The Way The World Ought To Be

Last spring I asked the question of how you would feel if your 25 year old daughter was leaving to spend a year in Israel. I received some surprising answers but was really shocked at some of the rudeness I received.

My daughter entered Israel without knowing the language and where bus stops were. She adapted and has preached in several churches, led religious groups, and taught children.

Just a few days ago, she:
-Witnessed the lighting of a 30ft. Christmas tree in the center of Bethlehem, surrounded by Christians and Muslims singing together, "Joy to the World" in Arabic.

-Had a group of six Palestinian Muslim children (ages 3-10), follow her for three blocks, excitedly petting her puppy and taking turns walking the dog on the leash. They speak very little English, yet every time she passes they call to her, "Where's Ellie? Where's Ellie?" and plead for her to bring the puppy down the street to see them.

-Attended her first ever Quaker meeting at a Quaker church, the only one in the country; in Palestine.

-Experienced her first Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony; in Tel Aviv.

-Was calmed by an elderly Palestinian Muslim woman, who spoke no English, as she nervously crossed through Qualandia Checkpoint for the first time (it separates Ramallah from Jerusalem, and is a much more intense and intimidating checkpoint than the one she is used to passing through from Bethlehem.)

She has Jewish, Muslim and Arab Christian friends that she has met while over there. She tries to stay neutral and has been able to get some of the different religions together to talk.

Please keep her in your prayers.