Half-Way Done...really?

March 8, 2011

Grace and peace to all as we prepare our minds and hearts for this Lenten Season.  Lent is a time when many think of different things to give up such as food or beverages, but this year in addition to giving something up I suggest adding some sort of charity into your life.  I always try to think of things to give up during this time, and I believe we should focus more on adding new beneficial practices to our hurried lifestyles of constantly being on the go.  This is also the mid-point in my journey, and I am already thinking about all of the things that I am going to miss here when I should be enjoying my time and being in the moment.  There have been several things that have been going through my mind over the past month or so that has made blog writing very difficult for me, so I apologize for my absence and the likelihood that my thoughts will be all over the place in this entry.

Since my last entry the Middle-East and North Africa has turned into a show of how the people here demand that their rights be known to their government, and that their voices be heard.  Needless to say this has been an amazing time to be in the Middle East, and to see the people rise up non-violently and see progress to a goal that many thought would be impossible.  There has also been bloodshed over the past few months, and we should all continue to keep those in harms way in our prayers as they work for peace and justice in their respective country.  There has been such a pride imbedded in me as all of these movements are going on during the time of my stay here…and ten or twenty years down the road I can look back to this year and reminisce on so many great experiences including being present during this time of revolution. 

The past few weeks have also been extremely busy with events such as my first concert with the Zaridash Choir, a Jericho Retreat with the ELCJHL Schools, our Mid-Year Retreat to Haifa/Caesarea, and a wonderful visit from Heidi.  All of these activities have kept me extremely busy, but also have provided some time for reflection.  I really cannot believe that we are over halfway done now, and the thought of being back in the United States this fall is very weird to think about.  One of the most shocking things for me over the past six months is that I have not really felt homesick at all, but do not get me wrong there are times when I miss the 24hour diner.  I have spoken to many people asking the question of what it is like to be back in the United States after an experience like this, and the answer is always reflective of my own assumptions that it is very difficult.  In the same way that there is always something missing when living in a foreign place, there will be the same feeling when I am back in the United States.  The fact is that my life has been changed, and explaining this is going to be very difficult.  I will want to try to encompass every feeling, scent, taste, and friend that I have met but nothing will ever embody what it is like to live in this place.  The hole that is present when you know you are not fully at home living abroad will be present in the same way when I am away from Palestine.  This place becomes so much a part of you, and the friends that have become family to me here will never make home feel like home in the same way again.  With every month that passes by now I will be thinking of specific stories to tell friends and family upon my return, trying to articulate what it is like to be here, and how hard it was to leave.  While I have voiced many difficulties that I will face upon my return, I will be extremely joyful to share these stories and pictures with everyone I meet.  I have always known that one of the biggest challenges of going abroad is coming back, but knowing that I have amazing friends and family back home makes this all a bit easier to think about.  Just know that I will relate anything that I do to…back in Palestine I…

There have been many discussions that I have had over the past few months that have really changed so many views that I have, and I completely attribute this to keeping an open mind and heart to all points of view.  I believe we become so complacent to the way things are told to us in the Media that we do not take the time to actually go out of our way to find the real story.  I have mentioned this issue about the media in several blog entries and the way that it shapes our point of view on people, regions, and religion…and during this Lenten Season I challenge you to really look at both sides of a controversial issue and form your own educated opinion.  There is such an amazing opportunity for people around the world to look at the Middle East and North Africa as a place of change and hope right now.

I am really having a hard time trying to articulate any sort of idea and putting it down into words, but I guess that is part of the journey.  Coming to terms with the idea that nothing will ever be the same is something that everyone has to encounter throughout their life, and it is never an easy journey.  The one thing that remains constant is that Christ will be there to be an eagle in our lives that will lift us up in times of trial and be our rock in times of insecurity.  Knowing this has helped me through so many trials in my own life, and I know will remain true during the trying times ahead.  I really believe that this Lent I am tired of hearing about things being given up on, and want to hear about new positive things added to people’s lives.

