By Ellen Rasmussen 10.29.2016
For most of us, today is our last overnight abroad and it was an ordinary kind of day for me (almost), which, upon reflection, makes it an extraordinary day. It began with a good night’s sleep and waking refreshed at MEEI after a fabulous feast at a local home last night. A choice was made to go with a later group to visit a middle school class and so the day got off at a leisurely pace.
Feast at the home of a wonderful family whose children/grandchildren attend Mar Elias
Late morning, I joined a handful to journey to Nassar’s 7th grade English class. I was invited to sit down by one of the students who shared his workbook with me. Ahhhh, I fondly remembered the days of teaching in the middle school. Similar behaviors. Similar energy. Children will be children and it was wonderful! In the midst of all that surrounds them, in the midst of struggling to gain equality in a system that will attempt to hold them down and back, these children laughed and giggled, shied away and brazenly showed off (all with great respect for their teacher). It was a gift to be with the children.
The blessings continued as we headed toward special guests for lunch—young men from the high school to share stories and teachers coming in when they could.
The casual conversations and shared laughter are signs of hope—-of a reality being lived out, yet not fully realized. Sacred time. Holy conversation. Thank you, Lord, for these opportunities.
Following lunch, we gathered to journey to Saffuriya, or more accurately, the ruins of Saffuriya (about a half hour’s drive) with freelance journalist Jonathan Cook. He used to write for The Guardian, among other papers. He has also written Disappearing Palestine; Blood and Religion: The Unmaking of the Jewish and Democratic State; and Israel and the Clash of Civilisations. He shared many stories and included poetry by Palestinian poet, Taha Mohammad Ali. He taught us about Palestinian filmmakers, Elia Suleiman (The Time That Remains, Divine Intervention) and Hany Abu Assad (Paradise Now, Omar —both Oscar nominated films).
The stones of the village, even though hidden among trees and cacti, continue to tell a story that is witnessed by the ancient olive tree.
Dinner with Abuna Elias Chacour closed our last day at Mar Elias: a gift both ordinary and much more.
Our Living Stones group with Abuna Chacour