Friends in attempted stabbing

The peace in Jerusalem was shattered today by 2 attacks near Damascus Gate ... both within 5 minutes of each other. And what hit me hard was the 2nd attack was against 2 of my good friends A. and B. who are security guards. An arab man is seen in the video raising a knife to attack them from the back but they shot him dead. It took place in front of Maswadi mini market where I usually go to buy Shoko chocolate milk. See http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/WATCH-New-video-of-security-forces-shooting-terrorist-charging-at-them-with-knife-432596

Wet cold morning. View of
the Mt. of Olives from
Via Dolorosa

I heard gunshots as I left the house at about 4.30pm. Other security friends nearby immediately told me about the attack. I was shocked. A. is such a quiet, small guy ... I never imagined him to be so quick in reflexes and fired the first shot. I'm glad he wasn't hurt. But I was really shook up. Those guys risk their lives everyday. I treasure each time I meet them. They're really good buddies.

The skies continue to be overcast and very humid. The rained very heavily last night but daytime was only drizzly. And it's very cold. It seems to reflect the tragic, hopeless situation that we find ourselves these days.

These past 2 days I've been working 18 hours flat. It's exhausting. Each evening I visit 2 or 3 groups of chinese pilgrims in their hostel, giving them talks. This makes me cover some 5 km on foot. This evening I was at Mamilla with one Singapore group; then walked 2km to Ritz hotel to meet another group; then 3 km up in the Mt. of Olives for the 3rd. That was too far and dangerous by foot so I had to hire a car to bring me to and from the St. Vincent de Paul convent where the group is living. It's also good to meet the pilgrims and share the Good News with them. But it's really tiring too. Hope I have energy tomorrow to accompany a group for the Way of the Cross. Same thing for another group on Thursday.