Mary Letters - Day 11

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." Matthew 23:1-12 

Dear Auntie Elizabeth,

The elderly couple we are staying with are much kinder than I expected. They are very prayerful and have accepted our story without question. Mistress Sarah has decided that I look too tired to travel for the next few days and is pampering me, much to Joseph's annoyance. He wants to get underway so that we can get back home. I completely understand but this little elderly woman is incredibly powerful and convincing. She had the men doing exactly what she said and agreeing with her. I was put in bed for a few days and will not be allowed up except to relieve myself.  She will have the wise women of her village stop by later today and she has sworn everyone to secrecy. I am being treated like royalty right now. I never expected this!

Mistress Sarah's husband, Daniel, is very kind and constantly praying. Such a holy man. He comes in to my doorway every hour or so and offers prayers for the child and for me, and for safety for everyone. Remarkable! Just when I was sinking into sadness our loving God provides living angels who know how to lift us from the mire. I have slept so much and been fed so well that I feel like a princess. My pain and discomfort have subsided and I really want to get up and enjoy the outside. Like the others, I fear the wrath of Mistress Sarah, much more than I do my need for movement.

Please kiss baby John for me. Tell him a cousin and playmate are coming soon!

love

Mary