África, Mnar, Carmen, Nowar, Raeda and Abla |
Sahar, Reem, and tutor Carmen Sayo on the right |
BETHLEHEM (June, 2009).- Several past students of St. Teresa Students
Home from Hebron, Ramallah and Jerusalem gathered once again to share
their life experiences, to remember the beautiful moments spent together
in the Residence, and, to recharge energy because, in their own words,
“No matter how difficult life will be, we must move on.”
After spending some moments greeting each other and sharing their joys
and remembering their student life here, they received some written thoughts
to help them reflect on their life and how they can continue living joyfully
and with hope despite the difficulties encountered in this country.
It was an inspiring moment to hear that their stay in the residence has
helped them look at life positively and continue moving on in spite of
difficulties encountered in the workplace or in the environment.
One of them who just gave birth shared her experience of being a mother
at the age of 23, and the mixed emotions felt during her prenatal and
postnatal period.
Two other students got married this year and also shared how weddings
take place in their Muslim culture.
The first part of the celebration is only for the women, with the bride
and the groom; therefore none of them are with their heads covered. After
2 and a half hours dancing and enjoying the wedding cake, other men can
join the celebration but then, at this moment all the women including
the bride have to cover their heads.
The two alumni shared many pictures of their wedding. They explained that
these pictures couldn’t be shown to any man.
During the meeting of June 5th, refreshments were served, a mixture of
typical Palestinian and Spanish delicacies.
Before leaving the Residence, they enjoyed going back to their rooms and
taking pictures of them and the surroundings of the places they used as
students.
They bid goodbye for the moment hoping that next year they will see each
other again.
Text: Carmen SAYO and África MARTíNEZ
Photos: África MARTÍNEZ
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