The West Bank

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. (Mic 5:2)

I didn't take this, but I just love it. There are some amazing photos of the Holy Land that date back to the late 1800's, and early 1900's. One Armenian guy has a shop in Jerusalem that sells old photos. A few years ago he found hundreds of his grandfather's photos in the attic and started selling the reprints. Zach got one of a shepherd with his sheep looking over Jerusalem (an early Father's Day gift).

The Church of the Nativity. Notice how the entrance has been made smaller and smaller and smaller. There are many theories behind this. Our guide knew all of them.

The Church of the Nativity is built on a cave that is said to be where Jesus was born. Whether or not it was the actual cave, I don’t know but it was pretty cool just to see the environment He was born in. A Muslim (a friend of a friend) gave us the tour. One thing that I found so surprising and sad was that those who are now living in this “Holy Land” where Jesus walked and talked and healed and loved do not worship Him (Jews, Muslims, and Atheists).

The brothers of our guide have a gift shop that we visited. Ethan wanted to go home with them! We were so amazed that he was playing with them, because he wouldn't even let our friends hold him (back in June). He screamed when we met some really nice American women there. The Palestinians (the ones we met) were very warm and friendly.

This is Ramallah. Some friends who live in the area showed us around the West Bank. We wanted to see the people, the culture, and the work there. We loved it.

We ate great Middle Eastern food at this restaurant in Ramallah...

...and Ethan loved the red high chair and the red flowers.

I know you've been to Starbucks, but have you ever seen a Stars & Bucks? We're pretty sure this is the only one.

Here is the wall dividing the West Bank and Gaza from Israel that is still being finished. It is a heartbreaking situation for the Palestinians. If a Palestinian husband from an Israeli-controlled area has a wife is from a Palestinian-controlled area, they have now been split up with no permission to see one another...ever. If you are not currently praying for a people group, consider the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.