MARY CALLED FROM NAZARETH . . .

And so it began! 7:00AM, Friday, December 9, my phone rang and it was Mary calling from Nazareth. "Hello, Karen, This is Mary, I wanted to tell you that all the arrangements are in place for your visit to the Holy Lands on Saturday." No it was not Mary the mother of Jesus but that didn't matter. It is December and thought of Jesus birth are swirling through my head. All day long I keep hearing the words, "Mary called from Nazareth!" Mary called from Nazareth!" Mary called from Nazareth!" .. "Jesus Christ is Alive!!" The reality of accompanying Hipolito and Francisca Triveños to the Holy Lands, accompanied by Judy & Gary Linker was beginning to settle in. Only a day away! The trip is Broadway's way of saying "Thank You! For 40 years of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the mountains of Peru. Mary is the niece of my 'forever friend from childhood' Judy's husband Jamil, who was born in Nazareth, too. I called Mary just a few days before to see if she could suggest options for our time in Israel as time was short. Miracles of miracles, Mary put together an itinerary. It begins with our first night in Bethlehem. OH MY! It is really difficult to imagine the trip is becoming a reality. Saturday morning arrives as an ordinary day yet oh so unreal as we all pack last minute items and Marcelia Sawyers facilitates our ride to the airport at 11am only two and a half hours before the flight because the Trivenoses are too excited to wait. We made all of our flights. Arrived at Tel Aviv airport a little late. Wrestled with Avis rent car, loaded and began our drive toward Jerusalem and on to Bethlehem. First night in the Manger Square Hotel. just on block from the hotel. WHAT A DAY!! Truly blessed to be part of this incredible journey! Thank you Broadway!