Word filtered through later in the day that an eleven year old girl had been killed on her way to school by Israeli soldiers who had invaded Jenin. Needless to say, those of us responsible for the safety of students are concerned by such reports.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreWe spent the afternoon visiting with one of the Muslim families of Zababdeh whose daughter teaches religion in the school to the Muslim children.
Read MoreMarthame assisted in the multi-lingual worship service.
Read MoreWe headed up to the ancient port city of Akka (or Akko or Acre, depending on which language you prefer) which still has a significant Palestinian population within Israel.
Read MoreMarthame told him that we live in Jenin - the man responded that he had almost rented a very nice house in Jenin with a swimming pool for a great price, but that there were two checkpoints to pass in and out of to get there. It was only then that Marthame realized he meant "Ganim," one of two nearby settlements, the very existence of which has meant the siege of the entire Jenin region.
Read MoreThey dropped Marthame off, and he found his way to the Melkite Bishopric to meet with Bishop Boutros Ma'alim.
Read MoreWe headed up to the University today to visit friends and also to get a good backdrop for a project we're working on.
Read MoreJust a day of hanging out.
Read MoreMarthame had planned to make a bank trip into nearby Jenin today, but given that the bombing had started last night (and that everyone was glued to their TVs watching it), he wanted to be very careful.
Read MoreReports came on CNN of stadiums full of football fans chanting "USA! USA!" when hearing the bombing had started. And we're confused as to why there're anti-American sentiments in the world?
Read MoreThis was the first Muslim wedding party either of us has attended. The big party, as is traditional for both Christians and Muslims here, was the previous day.
Read MoreHappy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Elizabeth, happy birthday to you!
Read MoreOne of the English teachers from the Latin School is offering a course in conversational English at the nearby Martyr Na’im Khader Center, part of the Palestinian Agricultural Resource Committees (PARC).
Read MoreKids are also rallying around their flag here - something in common between Americans and Palestinians.
Read MoreThe landscape isn't nearly as stunning now as it is after the rains in the spring, but it's still quite beautiful, and the evening weather this time of year is spectacular.
Read MoreThere 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.
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