) was killed in a hotel in W. Jerusalem. The PFLP has claimed responsibility in response to the assassination of their leader Abu Ali Mustafa. Like many others, our worry was "what will happen tonight?"