January, 2002
We discussed the incarnation and resurrection (both of which the Qur'an deny), as well as the elevated place of Mary and Jesus (both of which the Qur'an affirm).
We continued our periodic training sessions with the English teachers and one of the teachers from the AAUJ's school.
Tonight we had the chance to visit with friends at the AAUJ. As the American line gets tougher and tougher, we are keeping each other apprised of what's happening.
After an aborted attempt before Christmas, we have finally managed to get to worship at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Leper in Burqin.
This town of 10,000 has 55 Orthodox Christians. From all accounts, community relations are harmonious.
"Some people say we killed Jesus," said the soldier. "I think that's a good thing."
Abuna Aktham has returned from his trip to Canada - there will be a big Roman Catholic youth gathering there in the summer, and he is one of the priests helping organize the event.
Today was the last day of exams - the process here seems a little drawn out, with each class having one exam each day.
Over the last few days, Marthame has been wearing the kaffiye, the traditional Palestinian headscarf, to fight off the cold weather (it's quite effective). Students keep asking him whether he's a Fatah (PLO) supporter.
Today was also the first time we've been to Jenin in almost two months (unless you count the emergency trip to get the kids home through the hills).
After church, we made some overdue visitations to friends and "family" in the village, sharing some of the spoils of our trip to Egypt.
We have added the sunshine, but have also added the bristling winds. Kind of a zero-sum difference temperature-wise. But now we have a balcony (to enjoy on sunny days...) and a view of the beautiful hills.
Today was our moving day. We decided to take the apartment on the third floor of our building. Our basement apartment is devoid of all sunshine and darn cold.
At 6:30 this morning, we heard an announcement from the mosque's prayer tower, but weren't clear as to what it was. When we arrived at school, we understood: a snow day!
We were pulled aside before having our bags x-rayed - clearly someone was being trained, and we looked like just the folks to train on. They asked a lot of questions about where we stayed, who watched our bags, then more about our work - whom did we know, did we have friends or phone numbers...our computer bag was triple-searched, and Marthame's visa was scrutinized - all of which kept us from meeting our taxi.
We spent the morning at Jerash, the Roman ruins in one of the old cities of the Decapolis, Gerase.
Clearly, this is where the jet-setters of Amman come to catch up on the latest fashions.
Today is our last full day in Egypt, meaning we've got to get at least one thing in: the pyramids!
