Donkeyman!
Trip Start
May 13, 2006
1
11
25
Trip End
Jun 13, 2006
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Jerusalem,
Israel
Thursday, May 18, 2006
After our 3 hour class on the geography of Jerusalem we walked the Western and Northern wall of Jerusalem on the Ramparts (the top of the wall - where the guards would walk - note the pictures). An interesting view. Overtop of houses, restaurants, schools and streets. It was surreal. I thought of all the wars that had been fought over this city and how many people had died defending these walls.
As we walked we visited David's Tomb (although recent discovery shows that it cannot be the tomb of King David). Here there were men praying with severe devotion. I wish I could have talked to them about why they are praying here and what they are praying for. Some of the men wore phylacteries (small boxes containing the Shema - The declaration of faith in the unity of God, said at every prayer service. It is a quote from Deuteronomy and Numbers) on their heads. I ever met a young guy from VA who went to UNC wearing his phylacteries just walking down the street. "So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the LORD your God." Numbers 15:40-41.
What a reminder - I am not sure if I am that committed. We Americans are too easily distracted. As we watched young kids - maybe high schoolers wearing guns in a group visiting the Western Wall - someone commented to me, "We could never give kids this young guns in America, they'd shoot each other." I thought for a second and then said, "Yes, but these kids have solidarity - they have to be on the same side." They have competing interests but they pale in comparison to what they are trying to protect.
On the flip side, as I walked over and then into the Lions Gate (in Arab Jerusalem). I was struck by my bigotry. My first inclination is to be always watching my back... However, as we continued to walk I was ashamed at my prejudice. These people want to live, work and have strong beliefs too. They want to live normal lives - they believe and justifiably so that they belong here too.
I saw a playground filled with kids. As we passed, one of the kids, and older girl about 12, yelled at me, "You a donkey, You a donkey" and then laughed with her friends. Now, I could be misinterpreting the message here but it reminded me of kids being kids. I hollered back with my arms raised defiantly, "I am donkeyman!" and they all laughed. Of course someone next to me rhetorically said, "You know what another word for donkey is, don't you?" and he laughed. Yes, Yes I do and my bigotry made me feel like an Ass - maybe the little girl was a prophet...in this city it's possible...
Comments
big driver becomes a donkeyman!!
Babe!so fun to read your stories. I can totally see you with your arms raised saying- I'm a donkeyman!!! It sounds like you're having fun and learning so much too. I can't stand not being there with you. Please tell Jenni and Matt I said Hey!!! Just so you know tommorow I'm taking Rebekah and Andrew to Chick fil a - her first date!!! :)
How did she know?
I think I may have thought that a few times but never had the prophetic confidence to blurt it out to you!
I wish I could be there with you and eat some humus. I got addicted to that stuff. I would eat it breakfast lunch and dinner. The key is the fresh pita. I would find them in the store still warm and steaming up the inside of the package. It was gooood eating.
This travel blog thing is cool. Keep up the detailed reports Donkeyman, Rob
Oh Say Can You See
Oh Say Can You See, By the Donkeyman's pic
What so proudly we hail'd at the blogosphere's streaming
Whose broad women and big guns, thro the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts (you were wondering where I was going with this were'n't you?) we watch'd, love's always in season...
Looks like fun...By the way, when you go to the Dead Sea, don't shave for a few days before...and for God's sake, Gold Bond up before. That salt water will burn.
HELLO!
Mike, it's great to get to hear all about your trip as you go! I'm so interested and jealous of all that you're getting to experience. It sounds amazing - minus your hot and itchy room - hope you're finding some relief with that! This travel blog was a great idea! I know it's a little extra work for you, but thanks for sharing!
Enjoy,
Shannon
Donkeyman Your Not
Hi Hon,
Dad and I are so excited each day we read your entries. We have passed your blog on to friends and family. But we just want to get it straight we don't think of you as a Donkeyman, there have been other thoughts, but always said with love. Again, keep you eyes and ears open. Remember Dad has that friend where you can get maybe meat you could name and home cooking. Ha.
Keep safe......
Love Mom and Dad