bethlehem

Yesterday, we were able to spend the day in Bethlehem with our friends and their family. Issa and Nada are wonderful people! They have a precious little boy named Ferrod and a little girl named Malek. We went shopping with Nada where we could. Seeing the difference in the people in Bethlehem, which is more of an Arab city (I think), from the people in Jerusalem was interesting. They were welcoming and sweet and willing to share their lives with us. We met a lady from the states who is here for a few days volunteering with a peace organization and we were able to meet Issa and Nada's extended family! They are all so friendly :)
Nada's mom invited us to dinner with her and the rest of the family. She was cooking a traditional meal for 3 girls who are studying abroad from California and wanted us to join them. She actually let us help her cook -- and I love to cook, so that was great fun to cook with their family. They made these beef pasta/ dumpling things which they cooked in a sauce that is made from dried yogurt. The whole family opened their lives to us and let us be a part of it for the day -- and offered for us to come back anytime! That's what I love -- sharing life with others.
Today, we slept til 2pm! We didn't think we would sleep that late, but I guess God knew we needed it :) Today was a holiday here, so everything was closed til around 8 pm tonight. They were celebrating Shavout, which is a celebration of when they received the Torah. I think. Lindsey and I had some time to get to know each other better, though, and I know it was needed. We also cooked dinner for some of our friends in the hostel! We've cooked a lot here lately it seems :) But it was definitely an opportunity from God to spend time with them and get to know them. Cooking for them when nothing else was open gave us the chance to love on them a little and become better friends with them.
We went out for coffee again tonight, but this time with a guy from the hostel. The 3 of us spent a few hours walking around the city and talking over coffee. It's just been great to spend time with the people we've met. I know I must sound redundant, but I love it.
As I'm sitting here, I'm looking out the front door of the hostel and watching the police and army guys in the square just hanging out. They are always there and it is common to see them walking around everywhere. It's just a part of life, but at least we know they're there and are able to protect us.
We had some frustrations today with the electronic devices...I know it's something small, but when something works and then doesn't work constantly it's rather frustrating :) But we've only been here a couple of days, so I know it will get better and we'll figure it out!
All in all, I like it here so far. I haven't seen much of the country, but I love the people and their spirits.