Beit Sahour

Hello from Beit Sahour! This town, of mainly Christian Arabs is Bethlehem's immediate neighbor to the east and home to the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd's Field. Its also where a family of five is hosting me for a little while.

So far I've left two countries on this trip. Both times I've left something important in the car that dropped me off :) In atlanta, I left my phone in the car - it was hooked into the charger. Fortunately I found another phone to use, and dad could turn around before I went through security. Thanks, dad.

Just a few minutes ago, in Jerusalem traffic, my friend Karym warned me not to forget my wallet. When I got out to cross into Bethlehem and felt my pockets, I realized I left my note pad in the back seat. And even though I'd realized within a few seconds, he was off already. And despite starting the book just a couple days ago, it held the names, numbers, and meeting place for my new host family. Oops.

So I cross into Bethlehem anyway, counting on Arab hospitality and Bethlehem/nearby being a small world. After a little (unsuccessful) haggle for taxi price, my driver ended up offering his home, and touring services, and the info I needed. One cup of coffee later and I meet my new family. So here we are. Pictured below is Fernando, the littlest in the family.