Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock;
shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh,
stir up your strength and come to help us.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angered
despite the prayers of your people?
You have fed them with the bread of tears;
you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
You have made us the derision of our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand,
the son of man you have made so strong for yourself.
And so will we never turn away from you;
give us life, that we may call upon your Name.
Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
show the light of your countenance,
and we shall be saved. Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
Dear Auntie Elizabeth,
Our progress is slow and more complicated than we thought. We left Daniel and Esther with great hope and expectations to cover some distance. Unfortunately, I walk quite slow and the road is crowded, even in the evenings. I have to stop often to relieve myself and rest. I have ridden on the donkey some of the time, with less discomfort, but it is still very awkward. We have encountered so many people on the road! At one resting stop, we had moved off the road quite a way, just to enjoy some quiet and privacy. We came upon a beautiful little shepherdess, watching a large flock of sheep. She told us she and her mother often care for the sheep during part of the day, while her brothers and fathers are out with the flock at night. She invited us to sit with her and tell her about ourselves. Her name was Elizabeth, and she was a lovely hostess. She told us funny stories about her brothers and the tricks they play on their parents! It was the best encounter we have had.
We were supposed to stay with another cousin, but they were overcrowded with similar travelers. Well, none of them was with child, but there was just no room. We traveled on to a small, quiet spot and set up for the night. Joseph built us a fire so we could stay warm and held me close until I fell asleep. I dreamed of my baby, dancing and singing, out in the fields with a flock of sheep! I have had some pains, of late, and am worried that the child is ready to be born. I wish you and Mama were nearby! Sometimes, I can't help the tears, Auntie. This is so overwhelming and nothing, absolutely nothing is going as planned! Pray that I can remain calm, and we can make it to Bethlehem and back. Please, please don't tell Mama and Papa about all the challenges we have had. I do not want to worry and upset them.
love,
Mary
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