Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion;
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
He has established peace on your borders;
he satisfies you with the finest wheat.
He sends out his command to the earth,
and his word runs very swiftly.
He gives snow like wool;
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
He scatters his hail like bread crumbs;
who can stand against his cold?
He sends forth his word and melts them;
he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.
He declares his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his judgments to Israel.
He has not done so to any other nation;
to them he has not revealed his judgments.
Hallelujah! Psalm 147:13-21
Dear Elizabeth,
I am recovering pretty well and finally got to walk around the city. We didn't go very far, and since it was close to sunset, we didn't want to break the laws of the Sabbath. Oh, but it felt so good to be in the fresh air (or however fresh the air can be here), walking with my husband and baby. People smiled at us and asked to see the baby. We weren't walking fast as we had nowhere to go, so we enjoyed the attention and showing off the little one. He was strapped to me with his face out and he kicked and smiled when people came near. Despite the noise and nasty smells, he made it a wonderful walk and a nice city. I did notice the soldiers everywhere. A few smiled at us, and it must be hard for those soldiers who are fathers far from home. Fortunately, we were not harassed, and we were left alone.
Our hosts have been very kind to us, keeping us in clean diapers, sheets and with plenty of food. Because the city is so crowded with travelers, the food stalls sell out quite quickly and Joseph has had a hard time buying us the provisions we need. Isaac and Rebecca have repeatedly told us not to worry about it and to let them help us. They say they really want to and that we have become family! So incredibly sweet and generous. I wish more of our own people were so kind. They even brought us candles and wine for our Sabbath prayers! Despite the fact we are being housed in a stable, we feel like royalty the way they treat us! Isaac came running to tell us that the occupying government is rounding up young baby boys, so we are to shelter in place for the time being. Thankfully, for now, we are well-fed, safe and warm.
Much love,
Mary
No comments:
Post a Comment