Moon Over Bethlehem

Just returned from a visit with some of Aria's friends down the road (hill)...We sat on the back patio of their home while the sun set and the evening breeze came up...We drank that wonderful hot tea that I love so much and is such a tradition for everyone to serve someone who comes to visit; It's the first thing they offer, no matter how hot it is or the time of day...and you know, it's sooo good. I worry that I won't be able to make it the way they do once we're home. And they always, always serve things to drink in these tiny glasses...the glasses here make our glasses at home look like Hum-Vees compared to a tiny Vespa! (I'm bringing some of them home with me, as well as some of Najiya's famous coffee (She's the Aunt, remember?) They show me how to make all these things, and if I can remember I will make them for you all when I return!

I watched the moon rise over Bethlehem through the tall palm-trees and listened to the women talk, lyrical and energetic...you can't help but begin to pick up some of what they say when you watch them and their expressions, and then you begin to pick up repeated phrases and words. I met more friends, and Samira (Aria's friend from Jordan) gave a candle and handmade card to me from her shop where she helps adult special-needs people to have social interaction and work each day. She said that they made that candle especially for me today, and the pressed paper card has sand from the hills of Bethlehem on it; I think I will frame it when I get home, and I will put the story of how it was made and when it was given to me on the back of the frame.

We walked back in the dark, perfectly safe, arm-in-arm, talking about the conversation and the family. We're back here now, Mark snoozing on the couch (YES!), and the family relaxing. I will eat a bite and then read some. If Mark is still sleeping when it's time to go to bed, I will leave him where he is, for fear that he won't get back to sleep!

I hope I dream of you all and home tonight. Love you,

V : )