The roundabout trek still took three and a half hours, though, but we made it in the end.
Read MoreIn the evening, Fr. Firas, the Melkite priest, came over with his family for a visit. He has asked Marthame to pray part of the liturgy tomorrow. In Arabic. Chanted.
Read MoreWe were awoken at about 1:30 in the morning by an Israeli helicopter flying low through the valley.
Read MoreWhen we arrived at the checkpoint, a furious-looking Ethiopian soldier barked at the driver and demanded our IDs. He examined them with all the scrutiny of a Vegas dealer dealing blackjack, slammed the door, and sent us on our way. Many in the van were frustrated that we were forced to wait for such a ridiculous security check. Others were grateful the check was quick and painless.
Read MoreMost of the folks were coming the other way, returning from work or errands in Ramallah to their homes in Surda, Abu Qash, Birzeit, and beyond. Donkey and horse carriage rides were being offered for fifteen shekels. Old women in traditional dress, couples carrying newborns, and young men with their cellphones all shared the commute.
Read MoreThe individual attention is good, but it'll be nice to have other students with whom to share the experience!
Read MoreBirzeit University was our home two years ago when we first studied Arabic formally. Now we've returned to do more study, this time digging into standard written Arabic. We've done well at colloquial, but remain close to illiterate when it comes to reading and writing.
Read MoreAbu Qash, a village just next to Birzeit, will be our home. Star Mountain is a rehabilitation center on the edge of Abu Qash run by the Moravian Church.
Read MoreWe've made it "home," arriving in Tel Aviv this afternoon before catching the shared taxi to Jerusalem.
Read MoreA few photos from our vacation to visit with friends and family in Chicago (by way of Spain).
Read MoreIt was a fine way to put the absurdities of this place behind us for a while.
Read MoreIt's always nice to worship in English.
Read MoreThe line at the Tayasir checkpoint was backed up for nearly half a mile, taking us two and a half hours to pass.
Read MoreToday we are trying to tie up all our loose ends before we embark on our summer.
Read MoreIn the early evening we took a short break to meet and show around three new teachers at the Arab American University.
Read MoreAlong the way, a car coming from the other direction slowed down and stopped next to him. A little Israeli flag fluttered on the dash board. The woman driving asked in English, "Did the soldier let you in?" "Yeah." She drove off in a storm.
Read MoreElizabeth joined a handful of teachers and two busloads of students for a trip to Beidan. At Beidan, natural springs support agriculture and recreation.
Read MoreAfter worship, we walked down to the Melkite Church for fellowship.
Read MoreThis morning, the school was full of teachers frantically trying to finish their marks and report cards, and the playground full of kids nervously playing or sitting and chatting waiting for their marks.
Read More
"But you let Jerusalemites travel here all the time - the rules are not consistent! If they were, we'd work within them. Who do you want to drive the car? You won't let a West Banker do it, you won't let a Jerusalemite or an Israeli pass. Who will drive? You?"
Read More