Peacemaking

Hebron: A Journey to Adulthood

In the 90's, my parish created a Christian formation curriculum for young people aged 12-17, called Journey to Adulthood, or J2A. At the end of the third year, the young people go on an expedition, a purpose of which is to learn and practice adult skills.

A scavenger hunt, of sorts, is part of the weekend. The young people are divided into small groups, given a map, an amount of money, and a set of instructions. Accompanied by an adult, they must figure out how to reach each destination, using every available means of public transportation by the end of the exercise, and find something at each site. The adult can speak only if the young people are in dire trouble.

The skill I most remember from this exercise is to ask questions.

And this was in my mind in Bethlehem on Saturday morning as the Hebron team split up to go our different ways for the weekend. We had been there to participate Friday night in a candlelight vigil honoring our team mate Tom Fox, whose body was found in Baghdad on 9-10 March, and Rachel Corrie and Tom Hurndall, killed in Gaza three years ago while working with the International Solidarity Movement.

Would I remember the way to the Bab iScote, where we'd catch public transportation for El Khader? Would I recognize landmarks? Would I make a wrong turn? Would I have to ask directions? Would the person I asked speak English?

We headed up the street from Manger Square, a steep flight of steps and a ramp, side by side, ahead. Yes! A narrow alley with shops and stalls on both sides and a church I remembered. The International Center ahead on the left. And Christmas Lutheran Church. Yes! Keep on to the right. The Star Hotel up the hill to the right. Yes! And on down the street seeing no tourists, only the local people out shopping on this Saturday afternoon. There! On the right! Bab iScote!

Now I ask: "Servees for El Khader?" "Over there!" the Palestinian police officer says.

"Only one seat left," I say, as I look in the door. My teammate Bill has walked over to a bus. "Donna, this goes to El Khader," he calls. And another passenger waiting to get on says, "One and a half shekels."

We're on the way home. Thanks, J2A, for teaching me adult skills.

20 March 2006
 

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