The two photos above are at opposite ends of the day. The children were from the orphanage we visited in Bethany and the picture of the 'celestial body' is the SUN! Seen through the sand storm.
So, some random thoughts from today. I just love the bread sellers! They are there as we start our day with barrows loaded with delicious soft elliptical breads... I could live on them - well for now anyway.
Last night we had Margaret's friend Rebecca visit us and tonight Alice joined us. Both work for the UN here in the Holy Land and both are impressive young women. They have told us all sorts, mostly how much they love this place and the people but the one thing that has stuck in my mind is that only 5% of the water supply in Gaza meets the WHO standard. I find it challenging that in our 'modern' world we are still confronted by such a statistic - AND that is replicated throughout the world, to our disgrace...
But how about a few random recollections from today! We went to Bethany first of all, the most unexpected thing I saw was chickens in plastic boxes, piled up outside shop - alive, but I assume not for long! (I have a photo that will show that but it'll have to wait!)
We got our first glimpse of the wall that separates and divides... I think for Europeans the echoes to the Berlin Wall are too poignant. We took a while to drive to Bethany, when is was a walkable distance.
We went to the orphanage that is supported by the McCabe Educational Trust. To say that I felt we were visiting a shrine is not too far from the truth. The work that happens there is incredible - approx 90 young boys between the ages of 3 and 15 live there, it is their home. They are educated, clothed, fed and there is a good feel about the place. I think they are loved, I am sure they are loved. They looked happy and well adjusted as they sang to us - and we to them (The wheels on the bus!!) But we sneaked a peek in a 'dormitory' and there were no personal effects. I have no doubt those kids were cared for but they need the warmth of relationship. The stats suggest that many find it there and their lives are transformed. I am not ashamed to say I cried!
And then we visited the house of Lazarus (and his sisters Mary and Martha) Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus - and before he did that Jesus wept.... I'll say no more... except that there was a sticker above most of the doors in the orphanage that said ' Life is worth living'
On a lighter note, where the bus had parked a camel was also 'sitting'. Two of the group were tempted to ride it! I mention this because the young boy who sold me some water (chilled and necessary!) told me a joke.. The camel had a poo and it was handled speedily - but before they were cleared the boy came up to me giggling, pointed to the droppings and said "falafel"! Child humour is universal - as is adult!
We then travelled down to Jericho. Literally down! The desert was spectacular and I loved the goat/sheep paths over the hillsides (again photo evidence can be provided!)
Jericho came with a cable car ride up the Mount of Temptation. Stunning views - to begin with - and a fabulous monastery to visit, perched on the side of the mountain. Icons to die for! Views weren't bad either! But the visibility decreased and sand storm blew in!
We saw a flock of camels wandering around the suburbs of Jericho, not something that you see often in the UK! We had glimpses of the Bedouin who live in the Judean desert hills and tend flocks of sheep and goats... We drank in experiences that few of us realised still existed!
Goodness knows what tomorrow will bring... We are off to Bethlehem. One last thought as I log off... What did I learn about my faith today... well I learnt that its not just ideological - its real and has to be lived!
Last night we had Margaret's friend Rebecca visit us and tonight Alice joined us. Both work for the UN here in the Holy Land and both are impressive young women. They have told us all sorts, mostly how much they love this place and the people but the one thing that has stuck in my mind is that only 5% of the water supply in Gaza meets the WHO standard. I find it challenging that in our 'modern' world we are still confronted by such a statistic - AND that is replicated throughout the world, to our disgrace...
But how about a few random recollections from today! We went to Bethany first of all, the most unexpected thing I saw was chickens in plastic boxes, piled up outside shop - alive, but I assume not for long! (I have a photo that will show that but it'll have to wait!)
We got our first glimpse of the wall that separates and divides... I think for Europeans the echoes to the Berlin Wall are too poignant. We took a while to drive to Bethany, when is was a walkable distance.
We went to the orphanage that is supported by the McCabe Educational Trust. To say that I felt we were visiting a shrine is not too far from the truth. The work that happens there is incredible - approx 90 young boys between the ages of 3 and 15 live there, it is their home. They are educated, clothed, fed and there is a good feel about the place. I think they are loved, I am sure they are loved. They looked happy and well adjusted as they sang to us - and we to them (The wheels on the bus!!) But we sneaked a peek in a 'dormitory' and there were no personal effects. I have no doubt those kids were cared for but they need the warmth of relationship. The stats suggest that many find it there and their lives are transformed. I am not ashamed to say I cried!
And then we visited the house of Lazarus (and his sisters Mary and Martha) Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus - and before he did that Jesus wept.... I'll say no more... except that there was a sticker above most of the doors in the orphanage that said ' Life is worth living'
On a lighter note, where the bus had parked a camel was also 'sitting'. Two of the group were tempted to ride it! I mention this because the young boy who sold me some water (chilled and necessary!) told me a joke.. The camel had a poo and it was handled speedily - but before they were cleared the boy came up to me giggling, pointed to the droppings and said "falafel"! Child humour is universal - as is adult!
We then travelled down to Jericho. Literally down! The desert was spectacular and I loved the goat/sheep paths over the hillsides (again photo evidence can be provided!)
Jericho came with a cable car ride up the Mount of Temptation. Stunning views - to begin with - and a fabulous monastery to visit, perched on the side of the mountain. Icons to die for! Views weren't bad either! But the visibility decreased and sand storm blew in!
We saw a flock of camels wandering around the suburbs of Jericho, not something that you see often in the UK! We had glimpses of the Bedouin who live in the Judean desert hills and tend flocks of sheep and goats... We drank in experiences that few of us realised still existed!
Goodness knows what tomorrow will bring... We are off to Bethlehem. One last thought as I log off... What did I learn about my faith today... well I learnt that its not just ideological - its real and has to be lived!
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