The past few months have provided many challenges in writing about something, anything, that I could try to combine into an idea that did not wander all over the place.  I do believe that as spring adds new life to the countryside that it will also inspire new ideas and a sense of being that will make writing a bit easier.  I want to thank you all for the prayers and support that is always felt here, and would not make this amazing journey what it is without you.  May God continue to bless you all, and be with you as we enter into this spring season of new life, new passions for life, and living our lives with you always in our mind.

Salaam dayman,

David Kingsborough

New Year...New Obstacles...New Life

1/25/2011

Happy New Year’s to everyone back home!!!!  I hope everyone has had a wonderful Holiday season, and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you always.  This holiday season has been one that I will never forget.  Spending Christmas in Bethlehem and Shepherd’s Field, and now getting ready for New Year’s!  The wonderful thing about spending the Holidays here has been connecting with so many friends here, and just spending time with each other and sharing stories about what we would do with our families over the Holidays.  The time I spent together with friends over this Holiday season has been something that I will never forget.  Just hanging out together without planning anything and just going with the flow was amazing, because this is the way of love to live life…never worrying about the little things in life, and just being in the moment.  This works especially well here in Palestine, because both good and bad things can happen in an instance and I must be ready to adjust to any situation.  This should definitely be my New Year’s resolution to take back with me to the States, because worrying is definitely something that weighs heavily on me and I have been so good with adjusting to not worrying here.

The funniest thing for me right now is how I have been without power for quite some time now at my flat, and I am currently at a local restaurant (La Vie) where I spend a lot of time.  La vie is kind of like being on the TV show Cheers because everyone here knows my name, and it is really a second home (a block away from my actual home).  All the thoughts and worries go away when I’m here just relaxing, and although I am here by myself right now it is great people watching.  In front of me is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with really cool blinking lights, and the dimly lit lights around the bar and cash register.  There are a lot of internationals and Palestinians here, and everyone is in kind conversation, and I always enjoy trying to figure out what language is being spoken.  The cool thing about this restaurant is not only how close it is to my flat, but also the wonderful community that I have formed here.  I feel like everything is just wonderful and relaxing here.  La Vie has been the stepping point for me into the community here in Ramallah, and I will forever be grateful for everything they have done for me over the past year.

Thinking back on this past year brings to mind so many things.  I graduated from College, and I am now living in the Holy Land for a year…how amazing.  There is no way that I could have predicted myself being here at this point last year.  This is proof that worrying about the coming year does not prove to help anything or anyone, because even though we might have a plan for our future we must always keep our mind and heart open to the opportunities that lie beyond our plans.  Life does not leave a straight path for us to follow, rather a winding up and down hill road filled with bumps and detours because through that rough journey we all grow stronger and gain a better understanding of ourselves. 

This New Year will come with a lot of important decisions for everyone, as we make resolutions, promises, and ask for forgiveness.  Everyone always worries about the future, but I propose that instead of worrying about what has not happened yet we should stop; look around and see the beautiful things in our lives.  There are so many things that we take for granted, and I just hope that we all can see what we have been so privileged with and try to make a difference in the world.  Making a difference in the world does not mean that you have to do something extraordinary, or give up all of your possessions.  Just be the person that you strive to be, whether that is volunteering more at a place you have always wanted to go, or making that decision on whether or not to take on a new job.  Know that in whatever you do there is always one constant in your life and that is the love and support you have standing behind you in everything you do.  This knowledge has led me here to my year of accompaniment and service, and in this coming year do not be afraid to take on new challenges because overcoming obstacles is the only way to appreciate our greatest achievements.    

May God’s peace be with you all through this coming year, and always!

Salaam,

David

Christmas!

