Christmas Past
It has been 2 weeks and two days since I departed from Hope
Secondary School in Beit Jala, Palestine. Arriving
in the states on December 23 landed me into the Holiday Mode. I celebrated Christmas with Ed and Gale, my
son and daughter in law. The day after Christmas,
they put me on a plane to visit family in Washington State.
While in WA, I had the opportunity to tell Seabold UMC about United Methodist Advance projects including Hope Secondary School, Beit Jala, Palestine where I last served.
In 2015, let’s take action on behalf of the Palestinians
through the United Methodist Advance Program (www.umcmission.org)
Reflections
Spending two months, November-December 2014, at Hope
Secondary School in Beit Jala was a privilege and joy! Being around youth, experiencing their exuberance
and energy helped me realize God’s blessings and imagine God’s expectation for
these lives. Experiencing firsthand the
dedication of the administrative staff and teachers makes it easy for me to
request your involvement.
God is giving you the gift of being involved in the
lives of students at Hope Secondary School Advance Project #12018A.
Actions
My days were filled with action. Lalia in the development office kept me busy
with projects that will further develop the contact and involvement with
friends of Hope School.
I interacted
with the students personally through English enrichment activities, going on a
field trip for environmental education and eating meals with the boarding
section students.
Being a part of the teacher professional development allowed
me to attend team building and arbitration training.
One of the highlights was seeing Dr. Jihan Emaya's
leadership enhancing the quality of education at Hope Secondary School. I am glad the board, led by Khader Saba, supports
the long-term needs of Hope Secondary School.
Student Sponsorship Program
Lalia coordinates the Student Sponsorship Program at the
school. This gives an opportunity to communicate
one on one with students. To be part of sponsoring
a student, let Lalia know your interest info@hopeschoolpal.com.
I am looking for some people in the United Methodist West
Michigan Conference who might like to join me in sponsorship of some of the
students I met!
More Information
Hope Secondary School has a web site, www.hopeschoolbeitjala.com. They are also on Facebook. Please check out these places for further
information about all God is doing through those serving at Hope Secondary
School.
Looking Ahead
The temperature outside today in the single digits, reinforces
why I plan to be out of Michigan this time of year. I leave soon for a trip to Florida!
Florida
I am looking forward to the warmth while visiting my sister,
Donna, in Sebring Florida.
Middle East
The Middle East remains in my thoughts and prayers. There is still much to learn and do as we
continue to reflect our God of justice.
The United Methodist Kairos Response, www.kairosresponse.org is a source for
information and suggested action. Many
United Methodist conferences are looking into ways to further God’s justice
through United Methodist Conference’s actions.
I have enjoyed receiving a newsletter from Wazala www.wazala.org. This site gives an overview of things
Christian from several countries in the Middle East.
United Methodist Women
I have taken on a new volunteer responsibility as United
Methodist Women social action coordinator for United Methodist West Michigan
Conference. United Methodist Women are
dedicated to putting their faith, hope and love into social action.
Hospitality
Once back home, I am answering a call to hospitality. Consider this as your invitation to visit me
at my home. I am planning a Bible study,
prayer group and more.
Palestinian mint tea and mint lemon aid are house specialties.
Palestinian mint tea and mint lemon aid are house specialties.
Africa
My next oversea trip will happen this summer in connection
with a Bible Dedication in Ethiopia. My
sister Donna’s last few years of her 30 years in Africa were spent in the
development of this Bible in a native tongue that never had a written language
previously. My sister in law and I will
be traveling with Donna to the dedication.
