2-2-2012 Laugh, Lord

Archeological dig near site of Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

Dome of Church of the Shepherd's Fields

Shepherd's Fields in Bethlehem

Cave Worship in Bethlehem

Nativity Monument at Shepherd's Field

Oil Lamp at Church of the Nativity

Olivewood Nativity Carvings

Clay Water Jar at Shepherd's Field

Olivewood carving of the Last Supper

Bethlehem and Shepherd's Fields

Candelabra in Church of the Nativity

Mark at the Shepherd's Field gardens

Doorway inside chambers below Church of St. Jerome

Stained Glass inside chambers below Church of St. Jerome

Falafel and soup

Archeological dig beside The Herodian

Oldest domed roof remains in Israel, found at The Herodian

Typical Orange Garden in Bethlehem

It didn't seem to be much of a start for our trip, Lord. Delayed plane flights in the air, chaos on the ground trying to keep the schedule from falling apart, and then there was the rain. OK not just the rain (pouring down in Bethlehem - who'd have thought!), but a 45 degree temperature and a 30 mile an hour wind. I was not amused.

Gifts for Hope School Children

Still, our gang of pilgrims were determined to carry on and You were present the whole way. In the morning, we visited and delivered supplies for the kids at the Hope School and got to meet, not only the students, but also the amazing people who run that organization.

Patti and Mark at the Hope School

Master, you taught me a lesson as well - I was talking to the Director of the school and he explained that he volunteers for the position which involves at least 30 hours a week of his time besides his full time job. He explained it simply, "What we do here is not a work of the person, but a work of the heart." I will carry those words of inspiration for a lifetime - You know how to humble me by examples such as this.

Church of The Shepherd's Field

Then the day got frustrating, Adonai. We visited an example of a cave such as the one You were born in, and the Shepherd's Field Church area and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem - awesome when considering the restrictions of Bethlehem - but I was disappointed. I came here for a different reason than to see things mankind had built to try to 'explain' You. Sure, there were beautiful moments in these places, but I was more interested in other marvels. Strangely, I wanted to make sure I would see The Herodian, the fortress palace of King Herod the Great. Because of the weather it looked doubtful.

Nativity Shrine at Church of the Nativity

But again, You would teach! Here I was eager for some historical perspective and You revealed the Spiritual. After lunch, we did finally get to the Herodian. The rain had not let up and I was sure no one else would want to make the trek with me to the top of the mountain (a half mile trip up a dirt path to an elevation of 2000 plus feet). Incredibly, not only did a group of 10 others show interest, but among them was Patti and also a 77 year old great grandmother named Wanda.

Wanda and Patti conquer The Herodian

We began our walk and the rain whipped, 30 miles an hour and sideways on our faces. It was evident that Wanda was going to need some help - and You tugged at mine and Patti's hearts and we stuck with her as we trudged up the mountainside. What we didn't realize was that Wanda was more determined than either of us to make the trek to the top. Her attitude and shear spunk were amazing - clinging on to both of us even when the rain turned to a driving sleet. None of us had dressed in preparation for this and yet, we persisted and finally we made the summit.

Herodian Ruins

The engineering marvel that was The Herodian, paled in comparison to what Wanda taught us, for not only did we take in the sights from above, then she and I climbed down the hidden tunnels within the structure. We followed the rest of the crew, descending carefully while taking in the amazing construction. We finally made it to the outside and again endured the rain/sleet on a mud path, arriving at our bus, soaked to the bone.

King Mark and Queen Patti with the Queen Mother Wanda

At dinner we laughed and celebrated Wanda's accomplishment, and she crowned us king and queen for the day (she being the queen mother). But it's what You did in Patti's and my heart that was the miracle. We were inspired by You and Your people - in particular a 77 year old great grandmother who took on Herod the Great and did it in Your name. Proclaiming her thanks and appreciation for You the whole way.

Silent Night, Holy Night...

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I've only skimmed the surface of the story today Lord -You revealed so much more - but for now, I wanted to get this part documented. Not that I could ever forget these incredible events and images. If the rest of the trip is anything close to this... what will become of us?!

Mark C