Grace and peace to everyone back home during this Holiday season!  I hope everyone has been enjoying a wonderful Advent season, and that the preparations for welcoming friends and family are going well.  The past few weeks have been extremely busy here, and will get even busier in the coming week.  School is slowing down for us as we approach the end of the semester, final exams, and preparing for a two week vacation.  Although we do not have snow on the ground here or the common traditions celebrated every year in America, I have been so happy to have taken part in so many traditional festivities here already.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to take part in several holiday events that I have either never done before, or it had been a long time since I have done the holiday activities.  This past Friday several of the other volunteers and me had a white elephant Christmas party.  I am not sure if this is what it is officially called, but it is when you buy a cheap funny, yet useful gift and one by one everyone randomly selects a gift.  I can not recall ever doing anything like this before, but have always wanted to and I had so much fun!  On Saturday we went to a Christmas parade in Beit Sahor (Same area as Bethlehem) and watched a tree lighting ceremony which was hosted by the Prime Minister!  We had a great time singing carols after the lights were turned on, and just being there with so many people singing in English and Arabic.  On Sunday after church we practiced a song that several of us from the Redeemer Church will sing on Christmas Eve at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem!  I also had a wonderful meal Sunday night with some friends of mine at the Catholic Church near my house.  This week is also packed with Christmas celebrations and preparations for the coming of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

All of these activities are wonderful regardless of what we do, and where we do it because the fellowship we share with our friends during this time is invaluable.  The traditions we celebrate every year during the holidays are so special to us because of the memories that we have made, and also the joy of sharing those memories with old and new friends.  Sure, we will likely not have a white Christmas with super cold temperatures, the free coffee at most gas stations on Christmas and Christmas Eve, but we will forever carry those cherished memories with us wherever we go in life.  One of the most wonderful things that I have discovered this Holiday season is how important it is to share our traditions with each other, and through our exchanges we can catch a glimpse into someone else’s life at such a level that we can begin to reveal a meaning of Christmas that is far deeper than the superficial things we often think about.  The Christmas tree that we put up in my house in Beit Jala does not have lights, or ornaments from when I was a baby, but it does have ornament like objects on the tree such as necklaces, sunglasses, and other random things. 

We value the traditions that we always do year in and year out because of that warm feeling we get inside when we do them, and how happy we were during those wonderful times.  Christmas time is when we celebrate and remember the wonderful gift of Christ’s birth on this Earth not in some five star hotel, or with surgeons ready to care for the child…rather born in a cave outside of the town because there were no rooms available anywhere.  The first people to lay witness to this wonderful birth were shepherds, those who were outsiders to the town and lived a simple life.  We must look to the simple things during this wonderful time of the year, to look around and see the beautifulness of things for how they are without the glitter and glam.  The simple things such as spending time with those you care about is the most valuable gift to give at this time of year.  No matter what nationality you are, what language you speak, there is one thing that remains true and that is to be with others that you care about during the festive times of the year.  The thing that we are most concerned about for the coming holidays is how we are going to get together and hang out during our vacation.  Being together with friends is the best gift that I could ever ask for and receive, because in our time together we unwrap the gifts found deep within each other that we would never be able to see by our self. 

I want to thank all of those who have sent me letters, emails, and your prayers.  All of your warm gifts during this time of the year are especially wonderful, and I pray that your Christmas be blessed with happiness, good health, and joy as we enter into a new year with new hopes and new aspirations.  May God bless you all, and I look forward to sharing my stories and pictures with you as you continue to accompany me on this life changing journey.  MerRy ChrIsTmAs and a HaPpy NeW YeAr!!!!

Salaam,

David   

How to show we are Thankful

Happy Eid al-Adha and Thanksgiving to everyone back home!  Two weeks ago we celebrated the Eid al-Adha Holiday here in the Holy Land which is a time when Muslim pilgrims go on the Hajj, donate food to the poor, have a feast with family and friends, and everyone goes on vacation.  This vacation ranges from going to exotic places in Israel and Palestine to visiting with family and friends close to home.  A time of fellowship, spending time with friends, and being so thankful for the things that we have in life.  All of this is all the more powerful because of it falling near the same time as the American holiday of Thanksgiving.  I guess what I am experiencing in my 3^rd month here in the Holy Land is a compilation of so many different emotions encompassing both frustration and happiness when I am reflecting on the things that I am thankful for, and take for granted.

