Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem!

This is on the Bethlehem side of the separation wall
Kristen, Me and James on the streets of Bethlehem
Marie and me on the rooftop of an olive wood store looking over the Church of the Nativity

Licking the chalky wall to help someday with my fertilityIt worked FAST!!
Me, Jessica and Daniel in front of Milk Grotto
Me in the Church of the Nativity

Where Christ was born. Erin, Me and James.
Making a Wish!
Me and Rachelle in the Church of the Nativity


the assortment of things we could put in our pita bread
Andy and Annie with flowers in our hair
Katie, Erin, Rachelle and Me. Half of our table at lunch.
The chapel at Bethlehem University

Today we went on the most incredible field trip to Bethlehem - The birth place of Jesus Christ, David, and Benjamin. We met up with our Modern Near Eastern Studies teacher, Adnan Musallam, and he first brought us to a place to have a lecture on the West Bank. They put 90 of us into a very small hot room with comfy chairs, so of course by the end most of us were asleep. I felt bad because it was very interesting, I just couldn't stay awake! Then we headed to Bethlehem University. First we had a tour around the school and went chapel they have there and learned about the history of the school and the beautiful chapel. Then we had a question and answer session with three students that attend Bethlehem University. After listening to them speak, I realize more than ever how blessed we are in the United States to be so free. Some of the students that go to BU have to commute for hours because they are on the Israeli side of the checkpoint, and it takes forever to get through every day. That sounds so hard! They are so amazing to come to school despite all the hardships.

After our tour we went to lunch at a very fun place. We had pitas with lots of different kinds of sauces and hummus and more to put in them. Then they brought out the meat, but the pita and hummus remains my favorite there. It was a very fun environment in the resturaunt which was much like a huge tent.

After lunch we went to the Church of the Nativity. That building is so beautiful! We went through the building and got to see so many amazing things! We saw where christ was born and where the Kings were. And we saw where St. Jarome spent many long hard hours translating the bible into Latin. What an inspiring man! We sang many Christmas hymns and the spirit was so strong in that Church. I love how music invites the spirit so strongly! After the beautiful Church of the Nativity, we walked to the Milk Grotto church. It is a myth that Mary spilt a drip of her breast milk and it carved out a chalky cavern that if licked would increase firtility. So of course I couldn't live having been there and not licked the wall...so I did. I am sure it will help down the road! haha.

Bethelehem is such a beautiful and holy place! I feel so blessed to have been able to experience going there! I am so fortunate to have the opportunities that I have! Thanks to my wonderful parents!!! Thank you mom and papa!!!