November 14, 2007

Jocelyn Schmidt

Journal for Nov. 14


Today was the Bethlehem Field Trip. We took the buses through the separation wall into Bethlehem. Before we could pass through, soldiers with machine guns had to come onto our bus and check our passports. Once we were in the city we had a quick tour and then had an hour or two to wander around the shops. Most of the students were looking for sentimental things like Bethlehem blankets and ornaments, because items were more expensive there than they are in the Old City. It was sad to see the effect that the separation wall has had on the merchants and condition of the city. The hassle created by the separation wall has significantly lowered the number of tourists that visit and consequently the merchants don’t sell as much as they used to. After shopping, we went into the Church of the Nativity. As we were waiting to go inside, we were able to see a funeral procession go in before us. It was interesting to see the way that they commemorate their dead. The church was magnificent and beautiful. We were able to go down through the grotto where they believe that Christ was born. It was really cool to realize that we were standing in the actual location that Christ may have been born and to appreciate that the manger may not have been what we have always imagined it looking like. From the city, we drove to Shepherd’s field. This was my favorite part of the trip. We ate our sack dinners as we watched the sun set from the top of the hill and then began our program. First, Brother Ludlow told us an exceptional story that illustrated the parallels between Bethlehem today and Bethlehem as it was during Christ’s day. I also like how he pointed out several times, that many of us may have been present in the choir of angels that sang out to the shepherds. Following his talk, we had the nativity story narrated and acted out. There were multiple musical numbers and hymns that we sang as a class that really brought in the spirit. To end the night, we had about five minutes of silence where we were able to contemplate the magnitude and reality of what happened there. One thing that I would love to get out of this New Testament class is a better understanding of Christ’s ministry on Earth and a better understanding of his teachings. I have also never learned much about the disciples on an individual basis, so I would enjoy learning about each of them.