There is no question that writing blog entries is becoming harder and harder to do, and it is not because I do not have enough to talk about.  I am becoming more aware of a new sense of being after three months of gradually peeling through the countless layers, and constantly being made aware of so many new stories that are reshaping my personal feelings.  I just find everything so fascinating about my daily life now.  The honeymoon period has been over for quite some time now, and the absolute reality that this is my new home for the next eight months puts things into perspective more than it did before.  I am valuing the friendships I have made here with a new level of appreciation, because these are the people that are going to continue to accompany me through this journey full of new discoveries.  Some of these new discoveries are simply new ways of looking at a situation with a clear lens, untainted, and willing to see the whole picture.  There is also a new awareness of things that have been right in front of me that I have simply overlooked for no good reason.  All of these different thoughts have been going through my mind as I am working through my own discernment for how to best be a faithful steward to accompaniment in the coming months, as well as how to take these experiences with me in my future.  An interesting thing is also happening with my discernment, because the experiences I am having here seem to be turning on more street lamps on the highway of my discernment to a path that has always been there but ignored. 

Some of the experiences that have been especially special to me these past few weeks have been the great friendships I am forming at my placement and in the surrounding community.  Whether these experiences are at school singing Christmas hymns with the children or sharing Thanksgiving with International friends at the Mount of Olives there are always opportunities to become a part of the greater community in the world.  I have found that with every new person I meet here, I become more aware of the Global community and how important it is to become more active in it.  I am just so incredibly thankful for the people I have met here, and how they have been such a guiding light for my own faith journey.  This goes far beyond reading Biblical texts where they supposedly happened, but knowing that Christ always reached out to those who were oppressed, and looked down upon to empower those who were oppressed to live a new life in him and with him so that good might overcome the evil in this world.

I recently read a wonderful text by The Buddha that read:

“The thought manifests as the word; the word manifests as the deed; the deed develops into habit; and habit hardens into character.  So watch the thought and its ways with care, and let it spring from love born out of concern for all things.”  -- The Buddha

I think one of the reasons this stood out to me is because I am trying to become more globally conscious of the things occurring around me.  In addition to this, I want to be sure that I am always mindful of where I started at the beginning of this journey here in the Holy Land so that when I return to the States I can be a good messenger to tell the stories about the people I have met here, and how telling others about my stories will make a difference.  Maybe not a headline in a newspaper, or a highlight on the five o clock news, but the story about the familiar faces at the checkpoint, that taxi driver who always greets you with a smile, or the countless friendships that will never be forgotten be in someone’s mind before they go to bed at night so that maybe…just maybe…the walls of injustice may be broken down for good. 

Salaam dayman,

David

A Day in the Life Abroad

November 2, 2010

Happy Halloween, Reformation Day, and cool weather for the wonderful month of November!  I am going to change up my subject matter a little bit for this entry and give you a glimpse of a common day and week for me here in Palestine.  Of course sometimes I have more and less to do throughout the week, but this should give a good framework for you all. 

The Morning 7:30am-12:00pm

I usually set my alarm for about 7:30am, and hit snooze only once before getting up.  I brush my teeth, and then take 5 or 10 minutes to sit and listen to two or three songs on my iTunes.  I always let it play by random, and usually the music sets a pretty good mood  to the day for me.  Listening to the music is also a great time for me to just relax and not think about anything, which is great for me to clear my mind for a new day.  I leave my place at around 7:50am to get to school by 8:00am.  Most days I work in the office throughout the morning, and help with whatever the teachers need assistance with.  Often this is making copies, helping prepare tests, and anything really.  Today I was busy writing letters for the kindergartener’s to copy in their workbooks, and copied various papers for the teachers.  Some of the classes I have during this time are; Religion with 5^th graders, English with 9^th graders, or 11^th grade English.  10:00am comes quickly, and we have a coffee break where we all sit and have some Arabic coffee (which is amazing).  After our coffee break, I usually have my English classes with the 10^th and 11^th graders.  On Thursdays I have music class with the 5^th graders, and this is always full of energy.  Last Thursday we actually sang The First Noel (that’s right, a Christmas Carol already) in English and Arabic. 

