Samaritan Passover excursion

Well over half the house is sick - diarrhea, vomiting, fever. Thank goodness I'm not one of them - I don't eat anything from our kitchen anymore except white rice so I'm safe. Almost everyone is confined to their rooms. Big time sick.

Yesterday afternoon I brought some of the professors and students to Samaria - Mt. Gerizim where the Samaritan Passover was held. Many couldn't come because they were sick. Anyway we saw the ancient site right on the summit where a Byzantine church ruin is still preserved. It probably stands over the ancient temple of the Samaritans that was destroyed by Emperor Zeno when he built this Byzantine church.

Then we went down to the sacrifice area. We were invited to meet the High Priest in his house and send him our greetings - which was a great honour. He then invited us to accompany him in the procession to the sacrifice area. Then the ritual began and the sheep were sacrificed. There were lots of people who came to witness this event - Jews and Christians. And the Samaritans are a very open and welcoming community - everyone remarked how open they are to outsiders. It was a wonderful experience.

Got back home at 10pm. Some guys even continued on to join the Jewish Passover at friends' homes. Others who were sick rushed to their rooms. Me? I ate some raw veg and bread - staying clear of the kitchen cooking. Went straight off to sleep. Got up early, took my medicine (am using an alarm now to keep track of my medicine times) and celebrated Mass at 6.30am.

Am feeling good today - strange when everyone else is sick. Tables are turned! Want to take a walk to the New City but just remembered everything is closed due to the Passover holidays. OK will study instead.