Doran walked us through the events that happened there, pointing to the places Jesus walked and the areas where things happened. As he talked I could picture in my minds eye the story unfolding. It was very emotional and I cried as I listened to him.
We walked the Palm Sunday walk, which is much steeper than you would imagine, and into the garden of gethsemane. The first sight to greet you is a 3000 year old olive tree. One that was there that night for sure. The garden is beautiful but not peaceful. It is super crowded and there are many people there who worship in a variety of different styles, some very expressively (read loudly). After our visit we crossed the street to a small garden where no one was. Our group sat and listened to a sermon (it was my favorite of our time here) and then had time to quietly walk around and think.
From the garden we got on the bus and went to Bethlehem. This was unexpected as it was not on our itinerary. We had to cross the border to the Palestinian controlled West Bank. There were ominous signs warning Jews not to enter and plenty of barbed wire and semi-automatic weapons about. Once in Bethlehem we all noticed how dirty it was. There was trash everywhere. We ate lunch at a place that was really delicious! The lamb was too die for and the baklava was heavenly. Most of the food we’ve had has been fine but not awesome. Last nights dinner, and today’s lunch though, were delish!
We did some shopping. I bought a nativity, Nana got some jewelry. And then went to the Shepard’s Field. This was really special. Doran talked about how the Shepards cared for the sheep. And how one night an angelic proclamation found them on a hillside tending them. And how it was they, the humble shepards who first heard the news of the holy birth. We climbed down to a cave, a grotto much like the one Christ must have been born in, and imagined what it was like that night. It felt like the real place to me and from now on I will remember that cave, how it was sheltered from the elements, and private and safe, how it smelled in there and how the smooth dirt floor looked, I’ll forever see the rough walls and hear the sheep bleating. I can picture Mary in her travail and Joseph by her side. I know what it’s like to bring forth a baby and wrap it up tight and to thank God for the privilege of doing so. I can imagine it well and now I have a setting that is real.
We left Bethlehem and went back to Jerusalem. This time to enter by the gates to the temple. We walked the streets and just after dusk reached the steps of the temple. The very place where Jesus would have walked in and out many times. We walked where he walked and listened to the recounting of his work there. It was again more special than words can adequately describe.
We went to the west wall and took time to pray. Then toured beneath the city. It was fascinating. So much history. So many layers. So many people praying and remembering. Some waiting for Him to come again, others waiting for Him to come at all.
It was a good, long, beautiful day.
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