Mary Writes About Her Trip to Bethlehem

20th Chisleu

December 4th

Dear Diary,

Traveling has not been so bad after all. I didn’t realize how beautiful much of this country is. The olive gardens and fields are such a bright green

at this time of year. I can always anticipate a splendid view over the next hill, which makes all the climbing worth it. We have traveled one day’s journey, we stopped a little while ago. I think the monotonous plodding of the donkey relaxes me. I suppose if I was not used to riding donkey, I would be more stiff and sore, but that is our main means of travel..

All around us little campfires are brightening up the evening scene. Yosef also has a cheery fire going. He is so caring. He will hardly let me do anything, which is why I am writing in my journal while he bustles around, much to the hilarity of fellow travelers. He seems to think he needs to protect me as though I am a delicate flower.

He has the wonderful potage that Imma sent along, it’s simmering over the fire; soon I will be munching on some of her good homemade bread. For special times, she makes it the way that Ezekiel recommended and I love it so much. It has millet and lentils and spelt in it, besides barley and wheat. It makes me homesick for her and our memories of forming loaves together.

Abba was sadly unapproachable, he turned stiffly away when I wanted to give him a goodbye hug. Oh, if only he would believe that something so pure and holy has actually happened to his little tinoki. The angels visit so long ago was wonderful. I wish I could renew that feeling of

blessedness more often. It would give me more courage.

P.S. The potage was warm and nourishing; it will be our last hot meal on this trip. From now on, we will be dipping into our leather bags of cheese curds, dehydrated fruits and so on. Our goat skin water will have to be sipped sparingly because of the route we are travelling.

I am exhausted so I must quit. I feel like I could sleep well anywhere tonight, even on a folded blanket under the stars.

21^st Chisleu

December 5^th

Dear Diary,

Abigail edged over to me this evening while her husband was involved in a heated discussion about politics with some of the other men. She clasped my hand and confided that she was certain I was carrying the Christ Child and had been afraid to tell me earlier. I was consoled, but I still had to fight the temptation not to be hurt since she had not stood by me earlier, if she truly believed. I hope she will be my dear friend once again when we return to Navara.

As she turned to walk away, I saw that her thickly fringed eyes were sad in her small, pale, face and I couldn’t hold it against her for shunning me. Would I have done any better if rumors had been spread about her while she was betrothed?

Yosef is heading my way now. I am sure my peace-loving husband wearies of all the angry critics of the Romans.

While the sun was setting, Yosef and I had an inspiring conversation about the coming of the Mashiach, and our great El’ Shaddai, hallowed be His Name.

Yosef is such a deep thinker, he studies the Torah, and the prophets so diligently. I am able to ask him many questions. His answers are so beneficial to me.

After  a while, we started singing a Psalm. It starts like this: Oh El’ Elohim how excellent is your name in all the earth! Who has set your glory above the heavens? A little later it mentions considering the heavens, the work of His fingers, and the moon, and the stars which He has made. Yosef told me that the stars are foretelling the Christ Child’s birth, but that is too much for me to comprehend.

It is a beautiful starry night, and our hearts are lifted up in praise to the great El’ Shaddai, hallowed be His Name! Some of the other pilgrims joined us in singing. It was Banoah,( blessed) indeed.

People are friendlier now that we are on the road. Alleluia El ohim Yisrael!

I had better roll up my little scroll and carefully tuck it back into its leather case for it is time to sleep.

Good night, my dear readers. (As if there will ever be any except you Imma, dear.))

22^nd Chisleu

December 6th

Dear Diary,

First light, if you can call it that, I heard a wind come up during the night and by morning the clouds had blotted out the sun.

 The Geshem, (latter rains) descended upon us with a vengeance, we were miserable even before Balaam’s saddlebags were properly repacked. Yosef and I donned our thick woolen cloaks,

but it was impossible for me to hang on to the donkey’s reins without rain trickling up my sleeves. That was so uncomfortable.

We slogged along silently, going uphill most of the way, or so it seemed. I noticed that our fellow travelers were not calling out to each other so exuberantly anymore. The clouds still look thick and dark the closer we get to our destination.

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