Here in the Holy Land

  Hey there! Oh, boy. A lot has happened since my last newsletter! The biggest thing, of course, was the Christmas season and the start of a new year. As I’m sure you can imagine, Christmastime in Bethlehem is an especially rowdy time of year. People come from all over Palestine, and indeed from all over the world, to witness the tree lighting in Manger Square near the Church of Nativity, honored as the location of Jesus’ birth. The streets bustle with pop-up markets full of gifts, treats, and handicrafts. To be totally honest - I was overwhelmed! I chose a few activities to participate in, then took some time to get some much-needed rest. On Christmas Eve, I sang with the Olive Branches Choir at two services seven hours apart: 5pm at Christmas Lutheran and the midnight mass at Bethlehem University. Singing in church has always been an important aspect of worship for me, and it was soul-feeding to be able to sing songs both new and familiar as a means of participating in Christmas in t