Monday and Tuesday

November 10, 2008

Mahrabra (spelling is most likely wrong)!

We had a great day! We went to the church today to begin work on the playground. There was/is much work to be done. There are a lot of rocks on the play area (some of which have been used in the past by some as ammunition, of sorts, when thrown at the church trying to break the windows), glass (from broken bottles) and debris. They also have nice playground equipment that is in need of some upkeep. So we began sanding and painting the equipment, burning branches and cleaning up the trash.
As we were working a man saw C on the street and they greeted each other in Arabic (“Salam” – meaning “peace”) and noticing C was obviously American began speaking English with him (as he has spent time in both the U.S. and here). Because of security we cannot go into much detail about the visit, but it was awesome. Long story short, after talking a while he invited us over for lunch. We already had plans for lunch that could not be changed so he invited us to his house for coffee instead. After a very enjoyable visit, he offered to help us secure some materials we need for the CHURCH playground and invited us over again for a meal. We will share more about this encounter at home, but it was great!
Later, another man noticed we were working and entered the playground to talk with us. He approached C and spoke limited English. They exchanged greetings in Arabic (C tried at least and he indulged him) and then spoke together a bit about who we were and where we were from. He was very intrigued by us and offered to bring us some coffee. We thanked him, but told him we couldn’t because we were on our way out. He said ok and said “if you need anything come across the street and tell me.” C invited him back tomorrow if he was available to talk some more.
So, in being out in the public many have noticed us and a few approached! Because of very extreme security issues, we had to be very sensitive in what we said, but seeds were planted! It is big to see the demonstration of Christ in us (and other Christians) and a here few experienced that! P also handed out a few pieces of candy to some children (as able – but again, being sensitive) helping them to see it as well.

GENERAL NOTES:
Today some locals held a march on the road directly in front of our apartment. We’re not sure what it was about since all they shouted was in Arabic, but it is thought to have had something to do with the anniversary of Yasser Arafat’s death (which is tomorrow). While no one knows what to expect tomorrow (or tonight for that matter, as some things have already begun to take place) due to the anniversary, it is quite possible that demonstrations will be taking place all day. It is also possible most places may be closed in protest as well. So we’re not sure what to expect, but be in prayer that all will remain peaceful.
We (and the team here) were also invited to the home of the founder of the church for coffee (yes, more coffee) and local snacks (goat cheese, flat bread, “pizza,” etc.). We enjoyed a great time of fellowship, prayer, encouragement, culture sharing, vision planning and more! More on this when we return home.

SNORING REPORT:
We have discovered the source of P’s “snoring” (C says it’s not snoring but the attempt to remove walls or suck them in)… any time he takes 2 “little blue pills” (Tylenol PM – he usually takes 1) it knocks him out cold. Not altogether terrible because C (P’s roommate) has an MP3 player to drown out noise… except last night when it died just as P passed out. “Not Good” (C’s words). MP3 Player is charging now as P has now just taken pill #2. RD – the one all feared due to rumored snoring skills now looks like a kitty cat in the wake of Hurricane P.
P’s addition: the “rest of the story,” my blue pill ran out at 12:15am just in time for C’s gurgle snoring… and my ear plugs aren’t good at all.

HOW TO PRAY:

- Same as yesterday, but also for seeds planted to be nurtured and watered some (and possibly connecting them with the team staying here beyond our return home).

- Peaceful demonstrations (if there are any)



November 11, 2008

MAHRAHBRA!!

Another great day. First, there were many demonstrations (one major one, which you may have seen on the news) that took place IN our city. We watched large convoys of troops drive right by our apartment to the site of the demonstration. Several thousand (hundred thousand+ ?) Palestinians attended, while small demonstrations/celebrations took place all around the city throughout the day. We heard some gun fire several miles away (possibly celebrating) while working at the church, but to our knowledge it was a very peaceful day (and we were never in danger). It was actually pretty interesting to watch the festivities.

We worked most of the day in the church yard again finishing up from yesterday. C and the team leader (L) arranged a meeting with the new friend we met yesterday (a local) who took us around the old city and helped us locate some needed supplies. It was great having him because he served as our interpreter (and even paid for some our supplies – very unexpected but wonderful!). After finishing up at the church we all went to our new friend’s house for some amazing food. We ate and ate and ate. The culture here is you eat if offered, and he offered a LOT (American and Arabic food)! We had chicken medallions, chicken breast, beef, lamb and beef, falafel, salad, mashed potatoes, corn, flat bread and more for the main meal. Then coffee and cake for dessert. Then a HUGE platter of fresh fruit (locally grown). (We hurt now). :-) We spent a lot of time laughing, sharing stories, visiting with his family and more. To end our evening with him, he took us to the roof of his building where we enjoyed the city lights and the landscape. We could even see the lights of Jerusalem from his roof – AMAZING, but also sad. Jerusalem is only 6 miles away, but our friend is unable to travel there due to government restriction on all Palestinians here. So the closest he will get to that holy city (probably the rest of his life) is the lights on his roof. It was a great visit and we hope to keep in contact with our new friend. One of the most exciting parts was he allowed us to pray (prior to the meal) for him and his family. It was a great exchange and time of fellowship!

What an amazing day, indeed! Pray for the cultivation of the seeds planted here (as that is the primary way work is really done here). PLEASE PRAY for our friend, his family and the Palestinian people.

Tomorrow we will travel to Bethlehem for a time of prayer and reflection, then return to the city for some church activities (more on this later).

SNORING REPORT:
Nothing to report – don’t know what happened, but all passed out last night and didn’t awake until this morning. Was it the “little blue pills”? Sheer exhaustion? No idea… but it was nice. :-)

FROM P to Mrs. P (echoed by the fellas to their Mrs.’): “Starting to get the “field worker” blues.” :-) See you all soon. Love you. We’ll update as we can.