I flew El Al and true to form was grilled thoroughly before even making it to the Pearson check-in counter. After about forty minutes of questioning, the gentleman interrogating me asked me to be at the gate two hours before boarding where he would be waiting. He informed me they would take both my luggages (one was a carry-on) and be searching them. At the gate, there was a further search of my purse and then a partial strip search. The girl performing the search was in-training - she introduced herself and told me that she was likely more nervous than I was. Having a friend who was strip-searched twice on her travels to Israel, I was prepared for this scenario and was just relieved that I did not have a full strip-search. I found it perplexing that they took swab samples from my jean pockets though. It was amusing that the guy who interrogated me was on my flight and at one point, came over to give me and the girl next to me a gigantic bar of chocolate to share.
Landing was a much simplier process and after the head of security introduced herself and asked me a few questions, I was on my merry way. Happily, I had a Canadian contact waiting at the airport - Canon John Organ came to Jerusalem in July for a three-year post as the Chaplain to the Bishop. He and his wife Irene greeted me as I came through arrivals and whisked me off to Jerusalem, where I spent the night. The first thing I did was wonder through the Muslim quarter of the old city with Irene - it was altogether wonderful to be immersed in that familiar souq vibe with colours, sounds and smells to delight the senses. I spent the evening writing in my journal under the light of the full moon in the inner garden courtyard of the St. George Cathedral Guesthouse; the cool levent breeze tickling my face and the call to prayer echoing through the streets.
The one-hour trip to Ramallah the next day was smooth and upon arriving at the school, I was greeted by Sister Najah. Sister Najah is the last remaining sister of the Emmanuel Sisters who started the school in 1954. She is currently responsible for the girl's boarding house and the running of the pre-school, kindergarden and afer-school programs. She welcomed me with her bright smile and I immediately knew I was in good hands. After she left me to settle into my room, I found a lovely note beside a small bouquet of fresh flowers that read "Welcome in our midst, to your family, May the Lord bless you and keep you. Thank you for coming. From all the family of Home & School" I was touched by the thoughtful gesture and welcoming words. Below are two pictures of the view from where I am staying. The white buildings in the foreground have all been built within the last year. Ramallah is a growing and bustling city, construction happening in every direction you look. Many from the surrounding villages and countryside are moving to the big city in search of better opportunities; it is definitely the main hub of the West Bank. In the coming posts, I hope to capture the vibracy of this city via photos.