Welcome to Palestine

Greetings! Friends, Family and everyone who finds their way to this blog, that I never update. As you may know, I am in Palestine. First I should tell you that I am safe. I have had no harm and felt not one ounce of fear since my arrival. The people here are extremely friendly.

Tonight a shop owner invited Austin and I in to visit. He shared with Austin and I two drinks. We talked about life in Bethlehem. His son sat nearby watching a cartoon on the TV. Most of the items are done in town. They are olive wood figures of christian people. Olive carving is one of the main businesses in town.

This afternoon we visited a family living in a village between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Their house was demolished twice before. The wall separating Palestine and Israel threatens their land. They are a beautiful family. Mom and Dad and three boys. The boys and dad work in construction when there is work. I asked how they can have faith after they lost their house twice. They said, "This is god testing us, we must continue to have faith". They knew more about the US election than I. I told them I was from PA and they said, "Obama lost!". I asked the mom if shes dreams? She said she dreams of a time of peace between Israel and Palestine where Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Hindus can live together.

Last night a new friend asked me if I love Palestine? I said yes. He asked why? I said because the people are friendly and loving. He said, no, you love Palestine because you can go places. He then said, I can't leave Bethlehem without going through a checkpoint. My friend is about 10 years old.

I've walked through two refugee camps. Some people can see across the wall to where they used to live. The children are beautiful. They smile and laugh.

As Austin and I walk the streets, people smile and wave and tell us, " You are welcome here!"

My host family loves me. My host mom now calls me here son. Her boys are like brothers I've never had.

Last night Austin and I went to a birthday party of two sisters and a brother at the local orphanage. You should see these kids.

After the party, Austin and I walked through my neighborhood. My neighbors invited us to tea. We sat there for a half hour and chatted about life. Each of them have kids in the states, studying or working.

Today Austin and I went to a Peaceful non-violent demonstration on land where the wall will be built. It reminded me of MLK jr. or Gandhi's movement.

This weekend I will celebrate with my family the easter holiday. Here they celebrate on a more accurate calendar, the death and resurection of Jesus.

I've learned that I knew little of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. What I hear on the news outweighs all of the great stories I could tell. However, the stories we hear on the news are amplified. I thought, before, that Palestinians were bad. I thought they were only Muslim. I didn't know that a wall separated Palestine from Israel. I thought I wouldn't be safe. Maybe you think similarly to how I did?

Since my arrival I've learned otherwise. I know that cnn, foxnews and etc... speak of dangerous acts in the west bank. The embassy does not encourage travel here either. However, I want to tell you that everyone I've met wants peace. Muslims and Christians live together here. Obviously they have their differences. Yet, they see that they share the same God. Every Palestinian I've met smiles. I've been safe. In fact I feel as if I live here now. I walk where I want to without fear. I'm stunned by their faith. Each person has a love for god. Because of their faith they do not hate. I can't imagine that level of faith. Even in the refugee camp or in a small house that sits on land where two house were previously destroyed, they smile and look above. They have every reason to hate... but they don't.

I've only witnessed one side of the situation. Soon I will travel to Israel and see that country.

I am on a faith journey, not a political. I could easily find myself caught up in the politics of the matter. I could easily miss what's real inside the peoples hearts. Spiritually, these people love god and love the others strongly. At this time, I can only do that in return.

I ask that you pray for these people. These are our brothers and sisters.

Stay tuned. I will try to keep you posted.

Peace and Love,

DJ