We tried to cross the bridge after our flight, but were informed it was closed because of Jewish holidays. No doubt the Israeli attack near Damascus will set things back throughout the region. We were initially told the bridge was closed until Friday, a time loss we couldn't suffer, but this turned out to be nothing more than rumor.
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After a couple hours on the road towards Cairo, passing green fields irrigated by the Nile, we spent the afternoon and evening going around town. Cairo is a world apart, buzzing and teeming with crowded, dusty, noisy life.
Read MoreWe made our way to the Saray Presbyterian Church in Alexandria to share in worship with Pastor Rizk and the rest of the community there. It is a joy to get to share in Presbyterian worship again. The sermon was in both English and Arabic for everyone's benefit.
Read MoreAs it was our last full day here, we made the most of it, playing soccer on the (grass!) field, swimming in the pool, and playing a swapping game.
Read MoreWe spent today hearing reports from our fellow workers throughout the region.
Read MoreAlexandria is a waterfront city, which means that underground burial was odd business. Water levels beneath the ground rose high enough to do their damage through the centuries, and the high humidity left remains which disintegrated into dust when simply touched by those excavating the site.
Read MoreSuddenly traveling seems like a thoroughly pleasant experience rather than an endless series of waiting at checkpoints and the whims of various soldiers.
Read MoreAn early morning will have us off, hoping for smooth "sailing" on our path!
Read MoreTomorrow we head off so we can fly to Cairo for The Presbyterian Church's Middle East Mission Personnel Retreat in Alexandria.
Read MoreLater the guitar came out and we sang songs over our coffee.
Read MoreFor three years the University has been trying to get work visas for its foreign faculty. No dice. So every three months (or less) they have to leave and come back in, hoping to get another three month tourist visa at the border. Once this was standard procedure for many organizations and NGOs. However, now, tourist visas are harder to get if you in any way resemble a peace activist (young, single, carrying a backpack).
Read MoreWe were very sad when the first email rolled in notifying us that Edward Said died. His death is an enormous loss to the Palestinian community and to the academic world.
Read MoreWe realized we need some great Orthodox hymns in the film. Several members of his church came early to afternoon prayers to sing Eastern hymns. Haunting and perfect.
Read MoreAfter three days with Fr. Thomas, Marthame is exhausted. How he does it, at age 62, is beyond us.
Read MoreThis evening, we were invited to the engagement party of the daughter of dear friends.
Read MoreTubas is a church with great spirit - though few in numbers, they work hard and have accomplished much. It is always good to share in their fellowship.
Read MoreWe had enough steam left in us to go up to the University where some of the teachers had a get-together involving lots of guitars and beverages. A good (and late) night was had by all.
Read MoreShe spoke about her father, who recently passed away at 99 years of age. "He saw our land under the Ottomans, the British, the Jordanians, the Israelis, and finally the Palestinian Authority." It is amazing to think of how many regimes have come and gone here in such quick succession. No wonder people are yearning for self-rule.
Read More"Wow, getting into into an-Najah is harder than entering Qalqilia!" Everyone laughed.
Read MoreThe army had been in a few days ago, and during the incursion shot a ninety year-old man in his sleep. His funeral was yesterday - his martyr poster is up today, its colors soon to fade into the dull blues of the others which surround it.
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