my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever. Luke 1:46-55
Dear Auntie Elizabeth,
We have finally arrived in Bethlehem. I don't know what I expected, but I did not expect the overwhelming stench of people and animals. Nor did I expect the crowds so dense and thick, everyone pushing and shoving, and no one her seems to be anything but rude. To top that off, despite the fact that Joseph had let his aunt know we were coming, she had an overflow of family returning for the same reason and could not fit us in. I broke down, Auntie, I couldn't help it. I am so big and awkward and everything hurts. I had nothing left and slipped down to the ground along a wall and wept. Poor Joseph, he was upset as well and tried to comfort me. I feel like I've given my all to the Lord, yet all these bad things and challenges keep happening. I do remember your words that "when we draw close to God, Satan tries so hard to undo our faith." I guess I couldn't be any closer to God since I am carrying this child, the offspring of the Most High.
The good news is that a kind man saw me weeping and stopped to find out if we were hurt. Joseph explained the situation and the man kindly offered us a private space in one of his stables. He owns an inn which he said was overflowing and people are fighting with him day and night. He went ahead of us and set us up with linens and blankets, along with sectioning off an area away from the animals. Most are out working and feeding in the fields or carrying burdens. There are quite a few chickens running around but they are mostly curious and huddling together away from the chill. The man who helped us, Aaron, has a wife is named Rachel, and she brought us the most delicious soup and bread! After we ate, she came back and told me to rest and that she would stay with me while Joseph went to register. I don't know what was in the soup, but I was out in about ten minutes.
When Joeph came back, he was very discouraged. The lines were long and after waiting for hours, he was only able to make an appointment for some time next week! People in line were telling him of their horrible experiences, so he told me we were doing better than most. Pray for us, so that this can go quickly and I can get home to Mama.
Much love,
Mary
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