Another fun video from camp

At camp a few weeks ago the kids could choose what to learn during one of the time slots each day. While I was doing "circus skills" others were making this movie. I thought you might enjoy it.

Face Painting Tutorial

I'm flying home to the DC area today, by way of London. As I travel, please enjoy the following video from camp:-)...

Musalaha Palestinian/Israeli Summer Camp Report

"I love this camp," a pre-teen girl told me as we played in the pool, "I love everything it stands for and everything it's about, and it's so fun!"

This attitude was echoed throughout Musalaha's Israeli-Palestinian summer camp by the seventy Palestinian and Israeli believing children and both local and foreign leaders.

For me, after six months in the Land, this camp gave me real hope like nothing else I have experienced. There was hope in the Bible studies, in the competitions, in the craziness and laughter, and in the worship. There was hope as the children were creative with their crafts and reckless in their play. There was hope as they were just being girls and boys – having fun, making friends, getting a break from the pressures of their everyday environment.

The fifty leaders arrived on Saturday afternoon to begin a run-through of the camp activities. We were quite a mix – the Musalaha leadership team, Israeli and Palestinian young teens who were junior counselors, Palestinian and Israeli college-aged counselors, and an American team visiting the country to serve us and the children. Over the course of the two days of preparation we got to know each other, and when the children arrived on Monday, we were ready!

When they arrived, many of the children found friends they had met at last year's camp. A group of two Palestinian and three Israeli girls negotiated to be in the same room. Upon receiving permission, they pulled five bunks together to make one huge bed where they could sleep together.

During my time here, I've gotten pretty good at identifying who is on which side – quickly profiling everyone I meet. It's usually unconscious, automatic, and often seems necessary. When I get on a bus, I need to remember what kind of bus it is so I know if I should greet and thank the driver in Hebrew or Arabic. When I see a group, I notice which side they are from. When I talk to people, I want to know where their sympathies lie so I don’t say something terribly offensive.

At the camp I realized that I wasn't noticing who is Israeli and who is Palestinian. I saw my brothers and sisters from both sides of the conflict demonstrate a love of Christ and each other above their love of sticking with their side. Leaders cared for kids, loving and instructing them regardless of where they are from. We were all there as believers in Jesus, and as should more often be the case, during camp no other identity really mattered.

One day after craft time, a Palestinian boy from the West Bank proudly pulled me aside to show me his pencil case. On it, he had painted an Israeli flag. I am not sure how his parents will feel about it, but it showed me how much more simple this situation is for the children. He loved his new friends and leaders and therefore had fond feelings about the place they are from.

As my coworker Tamara and I reflected on the camp, she said, "Innocence breaks down all this hatred that we have around us. You love the good things that you see in the other side. Like Jesus said, we should be little children."

The reality is that the conflict will probably get harder for these dear young ones as they get older. They will be pulled and they will likely have experiences that will confirm what their communities teach about the other. The conflict is real and they will likely come face to face with it before long.

But that thought is followed by remembering what I saw in the young adults who helped to lead the camp, many of whom have been raised as a part of Musalaha. They are pulled, but they do not forget their friends. For them, the "enemy" will never be faceless, inhuman, or distant. For them, the situation will never be easy or black and white. That is good. With open eyes they can help bring change. They are the hope.

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 18:1-3

See previous post and my Picasa album for pictures from the camp. See videos from camp on Musalaha's YouTube channel I'll also put a few here over the next few posts.

Musalaha's Palestinian-Israeli Summer Camp

Here is a picture update from last week's summer camp. Tomorrow I'll post my reflections on the camp. It was really wonderful, as you can see from the pictures below.

During leader orientation we did the activities we asked the kids to do later in the week. I think the guys did a pretty good job (even though we women won)!

Hillary, one of the other leaders, with one of the girls in her cabin during the Bible study time.

Doing something like a Bible drill.

The kids did even better than the leaders with the newspaper clothes. I had a soft spot in my heart for this kid... just look at that face!

I saw this girl walking through the camp on the last morning and chased her down for a picture. I think her shirt  is great -- and perfect for the camp.

So much fun!

This little guy was so sweet. He wanted his face painted as a football (soccer ball). He is originally from South Sudan.

We had moon bounces galore and lots of water one afternoon. Everyone had a wonderful, fun time!

No caption necessary:-)

More fun.

Enjoying the water.

Picture in Ronit's hand: what she said she was going to do to my face. My face: what she actually did to it. I'll post the video she made in the next few days.

Diligently working on the crafts.

Palestinian-Israeli Camp

Today I'm going with about 40 other leaders for a two-day training prior to our Israeli-Palestinian summer camp. Through this camp, we intend to encourage relationships between young believers and expect the relationships to change the trajectory of their perspectives on the "other" in this conflict.

On Monday, we'll be joined by 73 8-12 year-olds for the five day camp. Since I won't likely be able to blog during the camp I'll be keeping pictures and stories to share with you after the camp.

