All 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.
Read MoreThe military has orders to allow the children to go to school, even though the curfew is in effect. We went to a couple of different spots. Marthame joined one of the CPTers as soldiers were telling the children that it was forbidden to go a certain way and they must turn back (towards streets blocked with barbed wire).
Read MoreYesterday, he dropped a pot of hot tea on his foot, but was prevented from going to the hospital by Israeli soldiers (contradicting not only international law, but also their own explicit military orders). After a few phone calls to Doctors without Borders, the CPTers were able to get an ambulance close to the home and we accompanied the young man as he walked (hobbled) to it.
Read MoreIt's never too late for a graduation party. Tonight the Benevolence Society of Zababdeh sponsored an event to congratulate the students of Zababdeh who graduated this past Spring from high school and university.
Read MoreThe UN-Mandated Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) has filed a complaint against the Israeli government, as their delegation has been subject to repeated attacks and harassment by Hebron settlers, not to mention a slander campaign, targeted at them.
Read MoreThis morning we headed to the Orthodox Church as we continue to develop our relationship with each of the churches here.
Read MoreOur lunch in Tubas was a traditional meal of Mansaaf - bread with rice, meat, almonds, and a yogurt sauce on top. And, we ate it traditionally - with our bare hands!
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Marthame and Fr. Hossam then made the journey back to Zababdeh together, forgoing the donkeys you can hire to carry you or your bags across the destroyed road.
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We cleaned up a bit, shined our shoes (to get the dust off), and headed off for the engagement party of the Anglican priest, Fr. Hossam.
Read MoreThe IDF is still in Beit Jala, and gun-battles are in the streets of that Christian village. Our inbox is clogged with pleas for help, to call/fax/email Israeli and American leaders and officials to stop this reoccupation and escalation of the conflict, particularly pointing out the occupation of the Lutheran church and orphanage.
Read MoreYoung men were gathering in trucks, red flags flying, shouting into megaphones laden with feedback. Abu 'Ali Mustafa had been assassinated just a few minutes earlier in Ramallah, and word spread like wildfire.
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We had a wonderful visit, as we played with their children and listened to our friend's father-in-law regale us with his stories of living as the only Christian in various Muslim towns around the area.
Read MoreToday was day one, and as happened last year, we received our new schedules we entered the school this morning.
Read MoreMonday through Thursday means getting ready for school, which will start on Saturday.
Read MoreIt's encouraging to see continuity with good ecumenical relations.
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