By Samantha Heim, 5.19.2017

Today was my birthday and it was the most amazing and unforgettable one I’ve had yet.

Herodium

We began the day by touring the ruins of Herodium, Herod’s palace and burial place.

Inside Herod’s mountain — built to hold his tomb

We proceeded to visit the Shepherds’ Field, which, believe it or not, is not an actual field. Instead there was a church overlooking what must have been the Shepherds’ Field once upon a time. In that church, a magical moment happened, with another group from Germany, we sang Angels We Have Heard On High with both languages mixing in perfect harmony.

Quest students and Bonnie with Mitri Raheb

The day continued with a meeting with Reverend Mitri Raheb who spoke about his work for returning Palestinian culture and helping his people to “not only survive but thrive.”

Of course that’s not all, next up was Church of the Nativity and Manger Square.

Family members of prisoners on 33rd day of hunger strike

While in the Square, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. We were able to sit and listen as Palestinian women spoke about the current prison hunger strike (affecting their sons, husbands, and brothers), and their hopes for a peaceful and beneficial resolution.

Just when I thought this day could not get any better, after dinner I was surprised with a birthday cake and impromptu dance party! Everybody in the group joined in as well as the workers and owners of the hotel. I was intensely struck by the generosity and kindness of all the people on this pilgrimage and all the people we have encountered along the way

Excited to meet more of these amazing people and make more incredible memories.

Samantha

For lots more photos, see Pilgrims of Ibillin’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pilgrimsofibillin/.