Following church today, the Catholics met up with the Orthodox for a protest demonstration through town.
Read Moret's clear that the impact of conflict has a number of civilian and institutional casualties - including education.
Read MoreIt was built on the site of an ancient grotto that dates back many, many centuries. They're not sure how old - there's a stone with either Greek or Roman letters carved into it (it's hard to tell because it's so weathered) that no one has been able to date to give some evidence of its age.
Read MoreWe did some Bible study before moving to the church for prayer and vigil. Peace is needed so badly here, and yet the people feel so abandoned by the rest of the world.
Read MoreWe joined in some music with our friend playing the ‘oud and his children singing, while Marthame flailed along on guitar.
Read MoreThe signs of protest and solidarity in town are limited to a parade through town and an occasional burning tire - the now-familiar signs of Palestinian protest.
Read MoreMost of the village remains riveted to televisions at the top of the hour.
Read MoreWeather update: it rained! Hard!
Read MoreDay two of the conference, sponsored by Schools on Line. There's much too much to tell of these three days, but it is a capsule of life with the Palestinians and the Israelis.
Read MoreWe took advantage of this to visit Nablus (Biblical Schechem, Roman Neapolis) and our friend Abuna Dominick.
Read MoreThere are three or four Christian villages left in Palestine/Israel, and Zababdeh is one of them. The only one that is all Christian is Taybeh, near Ramallah.
Read MoreThe daily life and folks of Zababdeh are becoming more and more familiar to us. Here's one of the families (one of several) that has adopted us.
Read MoreOur latest visitor was this pretty little scorpion.
Read MoreWe began with a visit from 120 Americans from the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for morning mass.
Read MoreWe did stop at the local plant nursery to do a little shopping - and, of course, to drink a little coffee (it is the rare store you enter that they don't invite you to sit, drink coffee, and talk about Chicago).
Read MoreOur apartment building has become quite the ecumenical, international spot.
Read MoreOne of the struggles for us here is fighting homesickness. Despite the warmth and welcome of the village, life here for us can be very lonely.
Read MoreThe home meetings are held together by liturgy, song, prayer, and Bible study.
Read MoreThe micro fauna of Palestine have come for a visit.
Read MoreMarthame preached at his first Mass. It's not easy for a long-winded Presbyterian preacher to edit himself down to five or six minutes.
Read More