December 9, 2002

In Jerusalem, Elizabeth slept in, and then again headed up to Ein Kerem to drop off old MRI films at the hospital. And on the way back, she was able to run an errand for the school, picking up a few textbooks from East Jerusalem. The rest of the day was spent grading papers, chatting with our friends, and, you got it, watching TV.

In Zababdeh today, leaders of the Christian community went to the home of Sheikh Fathi to greet the elders of the Muslim community. This has been a traditional practice in this part of the world, that people stop by to wish each other Kul 'am w-intum bi-kheir (may you be well all year). Muslims visit the priest at Christmas and Easter, Christians visit the sheikh at 'Eid il-Fitir and 'Eid al-'Adha. Marthame got a call and headed out in the rain to join the "delegation".

Entering his room, one can immediately smell Sheikh Fathi's other work, that of making colognes and perfumes, the various bottles gathered on a table in the corner. As the village leaders gathered, most of their stories centered around how long it takes to travel anywhere - a common topic of discussion these days. One man had to walk for six hours on the day of the 'Eid in order to arrive in Zababdeh from Nablus. 'Aadi - normal.