The True Startling Beauty

A smiling beautiful young woman met us at the church and introduced herself with such apparent joy that I felt I was reconnecting with an old friend. And that comfort level continued as we walked down the street to a local restaurant where we ate a meal together (chicken quesadillas and burgers).

Sawsan was forthcoming about the suffering of her people: She told of the wall that was currently being built around Bethlehem, separating her family from the plot of land they owned and the country they had once called their own. Her dream was to have horses someday, but that probably wouldn't happen anymore.

She told of how a boy from her neighborhood had shocked her community by becoming a suicide bomber. "I don't know how they brainwashed him into doing that," she said softly. He was one of the brightest boys in her neighborhood with so much future in front of him. He gave up his life for nothing.

She told of how the town's pride and joy, the Jacir Palace, a 5-star hotel, had been damaged in recent fighting and how the owners came up with the money themselves to restore it; she then gave us an extensive tour of the hotel. We were shocked by the majestic and intricate beauty of this palace.

Sawsan was also absolutely joyful and hopeful about her future, and spoke with compassion about the other religions and nationalities with which her people battled, even speaking highly of some Jews who have been sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinians. Sawsan truly revealed the heart of Jesus in her gracious words and hopeful spirit.

Here is a brief excerpt from an email I received from her after our visit:

"it is my nature to stay optimistic never give up and to keep the faith. i just want to add one thing, i keep picturing you when you started to cry because of the things i said to you, it was very touching for me. it is a little bit rude from me to say that many americans do not know anything about the things that happens in palestine especially the violence that take place every day, because someone wants to cover the truth so they will let you watch the things that they want you to see. many palestinians like me they live hoping and praying that things will be better someday."