Mary Letter Day Twenty One

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; 

let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 

Let none who look to you 

be put to shame; 

let the treacherous be disappointed 

in their schemes. 

Show me your ways, O Lord, 

and teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, 

for you are the God of my salvation; 

in you have I trusted all the day long. 

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, 

for they are from everlasting. 

Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; 

remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. 

Gracious and upright is the Lord; 

therefore he teaches sinners in his way.

He guides the humble in doing right 

and teaches his way to the lowly. 

All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness 

to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:1-9

Dearest Elizabeth,

We have arrived in Bethlehem and are finally settled. Oh, dear cousin, none of this is like I had hoped and expected. The city is so crowded, it is if the whole world is gathered here. It is so loud and reeks of soiled bodies and rotting food. We made our way through the narrow streets, slowly for the crowds, and finally found Rueben, who had promised to help us find lodging. His little inn was overfilled with his own family and friends, although he had promised to house us. We walked the narrow streets, following him, here and there. Everyone refused us. Some were wide-eyed at my large belly and refused us because I was with child. Rueben finally took us to his friend, who is a gentile and an outcast, who has a small inn. He too, was overfilled but in his kindness, he offered their barn, free of charge. I was horrified but so exhausted, we begrudgingly accepted his offer. He sat us down and fed us tea and cakes while his children cleaned the barn, bringing sheets and blankets, making a nice bed for us in the straw.

I immediately fell down and slept!

Oh, Auntie, this has been such a challenging journey! I am sore and exhausted and near tears all the time. Joseph is out now, trying to find where he registers so we can get home soon. I miss Mama and Papa so much. I have been sobbing, missing them and feeling like an abandoned child. I know I am not, but this is too much for me. Joseph has been so patient and kind. When I get teary and afraid, he comforts me and stops on the road so I can rest. I am so fortunate and yet the tears pour out and my heart is afraid. Pray for me, cousin so I have hope and joy despite the circumstances. Please get word to my folks that we are safe in Bethlehem.

love,

Mary