Hi Teens:
Today at church I met Tala Raheb, daughter of Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb. She is 15 and a teenager just like you. I asked her to share a bit about her life so that you can learn about teens in the West Bank. Tala said the teens here also like to have fun. They go to restaurants, movies but mostly gather at someone’s house. They don’t go out of this area much. To do so requires a permit. She must be 16 to get an ID and a permit.
In Bethlehem she lives as all people do behind the separation wall. I asked her how she feels about the wall. Tala said that where she lives she doesn’t see it much as it is not so close to her house, but when she does she says it makes her feel gloomy like they cannot see the sun. Knowing the wall is there is something that is in their thoughts every day.
A normal day for Tala starts with school at 7:30 a.m. and home by 2:30 p.m. Then she studies and stays home maybe watching TV in the evening. Teens usually only go out on certain days like Saturday, Sunday and maybe Thursday or Friday. Sports are basketball and football. The teens love hamburgers and pizza – sound familiar? Tala speaks Arabic, English and German which is true for the teens and children educated in this area.
Her dream is for a free life, for people to have more open minds, to have rights and a bigger society.
I hope you will enjoy seeing her picture and a picture of some of the children in her church. I have lots of stories to share with you when I return to FPC.
Talk to you soon! Pastor Peggy
Pastor Peggy and Tala Raheb at Christmas Lutheran Church
Pastor Peggy and the children of Christmas Lutheran Church
John & Carolyn Seltzer said,
November 8, 2009 at 9:24 am
As usual, we’re following you each step of the way. Our favorite part of international travel is meeting the people, as you are. It’s not the sights. Take care.
John & Carolyn
icbpartnership said,
November 8, 2009 at 10:36 am
John and Carolyn:
You are correct the people are fabulous and oh the stories they tell. We met a man at lunch today who just opened a restaurant in the Old City. He had lived in Chicago and moved here in 2000. He is Jewish and began his restaurant with an Arab partner. It is their hope that their restaurant will show how two worlds live together as one.
Blessings
Peggy
Norie Erickson said,
November 8, 2009 at 10:06 am
Sounds like you are having a great time and wonderful learning experience. Reading about what you’re doing brings back many memories. What is the name of your guide?
Continue to enjoy!
icbpartnership said,
November 8, 2009 at 10:33 am
Hi Norie:
Our guide is the same that you had – Naim Khoury. We met Michael the young man you met and befriended in Bethlehem. He told Jo his story and she will tell it to you. I am bringing you beads from Michael.
Peggy
jamie hills said,
November 9, 2009 at 12:47 am
The teens have no place to RACE…….how un-humain. HAHAHA
Looks like you are really working hard. Nothing new here. Continue to enjoy and seek the glory and the lord will continue to rain his blessings upon you all.
Love,
J.J.A.R.A.