Marthame 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.
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.
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