The whole time we were there, we could hear the sound of various weapons swirling around the area - tanks, airplanes, etc. But life was calm in the hills.
Read MoreThere was something very powerful about having our intercessions mixed with those representing others in the parish, then combined with body and blood to be shared and internalized by all - very welcoming, affirming, embracing.
Read MoreIt's Friday, which means it's our weeknd (that's half a weekend).
Read MorePeople in Zababdeh are generally aware that there are now foreigners living here and nearby, but rarely are we seen in big groups.
Read MoreVery tired. No sign that the situation is improving.
Read MoreWe got together with friends from the Arab-American University of Jenin tonight.
Read MoreGiven the news that all Israeli-controlled roads in the West Bank are off-limits to Palestinian traffic, it seems like we need to plan for a longer haul than before.
Read MoreThe younger kids, remembering yesterday's trauma, were scared to leave the bus. Elizabeth carried one small boy, who couldn't negotiate the last step off the bus by himself. He was crying as Elizabeth brought him to a taxi.
Read MoreThe buses re-approached the tanks, and as Abuna Aktham stepped down from the bus to speak with the soldiers, they fired several shots.
Read MoreThe result is that it is now raining harder inside than outside - fortunately, not in our apartment - just in the stairwell.
Read MoreOne pleasant surprise was that one of Elizabeth's students read a note - in English - singing Elizabeth's praises. A nice lift.
Read MoreThe English Club seems to be gathering more steam when it's not meeting than when it is.
Read MoreFolks at the Arab-American University of Jenin have been talking to the Israeli military authorities about the new roadblock - they have promised to "see what we can do"
Read MoreThe English Club is slowly taking shape. We've scrapped several approaches to the Club, and have now ended up with a simplified newspaper. Abuna Aktham had asked that the students be interviewed about their hopes, wishes, dreams. The Club took to this with great excitement, and spread out around the school to conduct the interviews.
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Marthame preached this morning at St. Matthew's Anglican Church.
Read MoreAbuna Ra'ed was saying, "We are Christians. We are Arabs." - at which point he was interrupted by one in the congregation who pointed at Marthame. "Nevermind. I will give him Palestinian nationality" was his reply.
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A small group arrived today from Birzeit University. The students were part of their Palestine and Arabic Studies program, which we had attended this past summer.
Read MoreThanksgiving is always a little harder to be away from home, but it was a wonderful celebration and a good time to stop and reflect and be thankful. Especially in the midst of the turmoil here, such moments are welcome respite and sanctuary.
Read MoreAfter worship, a new fellowship tradition has begun. The men go to drink coffee in the church hall while the women go to do the same at the Convent across the street where the Rosary Sisters of Zababdeh live.
Read MoreHere were broken bottles on the ground, old candles had been burned and scarred up the walls, furniture had been torn, windows had been broken.
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