” At home in Philadelphia, I am a professional freelance musician. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in religion from a Christian Seminary. I am 43 years old, I have four teenagers who are at home with their grandparents and dad while I visit Hebron to study Arabic and volunteer. I came to Hebron to experience immersion in an Arabic speaking culture to improve my Arabic language skills. I am a Music and Arts intern for 2 weeks at the Excellence Center. I want to share music as a way of connecting with people. I hope to learn some of the popular songs from this region and to use music as a way of teaching English.
As a woman traveling alone to Hebron with beginner level Arabic speaking skills, I was a little nervous about getting lost or having someone take advantage of me. I just arrived yesterday so I don’t know my way around yet, but I have found everyone is very friendly and helpful to me and welcomes me to their city. I don’t find it dangerous here.
I am staying with a host family that speaks Russian at home but they also speak Arabic and English with me. One young son in the family and I read together in the evening because we are both learning to read Arabic. The family has four children just like I do, so I feel at home and they are very kind and welcoming to me.
During my stay in Palestine, I hope to speak Arabic every day. Somedays maybe I will go into some shops and practice Arabic with someone who will speak with me. Two days a week I will have a lesson with an Arabic teacher from the Center. In the evenings I hope to practice Arabic with my family. I am remaining flexible and open-minded because my schedule is not yet set, but I am hopeful that I will contribute to the community here through music and that I will have many opportunities to speak Arabic”
