Whirlwind first day

The first 24 hours here in Palestine sure went fast. We had smooth flights and connections to Israel and nice drive to Bethlehem yesterday afternoon. After a great meal at the hotel some of us walked the streets of Bethlehem before getting some much needed sleep. This morning we woke to some desperately needed rain. We heard last night how Rachel was dreading the coming summer because the dry winter means they will probably run out of water again this summer. Taking a quick shower and experiencing some rain didn't feel like such a hardship after hearing how the people here suffer.

For me the most powerful thing that has impacted me has been seeing the separation wall. I certainly don't know the answers but I do know how I felt seeing that wall. I also was struck by the countless messages of hope and love expressed on the wall. Often the graffiti I see in Canada is vulgar and self serving. Here the messages express a desire of love of neighbour, hope for the future and pleas for justice.

What was really striking was visiting the Wi'am Conflict Resolution Center which works in the local community working at mediation and conflict resolution. The center is located right beside the wall and includes a playground for the children. Their message of hope among the cruel reality of military occupation was quite inspiring.

From there we visited the Aida refugee camp. I still find it hard to imagine 5,000 people living in an area the gives them each only a square meter of land for 63 years. Now the adjacent land which the children could play in has been taken over by the wall which looms around them on two sides. A number of the people come from homes in villages a mere 4 kms from where they now live, unable to return or even visit their original homes. At supper I heard the story of one man who did get a permit and visited his house. The current occupant with some hesitation allowed him to enter as long as he didn't take any pictures and he found one room still had their original furniture. I really can't imagine what that must have felt like for him.

From there we went to the Bethlehem Bible College and got a tour of their new building. I found it quite inspiring their hope for the future in creating this beautiful new structure. Although the Palestinian Christians are under a lot of stress, this expresses a real hope for the future. They also have a unique Shepard's program where they offer assistance to the local poor, often in the form of helping them with medicine, food etc. for those who can't afford it. Their willingness to work with poor regardless of their faith, I think models the message Jesus preached.

Looking forward to tomorrow, which will be another full day. After tonight we will be hosted by families for two nights here in Bethlehem which I'm looking forward to.