Yesterday - the Norwegians and Chris and I went to Bethlehem for a brunch hosted by the Palestinian Bible Society for all the staff workers in their family. A couple weeks ago we attended a similar meeting, however, this festive lunch was to celebrate Christmas. It included people who work in Nablus, Birzeit, other regions of the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Gaza team - who have relocated to Bethlehem because of the dangerous situation.
After finishing lunch, we ventured to the Nativity Church which was only a couple of blocks away. We had planned to spend a period of time there praying and quiet reflection. Upon entering the church, we heard a liturgy taking place, and luckily, there were little to no tourists - almost a miracle, considering what time of year this is. This was clearly the highlight of the day.
Later, we called Samer, Hosam, and Tony - 3 students we have met at the Living Stones Center to hang out. Their identity as Christians in Bethlehem means the world to them. As they have witnessed two Intifadas and multiple Christians emigrating from Bethlehem, they have pledged themselves to remain and fight as they can for the good of their city (of course, that means peacefully). We went to Shepherd's Field (the supposed location where the shepherd's received the message of Christ's birth) and then to a restaurant called The Cave to smoke hergilah (hubbly-bubbly) and eat dinner - who can say they've smoked hergilah on Shepherd's Field??
Then we went to Manger Square (right by the Nativity Church) and walked through the old quarter of Bethlehem, lit by Christmas lights. As we drove to Manger Square, a Santa was stopping cars on the street handing out chocolate - Chris shouted out the window... "Ana betalam Arabi!" (which means, "I'm learning Arabic"). I'm still laughing at that....!
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