Stepping back in time

Hello All! It is about 5pm here and we just returned from our daily activities. Today was a busy day allowing us to step back in time and experience life as it was in the time of Jesus. We visited Nazareth and spent sometime in the Nazareth Village. The village has recreated buildings, farming, and dining to give visitors the opportunity to step back in time. We ate lunch outside under a canvas, dining on lentel soup, hummus, cabbage salad, pita bread and apples with dates. It was delicious and a wonderful experience, we shared food family style--much like was done in the time of Jesus. We shared in community and communion around the table, dining together and sharing in conversation. After the meal, we were given a tour of the village. It was interesting to see the recreation of a synogogue, a house, wheat mill, olive press, etc. As we were leaving the guide presented each of us with a gift, an oil lantern. I am excited to use it when I return home.
We also visited the Basilica of the Annunciation, a beautiful place filled numerous images of Mary and the home of Mary. Multiple countries submitted art pieces of the image of Mary, each image was unique and beautiful (I don't have my camera with me right now--I will add pictures later). Each image provides insight into the differing views that each country has of Mary.

We have only been here a few days and we have seen so many breathtaking views. We have climbed up mountains, visited beautiful worship spaces, explored ruins, and visited the home of Mary in Nazareth. We continue to explore our own faith through these experiences. It is truly a blessing to be here in this place, full of culture and history.