O little town of Bethlehem, the organs still do play of Jesus in a manger and angels on the way; our music and our singing is louder than a gun, and church bells in their ringing remind us we have won.
Read MoreAfter sleeping late, we headed for a walk along the Mediterranean and a day at nearby Jaffa.
Read More
Once in Tel Aviv, we checked into our youth hostel.
Read MoreHope still flickers, like the light of Advent candle, in faithful anticipation.
Read More
Now that winter is here, the morning assembly time outside is drastically reduced - especially when a rainstorm shows up uninvited.
Read MoreThe school's system of organizing exams is quite effective - all of the students in grades 6-11 take their exams together in the auditorium.
Read MoreThe Bible Society of Jerusalem sent a group of five young adults for an afternoon of puppet shows, games, and presents.
Read MoreWe also found our way to Jenin - fortunately, it hasn't rained in the last day or so, and we were able to drive around the roadblocks. More everyday, Palestinian non-violent resistance - though they probably would just consider it par for the course.
Read MoreWe went for one of our periodic walks in the mountains towards sunset, this time up into the pine trees - yes, pine trees! The terrain here is nothing like we would have imagined.
Read MoreNegotiating our way across these days is interesting business.
Read MoreWhen construction began on the mammoth Ma'ale Adummim settlement, the Bedouin way was in danger. The first 65 families were removed four years ago and given shipping containers to live in by the Israeli government - poetic to say the least.
Read MoreWe arrived in Jerusalem, and had time to be ugly Western tourists.
Read MoreOur visit to Hebron was greatly facilitated by Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT).
Read MoreThe apartheid situation of the Old City was readily apparent. A handful of settlers had the freedom to go wherever they wanted, as soldiers held the hundreds of Palestinians in the market.
Read MoreThe Israeli closures of Palestinian villages are getting worse.
Read MoreTonight the college-age students held their weekly prayer service, beginning with choir practice (for college age and older high school students).
Read MoreThe French teachers have returned from Nazareth, new baby in tow (Mabrouk!).
Read MoreThe house was below where some Palestinians were firing guns at the Israeli military camp. The camp fired back a little too low with bullets and shells. One 800mm shell shattered a window and went through the family's kitchen and through two concrete walls into their bathroom.
Read More
The word "apartheid" comes to mind.
Read MoreThe neighborhoods are ghost towns - people have gone to live with families, have rented hotel rooms. Those who are not so fortunate have been forced to stay in their destroyed homes or to live in tents. A new refugee problem is arising.
Read More