from olives to ice cream

Sorry for the lack of extensive updates! I've had so much to write but these past 2 weeks have been really busy and our internet hasn't been as reliable.

The week before last one of my roommates/ fellow teachers and I went olive picking with our principal's family. It was such a cool experience! They cooked food on fire and picked olives on the side of the mountain for several days and we were able to experience a fun afternoon with them along with a gorgeous view.

We also found a new favorite restaurant directly across from Nativity Church manged by a student' from our school's father. We've gone about once a week since we discovered it because they have my two favorite foods: steak and Chinese :)

Last week we also met two different neighbors. As soon as the first heard our English she invited us in for coffee proceeded by hours of conversation, stories, and sweets. Arab women LOVE talking and making you try interesting food. Later in the week one of the ladies gave us a little tour of town and showed us her favorite shops. We met her brother (the barber), the candlestick maker (I know right!), the butcher ( I could have skipped this experience) and went to an awesome produce market. It was so much fun and when we got back home she hugged us and said "Girls, now you are very close to my heart."

Our weekly Bible studies have started up so every Thursday we have high school girls over for dinner and Bible Study. They love to sing and talk and it has been so great to get to know all of them. I am really looking forward to the Thursdays to come.

Last but not least, we went on our first school field trip! The high school soccer team and two middle school basketball teams competed near the coast in the peace league tournament. The kids were so excited to get to leave for a day with permissions to get through the checkpoint. We worried they would get denied but we had no problems getting through! Praise the Lord!

The day ended with a trip to the Mediterranean and a Kosher McDonalds. I have never seen kids so exited about the ocean and Mcflurries.

I wish I could somehow convey how extremely hilarious and sweet my students are but that would take all day so I will leave you with this little excerpt from class today:

me: "What do we do if someone hits us or pushes us?"

7 year old boy "you forgive them and pray to God that their hand doesn't touch you again."

oh dear. I love them. They leave me with endless stories and laughter.