On Friday, the group set out for a tour of parts of the West Bank that are related to Jesus' birth. We had a local professional Christian Palestinian guide and he taught me many new things. We first had to pass through the checkpoint leading into the West Bank and quickly passed the Separation Wall. We picked up our guide, Elias, and went to Beit Sahour - the traditional known place of the shepherds that the angels appeared to. There is a beautiful church built there with the most amazing acoustics. We sang Hark The Herald Angels Sing and I swear, my friend and I could hear an organ playing in the background! We walked further on and entered a traditional shepherds cave where we celebrated Mass that 4 of us organised (including me). Our hymns were Christmas Carols. Walking outside, we spotted a real shepherd in the fields but he was very far away that the picture was not clear. There were excavations of a 4th Century Monastery.Elias taught us about the life of the shepherds and put a spin on all our beliefs of the 'inn' and the manger where Jesus was born. I can't wait to share it with others (too long to put here now!)
We then went to Bethlehem. We stopped at the shop that sells hard carved wooden figurines where we went crazy spending CEO money for our schools. The local people were so happy as we helped their local economy that day.
We then went on to the Franciscan Family Center and met Sister Maria Grech. She had a personality that reminded me of Mother Teresa. Sister looks after the male orphans, counsels families and educates them about standards of living. She was amazing! All of us have proposed doing fundraising activities to support her work at the center.
We then walked in the direction of Manger Square where we had lunch. Before that, we entered a Church known as the Milk Grotto where it is believed Mary stopped on her flight to Egypt and breastfed Jesus. It is said that drops of her milk fell on the stones and that they changed colour to white. Many people drink milk with sand from the stones of this Church in the hope of being healed, conceiving and being fertile. Many miracles have occurred according to the Church janitor.
Lunch was beautiful. We were served by a young man who could have passed for a model if he was in our Western world. He showed me photos of him in the Dead Sea and spoke about his life among the Israelis. His story is sad and unfortunately, only one in a long line of sad ones that we have heard.
After lunch, we went to the Church of the nativity that was built in the 4th Century by Constantine's mother, St Helena. The Church was magnificent. We went down to the tombs of early saints such as St Jerome. We were not able to enter the actual place of the nativity as the queue was so long.
We then went to Bethlehem University where we had a tour, watched a DVD about it (the Vice Chancellor is from New Zealand!) and had an opportunity to ask questions of 3 young women from Muslim and Christian backgrounds about their life at the university and in their communities. Their stories are incredible.
After this we went to the Separation Wall where we sang, "Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace". The place is so depressing. The Palestinian side of the wall is full of grafiti that expresses exactly what the people are feeling. I could have wept. There were many goose-bump moments. I have many photos to share.
On our way back to Jerusalem, we had to pass through the checkpoint and have our Passports ready. 2 Israeli soldiers boarded with their guns (1 female, 1 male) and just walked through quietly. The act of intimidation was felt by all as we felt it was totally unnecessary.
All in all, the day was amazing. I will write about the Jewish festival of Sukkot next.
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