There is a real dearth of study of Orthodoxy in American seminaries, so all of our knowledge is coming by way of our experiences here, rather than anything more academic - thus, it is coming slowly, as a process of discovery.
Read MoreInteresting to see the blending of nationalist and religious rhetoric, especially as our own nation continues to do the same in the wake of September 11th.
Read MoreFriday morning is a gathering for the children ages 6-10. They do a Bible story and then have fellowship time together (including dancing, apparently).
Read MoreSeems the promised opening of closures will have to wait for the end of Yom Kippur and the first anniversary of the Intifada.
Read MoreMarthame tried again with the English club, this time with a modicum of success!
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We then heard the sound of airplanes overhead - we assumed they were heading towards Jenin as they often do, but they kept circling overhead.
Read MoreIt seemed appropriate to preach on serving a living God when preaching by the seat of one's pants.
Read MoreWe turned on the TV today to get the latest news, only to find out that we have no TV.
Read MoreThe main thing to be understood, it seems, is from the layers and layers of archaeological digging done here - kingdoms come and kingdoms go, and the new ones build on the ruins of the old ones. Politics is not a constant. Maybe this is the lesson of Armageddon.
Read MoreToday, everyone made it to school - mostly on time (except for the usual crew of Zababdeh kids who tend to linger a little tardy, no matter the politics of the moment). Perhaps the cease-fire is having its effect.
Read MoreArafat has declared a unilateral cease-fire, and the Israelis have announced no more offensive actions. We really hope this means good news for our area.
Read MoreOn the same bus were teachers and students from Qabatiya, who had endured little sleep the previous night - further incursions by the IDF have come into their village, too
Read MoreWe also met with Abuna Aktham to talk about our work, his first few weeks here, and some calendar bits.
Read MoreThe weekend has brought little change in the situation for roads in our area, and thus has brought little change for our work situation. Still no teachers or students from Jenin and beyond.
Read MoreAll homes here end up with an unfinished look, the top floor ready to have another floor added on. Now we know why.
Read MoreThe last two days have been indescribable. We're both very sad and emotionally exhausted.
Read MoreThere is a fear that Israel is taking advantage of world attention upon the States to act with impunity here.
Read MoreLate in the afternoon, Elizabeth's mother called and told us to turn on the TV.
Read MoreWe noticed three tanks headed towards the same checkpoint and wondered about their presence. After a few minutes at the border, we were permitted through and arrived at the University shortly. It is, simply put, exhausting to deal with this on a regular basis.
Read MoreElizabeth called to say that the IDF was not letting any cars through at the Hamra checkpoint - apparently there had been several bombings and shootings that day. She pleaded with the soldiers, one of whom in particular was quite sympathetic, but the position was firm. The US Consulate could not intervene either, but there was no other road to Zababdeh.
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