MARCH 24 (2)
Adam called me earlier in the evening with very sad news. The mother of one of my students, Bashar, was killed in an automobile accident this afternoon. It was a very bad wreck—nine people were injured. Her car was broadsided and flipped and she died at the scene—is what I understand.

I went with Adam to the family’s home—Bashar had gone to his cousin’s house, so we went there. He is just a wonderful young man. He is one of my junior students that I talk about all the time—just an incredible group of young people. They were every one there—along with several of the senior girls. They all love each other and are so kind to one another. Two of the boys were planning to stay the night with Bashar…and two more were coming early in the morning. Shane was there and told them not to worry about school tomorrow —any of them. So I doubt they will be there. Several of the girls’ moms were friends with this lady also.

His mom was a Christian and his dad is Muslim. While we were with them, Bashar got a call that he could make the decision whether to bury her Christian or Muslim. Either way, the funeral most likely will be tomorrow. Their custom is to bury the next day—the Muslim funeral would be the next morning and then the home is open to visitors for three days.

Bashar has one little brother who is 9 years old. He was with Bashar, but he wanted to go home, so someone took him. His name is Fadi, and he looked so completely lost and alone. My heart hurts for them so much.

The girls were telling me about this woman—she must have been quite extraordinary. She had two PhD’s—and traveled extensively. She was currently working on some big project in Saudi Arabia. Several of the girls talked about what a lovely woman she was.

The girls in the class, Zeina, Misoon, Manar, Ginan and Cathren, and I had made plans to go to the coffee shop Aroma’s Saturday after school…Amir and Khalid were making plans to crash the “party.” I don’t know whether that will work out or not, but I enjoy them so much and hope to be able to spend time with them. You know, the Bible says God is love…and His love fills us and I have seen His love just fill me up for these kids. He is blessing me in allowing me to know them and enjoy them in class.

Please pray for this family—so devastating and such a shock. Death has a way of jerking our perspectives back in place—things that seemed important aren’t so important in the big scheme of life. Please pray that we at Jerusalem School may minister God’s love to them and to the other students as well.
Love
Beth