DAY 4 - HOLY LAND

STILL ON CATCH UP THIS TRIP WAS SO OVER POWERING .
Another early start.
On the coach to PALESTINE…driving by the WEST BANK. I was genuinely quite nervous and shocked to see
#the barriers and checkpoints.
#We walked through the town looking across to Israel and the illegal settlements on the hill.
The 2 coaches went to 2 different charities. The other coach went to St Martha’s…for elderly women who have no one to support them. We went to a centre for young adults with learning disabilities. Most are alone as families have left the troubled state. There is no welfare and medical and education care is minimal. Basically it is like a prison the size of the Isle of Wight.
# the young adults are learning basic hospitality skills and to work with materials to produce beautiful craft items. The stories both charities told were…their stories…no media, no politics. We were extremely disturbed by what we heard. At one point the talks had to stop as several people including a bishop were too distressed. So so sad.
#Then the mood changed as we travelled to the Shepherds Fields….where we had an amazing service on the fields where the Angels visited the shepherds. We sang Christmas carols. So powerful.
#the bishop with a lost sheep.
#then another very moving experience. We went to BETHLEHEM and the church of the nativity. After a panic push to get us in before it closed we visited the place of Jesus’ birth. Marked by a star on the floor.
We returned back to our hotel confused, inspired, distressed and uplifted…rollercoaster emotions. Lots of thoughts shared over another very generous dinner.
#then the big big secret. (Now on BBC news reel) we were present in Israel when the oil for the Kings Coronation was blessed and received.
#Love this of the 2 bishops in a fit of giggles.