Nabi Ilyas
10:10 – We arrived a bit late and many children were already waiting outside, as well as R. and S. of the women who participated in previous lessons and whose number diminished with time. A group of about 17 boys, mostly 13-year olds entered the classroom. S. kept things orderly and helped with translation. As an opening class, Brenda told about herself and asked for the names of the boys, most of them brothers and cousins form about 4 families. The boys cooperated and behaved better than might be expected of 13-year olds. The class ended with a song which the children learned enthusiastically and with bursts of laughter.
11:00 – the girls’ class: about 20 girls arrived, ages 22-12, but R. sorted things out and removed some of them (it was not clear why, they were of the same age group). The girls are serious and carefully dressed. Their lesson was similar to that of the boys and they seemed pleased. I was impressed with the way Brenda taught the class and aroused the children’s interest.
12:00 – we went to the home of one of the village women, to buy some of the cheese she produces. She was busy with her two small children, making za’atar (a spice mixing thume leaves, sesame and olive oil). We were offered tea and wafers and bought cheese. Again we felt the problem of language that so encumbers our communication. As we exited the village a very large group of men faced us, at that moment leaving the mosque. Those were a few unpleasant moments.