November, 2000
Today, we had a special gathering of the university and high school youth for games, food, and fellowship.
We fast because it reminds us that everything, even the food we take for granted, is from God.
A nice reminder of why we came here - to worship the one who came as the king who turned to the world on its head.
The views were stunning as we drove down through the Jordan valley, passed a completely blocked-off Jericho.
Yes, we ate turkey. And stuffing. And sweet potatoes. And cranberry sauce (with the lines from the can and everything).
He has connected the students here with the Youth Group at Covenant Presbyterian Church (Lubbock, Texas).
Although we continue to remain safe in Zababdeh, there has been shooting at the nearby military training camp at night.
In the afternoon, we joined our neighbor on a walk through the hills around Zababdeh.
So many Israeli planes are flying over these days it feels like the runway at O'Hare.
Everyone seemed happy and relieved to have us here - and that was true for us, too.
Security in the city was unbelievable in preparation for morning prayers at Al-Aqsa. This Friday, as the last few, Israeli security did not allow any Palestinian under the age of forty-five to enter Jerusalem.
Our Journey to Jerusalem - the long-awaited saga. Our automatic you're-an-American-so-shalom-for three-months tourist visas were near their expiration, and so we were in contact with the Latin Patriarchate to acquire work visas.
In recent days we've detected the odor of olives everywhere we go - when farmers take their olives to the press, they not only get the oil - they also get the solid and liquid waste matter.
He shared tragic stories of Christian families losing their homes and savings to Israeli rockets.
Reverse culture shock. Tonight we had a "surprise birthday party" and "potluck" for one of the American girls who lives next door.
