We took hygiene kits into Bethany. This was a day where Ruth and Brett were able to meet our Palestinian friends and get an idea of what we do. Ruth and Brett are loading and I'm counting.
Our first stop in Bethany was the Four Homes of Mercy. They need new beds for their handicapped patients which they would like BYU to help with. We are in the patients' room with a staff member and Usama, the director.
Next we went to Shorouq Society for women. They had a lovely brunch for us of traditional Palestinian food- pita, cucumber & tomatoes, salads, and home made Palestinian pizza. The lady between Ruth and me brought her little guy to work because it was a school holiday.
He was a real character. The director, Fatima, was a little frustrated with him.
On the patio we said good- bye to the 2 staff members and little guy.
Our last stop in Bethany was at Peace Center for Heritage with director Sawsan. Ruth and I each bought a purse embroidered by Bedouin women.
She took us to Lazarus' tomb and the mosque up the street from her store.
Entrance to Lazarus' tomb with the mosque in the background.
Sawsan told us this was Mary & Martha's home. It would have been somewhere in the vicinity.
Tuesday afternoon we went to Silwan Primary School. Ruth brought a suitcase full of new books that were English readers. There were multiple copies for many of the books making them perfect for reading groups in the English class. Hasiba is the principal of the school. She was delighted with all the books.
Fatima, the secretary, shared in the excitement.
As did the English teacher.
We took the books out and lined them up on the table in the work room.
They were pleased with the addition to their library.
Blaine went for a walk along the city wall.
East side of City Wall
A Palestinian cemetery is just outside the Old City on the east side.
Headstones in the Palestinian cemetery with Church of All Nations and the Garden of Gethsemane in the background.
The Golden Gate where Christ will enter at his second coming.
Church of All Nations on the Mount of Olives from Palestinian cemetery
A keyhole on the east wall where soldiers may have poured hot tar to defend themselves.
This was a marvelous post. Loved seeing the women at Silwan again. The book project was also such a blessing I'm sure. I truly miss those women and our experiences there.
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