This camp marks the beginning of my last two weeks here. I'll have a final week in the office and then be off toward home. Check in next week to see some posts about what I'm looking forward to about being home. I'll only be home for a month, so will need to pack a lot in. Maybe having a record of what I want to do ahead of time will help me remember when I actually have the opportunity at home! I hope they'll be fun to read, too:-).

"The Real Musalaha"

Saturday I attended the weeding of some friends of mine in Bethlehem. I sat across from an Israeli and a Palestinian friend. They were getting along great. I kept hearing, "I love you sister!"

Eventually, the conversation turned to Musalaha, where they concluded together: "This is the real Musalaha." Sitting at a table, doing life together, enjoying each other.

My beautiful friends.

I'm thankful that the work we do is laying the groundwork for these relationships to begin. May more continue beyond our programs and into normal life.

It is my hope that someday these friends will not have to wait for permits and special events to see each other.

Hebron Camp Day 6

Our final day of camp was the most fun for me. Instead of staying in a small classroom, I got to run around with the kids outside as they participated in competitions. The kids were split into four teams during the week, and this was their opportunity to show their team unity. I took lots of pictures. Enjoy!

  TUG OF WAR!

Pull!!!

WATER BALLOONS

Lots of water balloons made for a fun game of the kids running and the adults throwing balloons at them:-)

PASS THE WET SPONGE

THREE LEGGED RACE

  

AND POSE FOR SOME PICTURES:-)

Our camp was a spectator sport! These kids sat on the wall of the school watching what we did.

Hebron Camp Day 5

Day five was the last day of crafts at the Hebron Camp. The kids made decopauge journals, which was very fun!

Half-way through the day, when the kids had a break for snack, my partner Maria and I tidied the tables and then were working on a project the the supplies which we hoped to use as gifts. Kids kept coming in and out of the room, always eager to hang out and look at our supplies. We looked up at one point and noticed several girls who had come in with a broom, and were very efficiently sweeping our room. They worked at it for about 15 minutes, leaving the room very clean. I was so impressed. No one had told them to do it, they just saw a need and got to work.

Here is a picture from the day:

Brittany, one of the other camp leaders, found a cool place to rest after the day was over.

Hebron Day 4

Day four we returned to our host school for another day of fun and learning. In the craft room, we painted pencil cases, which the kids really enjoyed. Some were really creative and beautiful, and it was great for the kids to be able to show their own style in the project.

Each day the kids had an assembly time where they sang songs, saw pictures from the camp, and learned lessons. Day 4 was the only day I made it there. The boy featured in this video became one of my favorites throughout the week. He has uncontainable energy!

Hebron Day 3

Day three of the Hebron camp was exciting and nerve wracking -- we were going to try to take 120 Palestinian children through the checkpoint into Jerusalem to take them to the zoo. We didn't know if it we would succeed because, although legal for children under 16 to cross into Israel, it really depended on who was managing the checkpoint whether they would let us cross. Many people were praying.

I was in the first of three buses with Shadia, who it had been decided was the best person to negotiate with the guards. Since our Palestinian adult leaders couldn't come with us it was just foreigners and lots and lots of children. We held our breath as we approached the first checkpoint. We were prepared to try another if we were not allowed through.

By the grace of God, it took us no longer than three minutes to get through. There was no searching and no questioning. We were just asked whether we had arranged the visit ahead of time, and with an affirmative answer that we had an invitation from the zoo all three buses passed through with no problem.

When we got to the zoo, we were met with other people connected to our organization, who were ready to help with the kids. Each leader had six excited children in their group. Most of us know little Arabic, but with lots of "yalla" (let's go) being shouted we managed to communicate with the children. I quickly fell in love with my six -- five boys and one girl between 6 and 12 years old.

This is my group! :-)

One thing that really stuck out to me was when all the groups were still close together it was hard to identify those in my group quickly. I followed the example of some other leaders and drew something unique on each kid's hand. I chose the first thing I thought of, a five-point star, and put it on a few kids' hands. When I got to one of the older ones, he didn't want me to put it on his hand, concerned that it is Israeli symbol. It actually isn't -- but I realized this kid was on high alert. Coming into Israel he certainly did not want to be manipulated into being identified with "the enemy." I wonder what kind of pep talk he was given before coming on the trip, and what pep talk I would have given if I was his mother. The stars became funny looking smiley faces, and I realized how real the conflict is for these precious little ones.

Here are some pictures from the day at the zoo:

The kids excited to go!

:-)

The kids were so funny taking pictures of everything with their cell phones.

The boys loved getting close to the beautiful tropical birds.

The Jerusalem zoo is really cool. We were just feet from this leopard.

Baboons!

Enamored with the animals.

This is what everyone looked like on the way back to Hebron. I was trying to keep them seated, and it was like a hammer head game but the second one kid sat down five stood up!

We continue to thank God that we were able to do this trip!

Hebron Camp Day 1

This week we are conducting a summer camp for kids in Hebron -- a Muslim city in Palestine. It is a work of reconciliation in the sense that it is Christians working with Muslims -- something that doesn't happen very often.

