From Sunny Norwich, Oozing with Hayfever
In September, I am going to be jumping on a plane and heading (via Tel Aviv) to Nablus, in West Bank Palestine. Once there, I shall be working with the wonderful Project Hope to deliver English Lessons and Creative Workshops to young people there.
It's been a long time in the making, but stepping off the plane in Palestine will just be one more step in a much longer journey. My years of leading youth groups, studying creative writing, working with young people at The Garage and as a mentor in a high school, have all been steps in this journey. Meanwhile, I have become increasingly concerned for those people affected by conflict in the West Bank. The combination of all these experiences has compelled me to see what life for these people is really like, and to see how I might use my skills and experiences to serve. This is an ongoing journey and I'm excited to see what it brings next.
Education is one of the most precious things we can possess, and one of the greatest gifts we can offer; never is it more valuable than in situations of conflict and where freedoms are witheld. It can be a doorway out, a view of a better world, and a source of reconcilliation. I believe that the experience of coming up against a world where the minutiae of existence are defined by an unrest far beyond the control of any individual will be a reall education for me - I would like to share some of my experiences with you along the way.
But there are a few more steps along my jouney first - raising money, leaving my job, preparing myself to leave the UK. And since there is no postal service in Palestine, I won't be able to send postcards to you all individually. Instead, I will be posting regualr updates on this blog. Keep an eye on what i'm up to, say a prayer if you're religiously inclined, and please don't forget to donate. My paypal button is on the bottom right of the page...
For now, Much love and Many blessings
Matthew
