by Jane Braymer

“Out of the Ivory Tower into a world of woe”… so goes an old hymn. That describes our experience today… from walking in Jesus’ steps yesterday to walking through a protest demonstration by young Palestinian boys as we entered the Wi’am Center for lunch. They were throwing rocks at the nearby Israeli guard tower and wall, demonstrating on what is called Israeli Independence Day. Wea ring black t shirts with 1948 on the back, they were expressing what we have heard many times… Palestinians are not free… they lost in 1948… 1967… 2002. I was not afraid as one of the boys greeted me and offered his Palestinian flag.

Inside Wi’am, the Palestinian Conflict Resolution/Transformation Center, we learned of using ‘compassionate listening’ as a tool in working to resolve conflict on many levels.

Zoughbi Zoughbi describes compassionate listening

In touring Aida Refugee Camp we learned of the difficult life yet saw a bright ray of hope at the Al Rowwad Center for Culture and Arts… ‘beautiful resistance’ through dance, theater, photography, video production… empowering children and women to believe that they can make a difference and create change through self-expression.

From reality to inspiration… our visit to Shepherd’s Field. As the cool breeze blew through the trees we gazed over the field of Ruth and Boaz.

Shepherd’s Field, Beit Sahour

In the distance we saw a shepherd and his flock just as those Shepherds 2000 years ago tended their sheep. After climbing through caves where people sought shelter we visited the cave where ancient Shepherds could house more than 25 sheep. As we prepared to enter the church where the Angels foretold the birth of the Christ Child, we heard singing inside… in Korean… it was The First Noel… as we filtered in we began to sing with them… a blending of voices… to the same Lord… with the same love… there is Hope!