Those who wanted to, purchased palm fronds to carry and we took a quick look in the small church commemorating this event.
The service, itself, was held behind the church. Lots of people. It was the first day since we've been here that we haven't had to wear a sweater or more. I was a little worried about Kent, because he was just getting over a terrible cold/lung infection. This is a LOOOOONG walk. But, he didn't want to miss it. We waited amongst Christians of all colors and tongues!
These are some priests gathering at the podium to help with the service.
The boys in blue in the far background are scouts that helped lead the procession.
More priests to lead the service
Me with some of our students. Shealeigh, who is standing right next to me, is Barb Lettich's niece! :)
Flags, banners, palm fronds, olive branches and lots of happy people:
Here we are, leaving the church to begin the walk
More of our students
Me with our very own Sarah Brown! :)
This banner was being carried right behind us as we began:
We moved forward through the crowd, joining different groups of Christians singing and even dancing as they walked. Most of the groups that we were with were Palestinian Christians singing in Arabic! Here the crowd is working its way down the Mt. of Olives into the Kidron Valley - just as Christ would have done.
There were many spectators along the route, taking pictures or just watching this crowd of people go by their homes.
This is at the bottom of the valley, next to the Church of All Nations - Garden of Gethsemane.
We had both walked more than enough at this point so we walked home. UP hill!! Kent was so weak by then that I was pulling HIM up the hill!!
Even though we were hot, tired, and thirsty - we LOVED it! Part of the wonderful experience was sharing this holy experience with all our fellow Christians. Wow - what an experience.
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