We Have Arrived In Palestine!

(Looking out of the guesthouse kitchen window toward Beit Jala. It was our first sunrise in Bethlehem. We had just arrived a few hours before.)

Hi All,

We just wanted to let you all know that after 3 days of traveling with 5 layovers and a surprise day trip into Zurich, Switzerland that we have finally arrived at Bethlehem Bible College couple of days ago, tired but safe.

(Zurich, Swizterland - It was beautiful even on a cold cloudy day!)

We have had some orientation off and on with the older couple (in their 70's) who are about to leave. They used to run the guest house but now we will be (for at least for the next 2 months). Then they took us on a walking tour of Bethlehem and showed us the main markets that we will need to use. Bishara (the president of BBC) and his wife have also taken us out to dinner along with the older couple who is leaving (who used to run the guest house), and the english administrator to a restaurant nearby.

Aaron is the main driver for the college because they have no one and they desperately need somebody because they are not able to drive out due to restrictions. They had many packages already that needed to be picked up from Jerusalem. They also had no one to run the guest house so they are very grateful that we are here because we are able to meet many needs. We will also be helping in many other ways. All of which are not known now but we will as we go along. A group has arrived which were mine and Aaron's first official guests as guest house managers.

The power went out the first evening we were here and the internet was also out before that. The internet still comes and goes sometimes but we have it for the most part but it does sometimes make communicating a little difficult. We will do our best to keep in touch.

Our contact info: Bethlehem Bible College P.O. Box 17166, Jerusalem, 91190, Israel
Office: 011-972-2-274-1190 Fax: 011-972-2-274-3278

We haven't really had a chance to find out what the college needs but we will soon. The College isn't in session right now so we really won't have opportunities to talk with the staff to find out what the school needs but as soon as we do then we will let you know just in case anyone wants to try to send some supplies. But I do know that real coffee is like gold around here (and costs about that much) so that is something that someone could send the college's way (or ours =) if they feel so inclined and if it doesn't cost too much. We have been drinking and serving instant coffee...yum yum! =)

Also, it is pretty cold around here and I know that the refugee camps here in Bethlehem are in need of blankets and food but I am not sure how to solve that problem without alot of money.

We don't have heat when there aren't alot of guests upstairs in the guesthouse since it costs too much so our apartment (in the basement) has been pretty cold but we do have a small heater that gets us warm (if we sit directly in front of it) and we have hot water, blankets, four walls and a roof (all without holes in them) so it could always be worse. We do also have to be careful how much water we use since water is limited around here because the Israelis control it.

(Our First Breakfast in Our New Apartment - Note: I am only wearing the scarf around my head because it is cold, not because I have to)

On another note, although the area is so very poor the food, living, and basic needs here are much more expensive then you would expect. I am not sure why but maybe it is because there is a wall completely surrounding city and it is harder to get food in and out because the Israeli guards control the check points.

Anyway, we will try to write keep in touch as often as we can. Thanks so much for all of your prayers and support.

Love and Prayers,

Misty & Aaron