Mary Letter Day Fourteen

Happy are they who consider

 the poor and needy!  

the Lord will deliver them in the time of trouble. 

The Lord preserves them and keeps them alive, 

so that they may be happy in the land; 

he does not hand them over 

to the will of their enemies. 

The Lord sustains them on their sickbed 

and ministers to them in their illness. 

I said, "Lord, be merciful to me; 

heal me, for I have sinned against you." 

My enemies are saying wicked things about me: 

"When will he die, and his name perish?" 

Even if they come to see me,

they speak empty words; 

their heart collects false rumors; 

they go outside and spread them. 

All my enemies whisper together about me 

and devise evil against me. 

"A deadly thing," they say, "has fastened on him; 

he has taken to his bed and will never get up again." 

Even my best friend, whom I trusted, who broke bread with me ,

has lifted up his heel and turned against me. 

But you, O Lord, be merciful to me and raise me up, 

and I shall repay them. 

By this I know you are pleased with me, 

that my enemy does not triumph over me. 

In my integrity you hold me fast,

and shall set me before your face forever. 

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, 

from age to age. Amen. Amen. Psalm 41

Dear Auntie,

I had a surprise visit from a girl I have known all my life. Her name is Sarah, and I have known her forever. She found me out in the garden, picking some vegetables and feeding the animals. It gives me great pleasure to be outside, doing chores, and enjoying the breeze on my face. Sarah showed up and was very sweet at first. She came in and Mama gave her tea and a snack. As time went on, though, we realized she was pumping me for information. Somehow, she knew we were going to Bethlehem! I guess lots of people are on the move with this ridiculous taxation. Mama and I looked at each other and knew she was spying for her brothers and father. We told her Joseph was going by himself and I would wait here for his return. Then she asked about whether I was getting married and if the child was Joseph's. I wasn't sure whether I was going to cry or scream at that moment. Fortunately, Mama wrapped up a nice fresh loaf of bread and handed it to Sarah, telling her the men would be home soon and we had to get busy preparing food. She grabbed the bread from Mama and stormed out the door. A friend has now become an enemy!

We are now making arrangement for the donkey to be picked up in another village. We will walk, late at night, to the village where the donkey will be stabled with Joseph's cousin. Fortunately, Joseph has quite a few family members spread out along our way. He has been very thoughtful and is always assuring me that we will be safe and secure. He has promised to bring me back safely so the baby can be born here, with Mama nearby. She has been such a rock, despite all of the backlash and criticism. Pray for us as the time to travel draws near.

love,

Mary