The Afternoon 12:00pm-5:00pm

There is another break at 12:00pm, only for 20 minutes, but gives a chance for the kids to run around outside and burn off some energy.  Usually the afternoon for me is spent playing sports with the students outside.  I play football (soccer) with the 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th graders, and sometimes we do other activities like ping-pong.  They are definitely always full of energy, and enjoy playing with me even though I have lost much of my soccer skills.  On some days I also teach English in the afternoon, and help with whatever needs done around the school.  Some of the random things I did in the office today included making Christmas cards, copying papers, and proofreading speeches for the English classes.  Whatever downtime I have during the school day I usually spend studying my Arabic and practicing it with whoever is in the office or teacher’s lounge.  The school day then wraps up around 2:20pm, and I almost always stop at the little snack shop by the school to get a falafel sandwich or a meat sandwich.  There is also a corner store on my way home that I stop to grab snacks, drinks, and eggs.  If I want to get other groceries or some fresh vegetables I just walk 10 minutes into the center of Ramallah and get everything there.  After that I usually go home, check email, and unwind a bit from the day.  Then, around 4:30pm or so I make something for dinner and eat around 5:00pm or so. 

The Evening 5:00pm-9:00pm

After dinner I sometimes skype with family back home, Facebook chat with friends, or watch a little bit of TV.  Around 6:30pm or 7:00pm I usually get a call from one of my friend’s here and we go to our favorite restaurant/café and have a drink and socialize for a bit.  Tuesday nights I have a young adult church group that I will be attending more in the coming weeks, and every Wednesday I have my choir practice from 7:30pm-9:30pm.  The nights usually go by quickly, and I try to get to bed by 11:00pm, but usually check email again and then go to bed shortly there after.

The Weekend: Thursday-Sunday

Thursday nights are similar to how we would spend a Friday or Saturday night in America.  In Ramallah, everyone gets together with their friends and goes out to one of the cafés, bars, or over to a friend’s house for a big dinner party.  There is nothing open on Fridays, but traffic is usually non existent which is nice because I usually leave Friday morning for Bethlehem for Arabic lessons.  The total travel time from my flat in Ramallah to Bethlehem is usually about an hour and a half, but sometimes it can be longer depending on the checkpoints.  If we have plans scheduled for Saturday or Sunday I usually stay until Sunday afternoon in Bethlehem and then go back to my place in Ramallah, or go to church in Jerusalem and leave from there back home.

This is a little snippet into what a typical week would look like, but because of the Holidays coming up in the next two months everything will be more hectic, but more fun at the same time.  I hope everyone back home is doing well as the weather is getting much colder with frosts overnight, and even snow showers…because I am enjoying the 60 degree weather we are having here ;) ! 

 

Salaam,

David 

Living Life to its Fullest

October 26, 2010

Just a couple of weeks ago 5 years ago I embarked on my first service trip.  That trip was to the Gulf Coast in Ocean Springs, Mississippi with several members from my church, and my family.  I can still remember clearly the drive down Interstate 81 through the Smokey Mountains, and the beautiful fall foliage.  The work we did there in Mississippi post Katrina forever changed my life.  I was exposed to an entirely new world in that one week along the Gulf Coast that has been heavy on my mind these past few weeks.  So much of who I am today is shaped from that time I spent there along the Gulf Coast cleaning and listening to others stories.  Quite frankly, I do not know if I would be here in the Holy Land today if it was not for that trip.  There are so many things that have fallen in place for me throughout the past five years, which I know God is guiding me on such a journey that will be instrumental in my future. 

