I recognize that everyone reading these words comes to this blog with their own background and with their own opinions regarding the conflict that will serve as the backdrop for most everything reflected upon in this space. I hope that this blog will spur a healthy discussion surrounding the complexities of this situation. While I cannot apologize for my own biases, I do recognize them. I must admit--I am a little overwhelmed by the idea of trying to share this story in a way that is meaningful for all of us, but I will do my very best to be honest and real with myself and with you. Thanks for reading and bearing with me!
On that note, I'm 18 days away from flying out of Logan to Philadelphia where I'll attend a week-long orientation at the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) headquarters in Akron, PA. My year of service is a part of MCC's SALT (Serving And Learning Together) program which connects young adults with placements in partnering schools, hospitals, resource centers, NGOs, etc. in countries all around the world. My particular placement is with an organization in Bethlehem, Palestine called the Shepherd Society which exists to extend emergency aid and development opportunities to struggling Palestinian families. So, after a week of orientation in Akron with all of the other SALTers, I will be flying from Philadelphia to Amman, Jordan with a brief layover in Paris. I'll be in Amman for four weeks of in-region orientation and intensive Arabic with the other SALT volunteers who also have placements in the the IIJP (Iran-Iraq-Jordan-Palestine) region. Together, our regional team represents a really stable area of the globe. I'm looking forward to some hearty discussion on political stability at its finest!
And then, by mid-September, I will begin my work in Bethlehem. I've just recently been in contact with the volunteer who did the placement at the Shepherd Society this past year. He's been super helpful in giving me some pointers. Although he wasn't quite sure about where I'll be living, he said it's probable that I'll be living in a small flat close to work and the Aida Refugee Camp. Now, if you know me at all, you recognize that this would be the equivalent of someone telling a small child that they will be living in close proximity to Disneyland. While I'm maintaining a mindset of flexibility, I can't help but get excited about the prospect of sharing a neighborhood with a camp of a few thousand refugees. Be still by heart.
At this point, my greatest feeling is one of excitement. When I tell people what I'm doing for this next year of life, the most frequently asked response is, "...Wait, aren't you scared?" But the answer is honestly, "No." The only thing I'm nervous about is the idea of not seeing my family and friends for a whole year, but other than that all I possess are feelings of great peace. I know that the next year of life is going to be extremely challenging and frequently heartbreaking, but I've never felt so certain about beginning a new season of life.
I have recently had Psalm 27 re-enter my life via multiple avenues. I like it when that happens. I'll leave you with these beautiful words written by David who, ironically enough, was born in Bethlehem:
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong
and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