This is the second time our organization has done this camp. The kids were so well behaved and thankful last year, and we have all really been looking forward to it.

I am in charge of one of the activities the kids rotate through at the camp -- CRAFTS! I have been wishing I was more like my mom for weeks (for those of you who don't know my mom is a genius with kids, especially in coming up with meaningful things for them to do). Thankfully, she helped me get organized over Skype, and we have some great things planned.

My goal for the week is to update you and show you some pictures daily. This time I'm posting right before heading to the bus for day two, so we'll see if I can do a little better in the future. I hope you enjoy these adorable kids as much as I have been!

The kids were waiting for us when we got there and excitedly registered. This is part of the crowd pouring in. We have about 100 kids.

The theme of the camp is "what's in your bag?" and talking about the things carry with them in life.

I had kids make the classic "bead men" on the first day which are meant to be decorations for their new backpacks, which they will get as a part of attending the camp.

One of my coworkers had the kids do "newspaper fashion" in her station. I thought this picture was too cute not to share.

Tribute to Judi

This is my post of thanks that God has put some wonderful people in my life here in Israel and Palestine.

Yesterday marked the beginning of the end of this life-phase when my lovely housemate and co-volunteer Judith left to go home to Austria. For the last five months she has been a huge blessing to me, sharing both my home and office... the younger sister I didn't expect to have here. It has been so helpful to have someone to process with, and she has been so gracious in being my primary sounding-board through lots of big issues needing to be worked through as I've experienced life here.

I am incredibly impressed with Judith's ambitious and adventurous spirit, her diligence, servant heart, intelligence, and kindness. I expect this twenty-one year old to leave a tremendous mark on the world, and am thankful to have her as a great friend!

Here are a few memories we have shared:

Lots of fun and laughter in Bethlehem and Jerusalem!

Sharing great friends (and YANIF)

Riding this "British awesome" camel... 

Working for Musalaha, going on the Youth Desert Encounter, learning a lot about cultural differences in organizational structures.

Having our eyes opened to the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, experiencing the confused phases of understanding , grief, frustration, and the beauty of reconciliation.

Thank you, Judi. God bless you as you transition home. My prayer is that you will have a wonderful time and find contentment in Him wherever you go. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Coventry 2

I thought I'd share the report I did on the Coventry Conference and some pictures from the professional photographer who joined us. It really was a great time. I am hoping we'll do a conference in the States sometime before too long!

The beautiful Coventry Cathedral was a wonderful location for the conference

On May 20th and 21st participants from the UK, other European countries, and America gathered in the iconic Coventry Cathedral to join Musalaha for our first international Reconciliation conference.

Musalaha was invited by Christian leaders in the UK to share first-hand experiences and lessons learned in reconciliation with the wider body of Christ – whose members have increasingly felt the need to choose sides as they consider the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The powerful story of the Coventry Cathedral was meaningful to our participants as they heard testimonies of reconciliation in the place dedicated to forgiveness since its devastation during a war-time attack in 1940 and rebuilt as a testimony of faith and hope.

Salim Munayer and Evan Thomas

Speakers included Palestinian and Israeli leaders such as Salim Munayer and Evan Thomas as well as other leaders. We also worshipped in Hebrew, Arabic and English and heard powerful testimonies, including some young Nigerian leaders in reconciliation.

Participants were very encouraged by testimonies and teachings from Musalaha’s ministry partners. We were joined by Cathy Nobles and students from YWAM’s School of Reconciliation and Justice, Tanas Alqassis and Rev. Joseph Steinberg from the Church Mission Society, Rev. Gilbert Lammerts van Bueren from Near East Ministry and representatives from the Baptist Mission Society.

We were excited to have approximately 150 participants representing a wide variety of churches, organizations, and communities.

Insights following the conference made one thing clear: the message of reconciliation is not only relevant for those of us living in areas of conflict. It is the call of God for all believers.

Here are some quotes from participants:

The variety of speakers, insights, demonstration of faith in action! Very exciting ministry that challenges everyone's thinking.

I realize now that as a Christian I am involved… I should be a peacemaker.

The quality of the speakers was absolutely first class!

The respect that the team shows each other also witnesses to the power of your message. Insightful.

Great Britain is in need of this message, especially within the church.

The conference was everything I had hoped it would or could be. I feel better equipped with all the excellent teaching and sharing… to take Jesus’ way of the cross through the middle, without being swayed by the rhetoric or fears of either side in the Body of Christ in the UK.

All of us have been inspired by the teaching and especially by the high quality of testimonies and the way Salim Munayer and Evan Thomas have answered questions: sincere and with a sense of humor. It was not easy to keep out of politics and at the same time remain relevant to the situation which you as Israeli's and Palestinians have to face. For those of us living in the west, it was humbling to witness how you are forced to identify with Christ more fully because of the conflict. A true encouragement to all of us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus.

For more information, please visit www.coventryconference.wordpress.com. Here are some more pictures of the event:

Thank you so much for your prayers for the conference. We felt the presence of God and are thanking Him for a wonderful time.