September, 2001
There is a real dearth of study of Orthodoxy in American seminaries, so all of our knowledge is coming by way of our experiences here, rather than anything more academic - thus, it is coming slowly, as a process of discovery.
Interesting to see the blending of nationalist and religious rhetoric, especially as our own nation continues to do the same in the wake of September 11th.
Friday morning is a gathering for the children ages 6-10. They do a Bible story and then have fellowship time together (including dancing, apparently).
Seems the promised opening of closures will have to wait for the end of Yom Kippur and the first anniversary of the Intifada.
We then heard the sound of airplanes overhead - we assumed they were heading towards Jenin as they often do, but they kept circling overhead.
It seemed appropriate to preach on serving a living God when preaching by the seat of one's pants.
We turned on the TV today to get the latest news, only to find out that we have no TV.
The main thing to be understood, it seems, is from the layers and layers of archaeological digging done here - kingdoms come and kingdoms go, and the new ones build on the ruins of the old ones. Politics is not a constant. Maybe this is the lesson of Armageddon.
Today, everyone made it to school - mostly on time (except for the usual crew of Zababdeh kids who tend to linger a little tardy, no matter the politics of the moment). Perhaps the cease-fire is having its effect.
Arafat has declared a unilateral cease-fire, and the Israelis have announced no more offensive actions. We really hope this means good news for our area.
On the same bus were teachers and students from Qabatiya, who had endured little sleep the previous night - further incursions by the IDF have come into their village, too
We also met with Abuna Aktham to talk about our work, his first few weeks here, and some calendar bits.
The weekend has brought little change in the situation for roads in our area, and thus has brought little change for our work situation. Still no teachers or students from Jenin and beyond.
All homes here end up with an unfinished look, the top floor ready to have another floor added on. Now we know why.
The last two days have been indescribable. We're both very sad and emotionally exhausted.
There is a fear that Israel is taking advantage of world attention upon the States to act with impunity here.
We noticed three tanks headed towards the same checkpoint and wondered about their presence. After a few minutes at the border, we were permitted through and arrived at the University shortly. It is, simply put, exhausting to deal with this on a regular basis.
Elizabeth called to say that the IDF was not letting any cars through at the Hamra checkpoint - apparently there had been several bombings and shootings that day. She pleaded with the soldiers, one of whom in particular was quite sympathetic, but the position was firm. The US Consulate could not intervene either, but there was no other road to Zababdeh.
The military has orders to allow the children to go to school, even though the curfew is in effect. We went to a couple of different spots. Marthame joined one of the CPTers as soldiers were telling the children that it was forbidden to go a certain way and they must turn back (towards streets blocked with barbed wire).
Yesterday, he dropped a pot of hot tea on his foot, but was prevented from going to the hospital by Israeli soldiers (contradicting not only international law, but also their own explicit military orders). After a few phone calls to Doctors without Borders, the CPTers were able to get an ambulance close to the home and we accompanied the young man as he walked (hobbled) to it.
It's never too late for a graduation party. Tonight the Benevolence Society of Zababdeh sponsored an event to congratulate the students of Zababdeh who graduated this past Spring from high school and university.
The UN-Mandated Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) has filed a complaint against the Israeli government, as their delegation has been subject to repeated attacks and harassment by Hebron settlers, not to mention a slander campaign, targeted at them.
This morning we headed to the Orthodox Church as we continue to develop our relationship with each of the churches here.
