Surrounded by Arabic once again, I feel more like I am on a cultural exchange program than trying to establish myself possibly in international development work. But perhaps, that is exactly what I need to better understand the culture here.
Last time I came with my good friend Chris from my International Development masters program at Eastern University. We met 3 young Norwegian Bible College students and spent much of our time with them as we hung out with students and helped out at schools.
This time however, I am more on my own. To say it's been difficult would be an understatement. I live with 4 Muslim Birzeit University students (2 from Jenin, 1 from Salfit, and 1 from Tulkarem). I am once again engaged in the conflict here as economic restrictions weave their way down to the lives of the students I interact with everyday. Living with students I knew would present great challenges. Besides the language barrier, there is the ever-constant-confrontation with my physical needs and the inability of these girls to meet those needs for themselves. For example, the days here commonly reach 40-50 degrees Farenheit. Often the houses and apartments inside can reach even colder degrees because of the limestone construction. I am the only one in my apartment with a heating device. I'm also the only one that's been provided with a fridge. How am I to reconcile my faith in Christ with these issues? How does Christ want me to strategically act in these situations?
A few nights ago I felt completely overwhelmed with my responsibilities here (not so much the amont of job tasks but the barriers I need to overcome through Christ to retain perspective, productivity, and peace). I had suffered at least 3 days confronted with the tempation to leave. However, when I arrived in my room I had a sense in my spirit that God had been there preparing it as a place of comfort. It was almost palpable.
I prayed this past fall, that if God wanted me back in Palestine, He needed to provide so I could perform whatever work He wanted me to do. So far, God has been faithful. I still struggle with perspective and inner battles, but God's character does not change and His work continues to go on. Hamdillaah (Thanks be to God).
(the view from my apartment)
