Stromata

Sun behind Damascus Gate

The weather continues to be sunny but cold ... but not as cold as last week. Last night was 7 degrees and daytime was 14 degrees. Quite bearable. I wear a T-shirt and a warmer and a thick hoodie. It's quite enough.

This evening I met with one of my former students ... an ethiopic seminarian who left last year. Still faithful, he serves as acolyte in the ethiopic rite and helps translate the sermons if the priest is not able to speak amharic (like me). But he is not paid and is working part-time. This evening I saw how few clothes he had ... not enough for this winter. He was very cold. And he had only one pair of shoes. And he hadn't eaten. He has become so thin. I brought him to Arab Fried Chicken and gave him dinner. Then brought him home and gave him 3 of my thickest winter coats. And 2 pairs of very good shoes to withstand the wet and cold. Now I'll see if I can find him a job. He's a bright fellow. And what struck me was how christian and kind he was ... he never spoke one negative word against the church or community. Instead he thanked them for the 4 years of education he had from the seminary.

Busloads of muslim pilgrims

Our northern border is gearing up for a Syrian attack. Threats were made by the syrian rep. at the UN and Russia has warned Israel from any more bombings in Damascus. Israel has been covertly bombing Syria's military depots the last year ... mostly Iranian weapons and personnel. Last week several iranian technicians were killed by the bombing. They vow retaliation. And we're taking these threats seriously. War is no fun.

Sadly Trump's cutting of UNHCR aid to Palestinian refugees in Israel means many will have no food, medicine and even school and jobs. It holds hostage the Palestinians till they agree to accept his peace plan. It will be a two State plan but Israel will hold the upper hand.   https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/with-the-loss-of-u-s-aid-palestinian-dreams-of-peace-move-even-farther-away-1.6866397?fbclid=IwAR11wFvvmaxRZsYq50pJicgzpDeptUaD8DFSG1VZ8VyBi0D2iOuEZIsN74Q