An Amazing Experience

     My journey to Israel and Palestine was an experience that I would

never have imagined going on. When the trip was first announced I

immediately said “yes”. I couldn’t explain why my response was so

immediate. However, looking back to my time in Palestine, I wouldn’t

change a thing. This trip took me not only literally out of the

country but it took me out of my comfort zone. Now that I find myself

telling people about my trip, I see how much I have learned. I learned

about the culture, the people and even got the opportunity to learn a

few Arabic words that I use since I got back.

Before embarking on this trip, I wasn’t completely aware of the

political conflict. While there I learned so much about the situation and

the different events throughout history that have shaped what

Palestine is today. At first the stories were overwhelming. I

couldn’t understand why there is so much hatred and so much conflict.

While going to the schools and meeting the different people and

Children, I was amazed at how peaceful and hopeful these people are

despite the political conflict. I admire the hope that they have for

their future. This really put things into perspective for me about how

many times I find myself complaining about small things when in

reality these people have much greater problems than I do.

    The highlight of my trip was definitely meeting the children in Palestine.

 Like people say, children are always the most innocent in any situation. 

These children were so happy and playful. The children that we met in the 

SOS Children’s Village were very welcoming despite the language barrier. 

Being in that classroom with Michael showed me how difficult it is to 

communicate with a student that may speak a different language as their 

primary language. While we were there I knew one thing that was universal-

 a smile and that was the way we communicated.

     The culture and people that we met in the streets were all so

welcoming and eager to help. Meeting with my pen pal was definitely a

great experience. It was a great idea to be set up with someone prior

to our trip so that way we could talk before going to Palestine. While

at lunch with my pen pal, I learned so much and got to meet other

Bethlehem University students. Now I can say that I have many friends

in Bethlehem. The trips to the different refugee camps were very

emotional and overwhelming. It is one thing to read about than to go

personally and hear these peoples’ testimonies. At times, I found myself

being upset because I felt that the situation that they are in isn’t

fair and shouldn’t be going on. I would tell my peers that I wish I

could just bring everyone with me back home. But after reflecting and

looking at the situation, I saw how these people were happy and always

found the positive. I wish I could apply that to my everyday life.

    When I came back from my trip I took on a permanent substitute

position with fourth graders. One day I decided to do a lesson on

travelling the world and challenged them to think of places that they

wish they could visit. I told them about my experiences and taught

them different Arabic phrases such as “thank you” “you’re welcome” and

“how are you”. The students were all very interested and wanted to

learn more. I showed them different pictures of the different sites we

visited. My objective was to teach them that they could go to any

place in the world and learn about different cultures. I wanted

to tell them how children, even across the Atlantic Ocean, are the same

as they are. My journey to Israel and Palestine was a once in a

lifetime experience that I will always cherish and that has opened my

mind to thinking outside of my own comfort zone. I will continue to

share my story with everyone I meet.

-Maxiel P.