Walk through Bethlehem

We have always thoroughly enjoyed the drive thru nativity in Searcy.  We were delighted to go with a group to a walk through tour of Bethlehem today.  They had dozens of market stalls set up.  Here are a few of our favorites:

At this one, you had to sign the census.  They talked about the 

census a lot and about paying taxes.  

We watched this woman make a clay pot on a pottery wheel

that she worked with her feet.  It was very cool.  

Eric getting stamped to show he had paid his taxes.  

There was a games booth set up.  He, of course, loved that one.  

Playing tic tac toe with a girl from our group.  

Petting a live dove.  

At the end, they acted out the nativity. 

When we talked to the innkeeper, he expressed concern over how full

he was.  He said he had to turn away a woman the night before that was expecting.  

He was also concerned about his animals, as he was so busy he couldn't go to feed them.  

After he watched the scene, Eric went back to tell the innkeeper that his donkey, Ebenezer, was fine.  He also gave him a report on baby Jesus.  The innkeeper gave Eric a shekel for his help.  

Here's a video of one of the games they had in the game tent.