The soldiers are usually just bemused by the insane foreigners who are choosing to live in the West Bank, and we are usually given a superficial security check (passports, a question or two).
Read MoreThat means six Americans who have left in the last week - all for various reasons, but it's depressing to lose such a significant part of our ex-pat community.
Read MoreThe Qalandia checkpoint, which is between Jerusalem and Ramallah, is as close as most Palestinian people and drivers can get to Jerusalem.
Read MoreWe had to brave the chaotic roads along the way - main roads have been cut, and the settlers' bypass road we used to take back in the days of vehicle-owning is now closed to all but settlers and soldiers.
Read MoreThe Melkite Church here has fallen into severe disrepair after sixteen years of neglect, though the community remains and worships among Zababdeh's other parishes on Sunday mornings.
Read MoreEven with all that's been happening in Jenin lately, Marthame was assured that all was 'aadi - that is, normal.
Read MoreBut here, in a land where hundreds (becoming thousands) have been killed both in and out of combat, a murder is a rarity.
Read MoreThere was also a surprisingly extensive environmental center with natural specimens and displays about pollution, water issues, recycling and other local concerns.
Read MoreWe joined the school's Islam teacher and her family for a picnic. We lugged a couple of blankets, the requisite tea and coffee, and a big bucket of tabboule (Arabic salad) out to feast in the fields.
Read MoreWe discussed the incarnation and resurrection (both of which the Qur'an deny), as well as the elevated place of Mary and Jesus (both of which the Qur'an affirm).
Read MoreThis town of 10,000 has 55 Orthodox Christians. From all accounts, community relations are harmonious.
Read More"Some people say we killed Jesus," said the soldier. "I think that's a good thing."
Read MoreAbuna Aktham has returned from his trip to Canada - there will be a big Roman Catholic youth gathering there in the summer, and he is one of the priests helping organize the event.
Read MoreToday was the last day of exams - the process here seems a little drawn out, with each class having one exam each day.
Read MoreLiving here throws caveats into everything.
Read MoreOver the last few days, Marthame has been wearing the kaffiye, the traditional Palestinian headscarf, to fight off the cold weather (it's quite effective). Students keep asking him whether he's a Fatah (PLO) supporter.
Read MoreToday was also the first time we've been to Jenin in almost two months (unless you count the emergency trip to get the kids home through the hills).
Read MoreAfter church, we made some overdue visitations to friends and "family" in the village, sharing some of the spoils of our trip to Egypt.
Read MoreWe have added the sunshine, but have also added the bristling winds. Kind of a zero-sum difference temperature-wise. But now we have a balcony (to enjoy on sunny days...) and a view of the beautiful hills.
Read MoreToday was our moving day. We decided to take the apartment on the third floor of our building. Our basement apartment is devoid of all sunshine and darn cold.
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