Since I am always the first one up & here I have been entrusted to the keys to open Karama, hence I get the internet here with no other traffic or volunteers needing the computer (I usually just go to one of 2 local internet cafes).
The girls here stay with host families & under no circumstances are they ever to enter our flat. It is their culture here the women are not repressed or treated badly it is just more formal & old fashioned. The guys we all live in the flat 5 of us so its more of a frat house than anything (without the pizza & beer). It is about a 2-3 minute walk to Karama, that is if you can get there with out the baker, butcher, and 2-3 store owners pulling you into their store pushing you onto a stool & giving you tea. I have never seen anything like this if you ever try & give money as a tip or whatever they are greatly offended. even in taking a taxi, someone is always paying for your fare (if you share a car with a Palestinian).
It seems as though getting shot in the face is a right of passage here. Both Yasser & Luay the brothers that run Karama have both been shot (several times). I asked Yasser how he got a 3 inch scar on his forehead & he was hit by a rubber bullet there.
The group took a trip into Bethlehem last night & we all ate at a really cool place ‘The Grotto’ a Shisha restaurant that is carved into the rock on the side of a hill. It was awesome we had great conversations about politics, religion and various other controversial subjects. In old Bethlehem it is pretty amazing narrown cobblestone streets with rock walls on either side, it really does feel like going back in time.
Deiheshe camp has 16000 people in one square kilometer. Africa was a great experience because I think everything seems easy after that. Outside of the camp most of Bethlehem is much nicer than even the nice parts of Freetown. as I have eluded to here before it is all about the frusteration of being literally in a prison in your own town.
There are constantly explosions & gunfire going off here so it is difficult to discern what is a flare or fireworks & the real thing. Its funny how you just get used to things. Even now the morning prayer I sleep through which is hard to believe since the first day it was like they had a loud speaker in my room
When George & I asked the older Karama students if they wanted to workout they were incredibly enthusiastic to a level that I was unaccustomed to in our culture. I was overwhelmed about how excited they were to work hard, learn & participate in the basics of fitness. After the first day of general stretching & calisthenics we discovered a nearby Golden Gym. Both George & I were absolutely amazed on what a great facility it was, especially for Deheishe. We took three older Karama students Mahmoud who is 17, Mohammed (15), and Walid (16). We were so pleased with the energy in which they worked out & how grateful they were for any assistance. Mahmoud is incredibly motivated and already is well on his way and was actually giving me tips!
It is so great to see despite everything that has happened to these children their attitudes and demeanor is still always remarkably polite & upbeat. In an otherwise bad situation it is so rewarding to see these kids still concerned with their fitness, and finding positive outlets for their energy.
Besides helping the Karama students in promoting a healthy lifestyle which is positive. Both George & I both being ex-university football players believe that fitness helps foster discipline and work ethic. If we can use sports to improve health, develop life skills, and promote peace for children in this community which is one of the most disadvantaged areas of the world everyone benefits.
When we were in the Golden Gym, Mr. Palestine 2008 was working out, & I couldn’t help but think we are here in what the West think as a terrorist hotbed yet here is this mountain of a man who is incredibly friendly, willing to help yet would be at home in any gym in North America.
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