Bethlehem Day 2 of Holy Land Trip 2014

I woke up early this morning.....wasn't able to sleep much. I decided to make some tea, finish packing my bag for Jordan, and then watch some television. The rooster, which I noticed woke me up yesterday morning, decided to wake me up again this morning at about 3:30 a.m.

At approximately 4 a.m., the muslim call to worship could be heard wafting through the hills. It's such a surreal and different sounding thing, and like nothing else in the western world. Having traveled to Morocco several years ago, it was the first time I was able to experience its mystical sound. This morning again, didn't disappoint.

I find myself in the last couple of days turning off the television news program (and CNN and BBC are about the only channels here that are of any interest to me) and just opening the window a crack to hear the call to worship. I have been able to appreciate it now the last two evenings, and now again this morning with my tea and my knitting.

I don't know, but it was nice to open up the window this morning, smell the fresh air, and remark on how truly clean and beautiful our stay has been thus far. I'm praying for a safe journey again today, and praying for things to work smoothly while traveling over the border today.

As mentioned yesterday, there were a few people truly bent out of shape about having to pare down their luggage to travel the two nights in Jordan. It was also interesting to hear people get a bee in their bonnets when the travel itinerary is deviated from just a bit. Apparently we were supposed to see a bell tower and a small Lutheran church yesterday. But after seeing about 5-6 churches already yesterday, as well as 4-5 separate chapels within those churches, I mean really....must we see yet ANOTHER church? I don't know.....

I guess it comes down to being able to go with the flow, not get bent out of shape when the food isn't exactly what to expect, or that the coffee packet wasn't replaced in the room, or that the bottle of water wasn't replaced from the day before even though you were desperately thirsty. No, some people no matter what, will not be very happy unless they get things the way they want or expect them to be.

I'm just thankful that I am (hopefully people perceive that I am) a pretty easy travel companion. It doesn't pay to get riled or anxious. Much too much energy is spent on that, and really, I'd rather be spending the energy on more productive things like observing and taking in the sensory and spiritual aspects of this trip.

As I was coming down the hill yesterday from the Church of the Visitation, I couldn't help but be a bit emotional. It was a day I thought about my parents, about how important it was for Mary to visit her sister Elizabeth, and to reflect with a few tears, my mom whom I wish was joining me on this experience. I envy a couple of people for being able to share their travel with their moms, I just wish I was here with mine. Then again, she is with me.