Here at last!

Friends and family! I made it! After some minor problems with the airlines... but thats to be expected. Bethlehem is beautiful, I am staying in a small municipality called Beit Sahur within Bethlehem. Weather is extremely hott and I have been wearing pants because that is what is the cultural norm. Arabic has been a trip! I have general greetings down, a friend who is staying in the apartment with me is Arabic so he has been helping. As far as prayer concerns go, general welfare and safety is a biggie. Jewish and Arabic relations is also a huge deal. As I begin to study the conflict and be amongst Palestinians learning of this problem is both mind boggling and frustrating. Its a giant mess over here and without a clear cut line of truth. I will update a little more when I have some more time!!