September 19, 2003

Aza Refugee Camp, Bethlehem

[Bethlehem, West Bank] Last week some friends from Japan got together in Bethlehem to hang out with the children at Aza Refugee Camp. These nice women often come to share with the community. They visit friends from all over Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Actually, I think they share with children all over the world. They brought food, drinks, music, games, and -- most importantly -- their time. I've been here over two years, and it's the first time I've visited the children's center at Aza. I'm ashamed of myself. Visitors spending more time with the local kids than I do. Shameful. I had a good time wreaking havoc with the kids though, so I hope I can go back.

Here Y-ko is telling a story in something called an "apron play." She pulled little people and animals from pockets in the apron and attached them with Velcro. The children sang a song when each new character was added to the apron. She told a story of how it took the entire community -- man, woman, boy, girl, dog, cat, and mouse to work together to pull out the giant turnip hidden in the apron. It could not be done without the help of the entire group. Remember that the next time you're faced with the daunting task of a giant turnip! Better start making friends with the mouse now.

I took a quick look and assured her that in my medical opinion she had no cavities.
So she finished her Japanese candy and was anxious for more.

It's always fun with an energetic bunch of kids. I usually try to keep smiling even when green tea is being poured on my head.
I draw the line at fire burning my clothing, and I definitely insist on no roughhousing if I'm carrying eggs.

R-ko was surrounded by kids the entire time she was there. I think they liked her big heart and genuine good spirit.
(Either that or the cigarettes she passes out during the breaks. I know that's why I like her.)

The center at the refugee camp is a great facility. It has a computer lab, some office space and a room for games like chess.
I declined the invitation to be outsmarted by one of the boys. I get enough of that as it is, and I figured they needed more of a challenge.

Peace sign. Reminds me of my favorite Palestinian joke.
(This was popular when the Israeli Army was heavily shelling President Arafat's compound in Ramallah.)
Arafat bounces out of his compound holding up the peace sign. The people around cheer -- "victory, victory for Palestine." Arafat says, "No, no -- there are still TWO buildings standing." Next day, Arafat comes out of his compound holding up the peace sign. The people around cheer -- "victory, victory for Palestine." Arafat says, "No, no, no -- there are still TWO of us alive inside." Next day, Arafat slowly walks out of his compound holding up two peace signs. The people around cheer -- "victory, victory for Palestine." Arafat says, "No, no, no -- I've been told there's curfew from 7 to 7." ('V' is Arabic for the number '7')

The group got a little rowdy when the ladies ran out of rice wine.

(You know I was kidding about the cigarettes and rice wine, right?)