I apologize for not writing more on this blog recently. It takes more time and energy than I anticipated to get settled again (find housing, work, etc.) after being overseas for a year. I have only just now moved into a new apartment, and this week, I am starting my normal full-time work schedule.
I am enjoying my new work as a phone counselor to people try to quit tobacco use, and the job is challenging. I'm looking forward to being able to work from home after about the middle of July.
So far, I have no specific plans to return to Palestine, as it is taking me sooo very long to get settled and stable again in the US. But, Palestine is always on my mind.
I am noticing that I had more culture shock (both going and returning to Palestine) than I realized, but I am recognizing the culture shock only as I start to lose it. Specifically, I can now see that I have been more irritable than usual in my personal life over the last months (in Palestine and upon returning). I am thankful that that irritability was only temporary, and I'll be more conscientious of that the next time, I suppose.
I have pretty much finished preparing my Palestine presentation, but I am waiting to schedule speaking engagements until I'm a little more settled and people have returned from their summer vacations. I'll post updates about this on the blog as all of this develops. I am sorry that I have not been able to give presentations sooner, but I hope the quality of them will outweigh the delay.
Finally, a few action items below. I have some friends who are planning trips to Palestine and the Middle East. One person you can read about below; the other is very close to me, but I don't think she has a website. Let me know if you're interested in supporting some other local peace workers in Palestine.
http://students.washington.edu/sjpal/Jehadsparticipation.htm
http://www.cpt.org/node/7716
Also, an action item for the people of At-Tuwani, Palestine, to help them bring electricity to their village.