Recently I read a post made by the YAGM webpage on Facebook, and have been thinking about this quote that was posted…

"Our deepest calling is to grow into our own authentic self-hood, whether or not it conforms to some image of who we ought to be. As we do so, we will not only find the joy that every human being seeks--we will also find our path of authentic service in the world." --Parker Palmer

This journey that started only two months ago has transformed me already in so many ways, and writing this entry has been a multiple day endeavor.  There is no doubt that there are some times when everything seems so clear, and then the times when the fog will never lift.  The fog has settled in this week for me, and every thought is just one flowing indistinguishable idea.  I feel a heavy weight on me on trying to figure out official plans for the coming year, where I will go, what I am going to do, and how to describe this place.  I have been trying to think about what questions people may have back home for me, and how to formulate my blog entries in a way that can explain my daily life here. 

This is when I look to the quote I mentioned above, and truly know that I am growing into my own authentic self-hood which is unveiling so many things to me.  I feel so fortunate that my journey of service work with others coincided so well with my call to Seminary.  The two paths were running parallel for a little bit, but I quickly realized that there was no escaping a call to ministry.  I always find it interesting that the perception of someone going to Seminary is some idealized individual that seems to have everything going for them, and the idea that a person has to be perfect or strive to be.  No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes in life which makes us all human, and although this image does not conform to some image that people may want to see, it is the image that we need to live by.  We are flawed, but that is what makes us strive to be better.  Knowing that we will never be perfect, but will work towards a better way of life. 

There is just a sense of knowing when something is right, and that what you are doing is what’s supposed to be.  I have been thinking a lot about the fall season back home, cooler temperatures, great baked food, and the advent of the holiday season.  The reason why this has been on my mind the past few days is because today I taught two classes about Halloween, traditions with the holiday, and decorating for the fall season.  This is such an exciting time of year, and telling the students about this today was taking me back to recent memories of fall at Susquehanna.  Thinking about all of the things from past fall seasons back at home made me realize how well all of those experiences have prepared me for being here in Palestine.  My exposure to all of the different activities and customs for this time of year here in Palestine has been amazing also.  Yes, of course this is completely different then picking pumpkins, tying together corn stocks, or being able to wear jeans, a sweatshirt, and flip-flops and be comfortable, it is extraordinary in so many ways.  I mean this past Saturday we picked olives on the Mount of Olives and could see all of Jerusalem from the one side, and on a clear day see the Dead Sea and Jordan on the other side of the Mount.  Doing things like this is boggling my mind more and more.  I guess initially I was just like wow, this is so incredible…but now I am blown away by the role that I have here in the coming year. 

There is such an important role that I have being here, and I think I am beginning to realize this.  This opportunity is one that is beyond any of my wildest dreams growing up, and now that it is here I am beginning to see what I need to be…not do.  I have mentioned the role of being in most of my posts, but I think I know where to look to see how I need to be.  Sure we can all run on the adrenaline at first to be able to do whatever, or just be in the situation that you are in and soak everything in that you can but a greater sense of being seems to come from knowing that whatever I am doing or being, someone is looking to see not only what my reaction is, but how I am reacting.  Attitude, charisma, and enthusiasm are all a part of “growing into our own authentic self-hood.”  How can we grow into an authentic self-hood without being completely exposed to others, showing them your true self, not being afraid of what they think…because this could destroy a person’s heart and soul if they take it to hard.  I find this idea of being completely open to others is the way to earning someone’s trust, because if I expose my personality to scrutiny then, I am proving to others that I am not afraid to show others who I am and that we can share anything. 

I guess I have been doing a lot of self reflection over this blog post, and not as much about what I am doing but there just comes a point where things have to be put down into words so that they are not weighing down anymore.  I definitely believe this is part of the journey when a person is living in a completely new culture, lifestyle, and overall view of existence in this world. 

