I've been living in Aida refugee camp for almost two weeks now, and am finally becoming familiar with the smells and sounds. There is no real system of garbage collection in the camp, and most of the waste is thrown into empty gardens or on the streets. The smell of garbage is mixed with smells of spices and cooking. The sounds were the hardest to get adjusted to. Often in the middle of the night I hear gunfire or perhaps fireworks. Last night there were celebratory gunshots for those who were recently released from Israeli jails. I don't think I will ever fully become accostumed to the sound of gunfire.

Walking through the camp is hard to navigate sometimes, with its alleyways and unmarked roads one can get lost easily. You are greeted by children saying "hello" and "what's your name?" the few words of English they know. Most of the times they do not say these words in a welcoming way, it's almost like they are pointing out the fact they know you aren't part of their community- a foreigner who will come for a while and eventually go back to where they came from. It will take some time to build a level of trust with them. For the children I have already met, they remember my name and when I walk into the center they all greet me warmly.

Yesterday I gave my first English lesson to a woman who was born inside Aida camp but now lives just outside. She is 27, has been married for 11 years and has 5 children. Since she left school at the age of 16, she'd like to learn again, but has 5 young children and a husband who just started taking classes at the local university. It's hard for her to leave the house, let alone follow her own educational aspirations. I'll be going to her house twice a week to give basic lessons in English, being able to speak English will be a small step toward empowerment for her. Although women's equality has made major steps in Palestine in the past few years, life for a refugee woman is still a hardship. Over 70% of men are unemployed in Aida camp; this does not include the women which has to be over 80% (at least). Women are still mainly responsible for the home and raising children. What is inspiring is that many women chose to go back to school and attend university after their children get older. It may take a long time, but they are determined to obtain a degree and rise above their situation.