Thursday, January 1, 2009

You do the math

Um Tulip writes:

I'm struggling with words. I'd love to write a Happy New Year blog or post some darling pictures from our Christmas holidays with family. We had an incredible visit, and managed to see many of the great sites of Jordan. It's been an emotional roller coaster, as I hadn't seen my parents or sisters or bro-in-law for 18 months. I can't express enough the gratitude I feel to my parents for footing the bill of this amazing vacation.

However, the situation in Gaza is overwhelming. The latest news flash I read was 390 Palestinians dead, 4 Israelis. You do the math. I just can't understand. I've often been touched by Arabs' grace and sensitivity to me as an American, even in the face of injustice. I'm not going to write much; just recommend you read up on what Kinzi, Mommabean, Pilgrim Without a Shrine have to say, or follow their links.

We happened to be en route to the airport the night of the relief for Gaza drop-off and drove right through the intersection near Cosmo as the evening was ending. There were still swarms of people loading up boxes. Somehow I just had a feeling it was people donating goods for Gaza. There were no signs, and as I've been entertaining family I hadn't yet read about the efforts organized by the Action Committee and Jordanian bloggers. However people weren't honking or yelling, which is incredibly unusual here during a traffic jam. It was such a beautiful demonstration of unity and generosity.

I'll admit right away I'm scared to turn my blog black for Gaza. When will the conflict end? Oh God, bring peace!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the link!!!

Wasn't it funny how you could 'feel' the difference with this group? It was very special, watching team-work happen among such a diverse crowd. Imagine, later even the police were helping. :)

We join you in praying for peace that lasts.

said...

I'm not going to get too in-depth on this topic, excep to say it seems the only thing human beings are really good at is finding new and exciting ways to kill each other. Pointless.