Tuesday morning we traveled the road to
Bethlehem with our first stop being The Herodion – one of Herod’s many
homes. The climb to the top was a quick test for what was to come on
Wednesday. After exploring the ruins we descended this man made “hill”
and departed for Shepherds’ Field.
At Shepherds’ Field we shared bread and wine
with Bishop Michael presiding. Imagine moving to receive the cup of
wine and realizing that over the Eucharistic Minister’s shoulder through
an arch is a picturesque view of Shepherds’ Field. At that moment you
were simply speechless.
It was quickly off to visit the Church of the
Nativity and Jesus’ birthplace. As our British guide would say – “the
que is quite long”. After an hour wait we were able to touch the spot
of our savior’s birth.
It was then on to Deheisheh Refuge Camp for
lunch, a presentation and a quick tour. It truly is eye opening to see
our fellow neighbors treated in such a way. Little did we know that our
eyes would be opened many more times on this trip.
