Israel Blog - Part 2

Day 3   All is well and as before we are having an amazing time. Different from last year is the Palestinian involvement and over the past two days we have really been focussing on the Living Stones here in Jerusalem and neighbouring Bethlehem. We have visited hospitals and schools talking with children about their situation and hearing from their Leaders and carers all about the difficulties the Palestinian people are experiencing here every hour of every day. We have been astonished at how resilient they are and hopw hard working and joyful. Last evening a lady from an organisation working for peace here called Sabeel spoke to us. Thats why I could not write.....we were all emotionally exhausted after her stories.   This afternoon we visited Hope School and met students there from poor families who are sponsored and supported by individuals in the UK as well as other places. The Bible Lands Charity we know so well has supported a lot of the building work at the school as well as individual children. I was especially pleased to be there because some good friends of mine in the north east of England, Malcolm and Jennie Jones, have a Charity very involved with Hope School. On our way home we experienced the tedium of the Check Points to get through the Wall ourselves. Tomorrow is Sunday and we are walking at 6.30 down to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.....to get there before the crowds. I think I had better go and rest. Happy Sunday Ashtead. Love Trish x