Around the Office

This week I had a good chance to hang out with my co-workers outside of the office, since we were hosting a conference for another organization. I continue to be so impressed with them, as very talented young professionals, and as kind, welcoming and joyful people. 

Some highlights:

--This morning Lana, Maha and Manar brought in all the fixings of Arabic breakfast: hard-boiled eggs, pickles, olives, deli turkey and cheese, two kinds of bread, and of course, falafel. 

--Salim (the boss), is from Bethlehem but studied for 7 years in Australia. He was so thrilled that some of the participants in the conference were Ozzies that he brought his dijeridoo along to play at the Palestinian culture night/dinner last night. Talk about an interesting musical ensemble! 

--After hearing plenty from Khalil about the challenges of being a young person in the Palestinian Territories, I was so happy to meet his wife and 2-year-old son! What a beautiful family, and how inspiring it is to see them tough it out in Bethlehem for the sake of their faith and commitment to their community. 

Some faces:

This is Khalil, me and Salim on the roof of the house Salim's family is building. 

This is Ranya. She probably has super-secretary powers. I am working on stealing them.

Finally, me and Khalil, working hard.