We negotiated the "road" for another hour before joining back up with the road on the other side of the checkpoint. "Welcome to the occupation," once sang REM's Michael Stipe.
Read MoreToday we worshipped with both the Anglican and Orthodox churches.
Read MoreWhile we were gone, our telephone bill went unpaid for three weeks, which meant that it got cut.
Read MoreWe got the chance to visit and catch up with our Zababdeh friends and neighbors, who were anxious to hear stories about our time in the States and word from our families.
Read MoreWe finally had our first Arabic class!
Read MoreIt was a little hard to feel like celebrating, anyway - word came of an assassination of three Palestinians in their car near Zababdeh (Marthame heard about it from one of his 8th grade students by email), most likely with American-made weaponry. The sad irony of Independence Day...
Read MoreOur speaker was an eloquent expert on Palestinian humor and folklore. He gave an insightful talk on the subject, citing jokes and folktales as much better judges of public opinion and morale than political speeches - they circulate if they resonate with the people, and they die if they do not.
Read MoreUnfortunately, our travels for the day are not over. We took a while trying to figure out how we were going to get to Birzeit - one word was that the checkpoint was closed, another was that it was open but yellow-plated taxis would not be allowed in.
Read MoreIt was a long, long day (or a short two days, depending upon your calculations).
Read MoreExpected arrival: July 1.
Read MoreOur perfect Chicago time was rounded out by an outing at the famous Second City.
Read MoreA quiet gathering this time with a most interesting selection of folks in Presbyterian circles.
Read MoreSammy Sosa hit two dingers, but it still wasn't enough to win as the Mets came back in the late innings.
Read MoreAnother half day of meetings at the GA (General Assembly), including a more formal interview between the three areas with whom we'd be working: Middle East, Education, and International Volunteers.
Read MoreToday was a full day of meeting with folks at the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s General Assembly offices.
Read MoreOur last day in Atlanta gave us the opportunity to worship at Roswell Presbyterian Church, which had thrown a Christmas party for the children of Zababdeh
Read MoreAfter having lunch with Marthame's grandmother, we were able to fulfill one of Elizabeth's long-time wishes.
Read MoreWe got the prize for the furthest traveled, and ended up closing the joint.
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We also got to meet Marthame's newest little cousin!
Read MoreNorris Hogans had been a great leader at the church and in the city of Atlanta, as well as someone that Marthame had known and respected, so we made sure that our calendar was clear for his memorial service today at First Presbyterian Church.
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