Making Friends

Let's see, last time I wrote we had just finished our first Arabic lesson, which was r-rated. The couple classes we've had since then have been more family friendly, though we did learn that Nick's name sounds uncomfortably close to a curse word. You'd think someone would have told him that a little earlier.

We also learned how to write our names in Arabic. Those of you who know me, Angel, well will understand how excited I am about the whole world of doodling possibilities that are now open to me with this new way to write my name.

Life on the Other Side
We've been praying for opportunities to make new friends in our neighborhood—or really from anywhere. We just want friends. So God has answered in surprising ways.

In the last couple weeks Nick, Christie, and I had several chances to step into the shoes of our Jewish neighbors. Since we live and work in an Arab community these experiences felt like a peek into the lives of people we typically see only from a distance and who are still mostly a mystery to us.

Celebrating the first night of Succoth, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, with a Messianic Jewish congregation was a special experience. We received this invitation from a local Israeli family named the Kashtans who have connections with our church back in the States. About 70 people gathered in the Kashtans' backyard for a service that was translated from Hebrew into English and then Russian. We were greeted by friendly faces and a spread of homemade desserts—a golden combination if you want visitors to feel welcomed. Also, "Come Thou Fount" has made it into the Hebrew Hymnal, so we we were happy to recognize at least one song during the evening. The marks of a Christian are recognizable in any language and location, and we left the service greatly encouraged by our time with such like-minded friends.

Not in the habit of turning down free food, we had a second Succoth feast later that week. One of the teachers at our school is of Jewish background and emigrated here three years ago. We joined Julie and her husband for dinner at their place and ate under one of the many tents that decorate the city this time of year (see picture).

What Protest? I Just Want an Iced Coffee
Little by little we are also getting to know our Arab neighbors. This hasn't been very difficult in some respects. Nick has a natural connection with the men in being a sports fan. He just had to trade watching the Cubs, Bears, and Broncos for European soccer teams. Having played soccer since the age of three, this is a pretty natural transition for him.

And women worldwide seem to share the common pleasures of conversing over a cup of coffee and shopping. In fact, while hundreds of men protested and prayed outside the Old City a couple Fridays ago (in the news), three women in particular passed unnoticed on their way to Cafe Aroma and Mamilla Mall. At some point during the day we walked through the standing crowd of reporters pictured to the left.