The routines of the past few weeks have been a blessing for me to start processing all of these thoughts.  One of these routines is taking five or so minutes in the morning before school to listen to two songs at random on my iTunes, and use that time to just do nothing.  Those few minutes are what center me for the coming day, and even though I never did this in the past I have found that time to be my mine, and mine alone which is quite nice considering I can listen to English to start my day.  Another great time that I have found for self-reflection has been my drives to and from Bethlehem on the weekends.  The journey is long, bumpy, and fast paced, but I just switch over my thinking to a nice slow paced train of thought free of worry and just focused on being in the now, and loving every minute of it.

Life is such a beautiful thing, and my wish for everyone is to do what you are passionate about.  Do not avoid doing something thinking that you will do it sometime in the future, because to be honest life flies by and there might not be another chance.  Live life with no regrets, and if some come along the way know that they have made you that much stronger for the future because you persevered.  May the peace of God be with you always, throughout the coming months and may God be with you with whatever confrontation you have in you life.

Salaam Always,

David      

The Fruits of our Work

October 10, 2010

So, today was without a doubt one of the best days I have had here and now it is time to try to articulate it here haha.  Here it goes!

I had to wake up a bit early (around 6:30am) to allow enough time to make it to Ramallah by 10:30am for church which was a bit of a struggle to say the least.  The drive this morning on the taxi (aka…service and container) was very different then the past few trips I have made.  The cool morning air was very refreshing walking to the Bethlehem bus station, and the visibility this morning of the surrounding countryside was breathtaking!  One of my friends pointed out that the way the taxi goes to Ramallah is likely similar to the route that Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem, and this journey is one that is difficult enough in a vehicle.  The huge hills that they would have crossed over, the rocky terrain and the unpredictable weather would have been unreal for them to endure.  One of the most beautiful things about the journey is how much you can see on a clear day.  This morning, I could see the Jordanian mountains and the Mount of Olives at the same time!  One of the most amazing, and depressing things about being here is how close all of these different places are, but because of checkpoints everywhere, walls, fences, and other boundaries travel takes hours longer than necessary.  I find it so hard to believe that everything is so close together.  When I read the Bible before coming here I thought of these places being so far apart, but in reality several areas can be seen at one place on top of some of these hills.  I can not help but think, “so close, but yet so far,” because after living here I believe the saying had to have come from this region for sure. 

Today after church, one of the teachers’s at my school picked me up and took me to his village.  This experience was one that I will forever remember and cherish as being so enlightening for me.  The funny thing was that it was not what was being said that was so profound, rather the silence that we had sitting under the olive trees that we picked from and just admiring the surrounding hillsides, caves, and the shepherds tending their sheep.  The serenity of those moments just opened my eyes to the pure beauty of this land here in Palestine.  Sitting there on the hillside and walking around the teacher’s house picking olives off the trees was just amazing, and I felt so privileged to take part in this tradition because olives are the heart and soul of agriculture, sustenance, and much more here in Palestine.  The olive picking season is a wonderful time of the year as the maintenance and care that was given to these trees is now yielding a new life source for the coming months.  These small olives mean so much to the lives of every Palestinian family, and I feel like I have a much better understanding of this now.  I am sure this task of picking olives may seem mundane to some people, but I feel like I was deeply involved with a very historical aspect of Palestinian culture today that everyone needs to know about.

While traveling through these different areas of Palestine I am a witness to some of the most cherished land in the world to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, but the time I spend in community with the people who live here is often more real to me then visiting some of these historical sights.  Of course being at Nativity Church, the Holy Sepulchre, and the Mount of Olives are forever going to be in my mind as life changing moments for me, but the people I have met have already changed me in so many ways.  Their perseverance keeps these stories alive so that we may come to this land and understand what we are looking at and experiencing, and we have the responsibility to tell their stories to everyone we meet when we return from our journey.

May we all be good shepherds of faith as we enter new places in our lives, so that we may be open to everyone regardless of their beliefs, and simply see everyone as our brothers and sisters in faith.  May the peace of God be with you all!

Peace always,

David