Last night, a guest and I sat talking late into the evening on the porch overlooking the entire city. She was one of the most fascinating people I have met - a 67 year old woman from South Africa living in Oman. Incredibly tall and regal looking, Elizabeth had a sort of charm you could not ignore. We spent a good couple of hours talking about interfaith, intermarriage and what it means to be true to a religion. She got me thinking and reflecting on my stay here in Nazareth.
My trip was not an easy one to say the least. It was full of learning curves and mistake after mistake. From walking all over Nazareth to find a certain shop to taking the wrong bus line (and ending up in the desert) I have learned a tremendous amount. I learned when and when not to speak in Hebrew, how to be assertive in arguments with Israelis, how to navigate the bus lines, how to budget for two months in a foreign country, how to communicate solely in Hebrew and how to know when a situation is right or wrong. However, one of the main things that has struck me is just how fortunate I am - to have a supportive family, job opportunities and the drive to see the world. I know this sounds cheesy, but it has come quite apparent to me.
The other day, I went and visited an Ethiopian absorption center called Beit Alfa right right outside of Afula. I had spoken with the manager a few times and he strongly encouraged me to stop by. So I managed to find the center, a mini-village hidden in the valley (about 15 km from the border with Jordan). As I entered the center, hundreds of eyes followed my every step - who is she? what is she doing here? I found the office and was greeted by half a dozen smiling workers - all former members of the same absorption center. They were thrilled that I came and instantly started to show me around. They showed me the classrooms and introduced me to other volunteers. Upon learning that I had a few hours, they asked if I was interested in playing with the kids. I enthusiastically responded yes and went outside to meet them.
What struck me first was just how polite and appreciate these children were. Tons of eyes stared up at me and the kids gathered around me in curiosity. There was silence and then all at once they all ask me (in Hebrew, they don't know any English) "Do you speak English??" They were so eager to practice what little English they knew! So for each child, I asked, "How are you?" "What's your name?" I would receive a gleeful respond and everyone would laugh hysterically.
The other highlight was the instant I sat down, a good dozen kids swarmed around me and started braiding my hair. This was not only an activity for the girls but also for the boys. "Does this hurt you? Tell us when it hurts and we will stop!" they shouted. After only ten minutes, my head was completely covered in tiny braids that they had done. They were the nicest group of children I have ever been with. Respectful of each other, they treated one another with the utmost of respect. Older brothers were always checking to see if their younger sisters were safe and sound while friends held hands with one another. I don't know who was more excited - me or them.
I definitely hope to return to the center in the years to come to do more work. The community was unlike anything I have ever experienced. I hope to give them life opportunities that I have had the pleasure to enjoy - to travel the world, learn different languages and interact with new and different people.
My time here ends in just ten days, that I know will whiz by. I leave the Fauzi tomorrow morning to spend time with friends and family (Micayla!) in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It's quite strange how fast time flew by. I began saying my goodbyes yesterday which hurt more than I thought. The final ones will come today. Fortunately, I am having lunch with a fellow employee today and will see other friends that I have made in the evening. I also anticipate another caffeinated afternoon as I say goodbye to the Arab locals that I have met and gotten to know: the imam, the coffee seller, the workers at the local spice shop etc (you cannot just say 'goodbye,' you have to sit down with coffee and say goodbye)
So...that was Nazareth. I am definitely planning to return and would encourage everyone to stop by at the Fauzi!
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