Two from Galilee page 1

 Two from Galilee page 1 by ric gustafson

Mary smiled as she hurried toward the well. She was happy. She was now a woman. Her eyes were now proudly shining. She couldn't wait to see Joseph later in the day. She was a woman now.

Hannah watched as her daughter started for the well. Mary had a jug on her head. She was a woman now. Hannah sighed. Mary was her first born.

Hannah knew about marrying young. She was barely 12 when she got married. Joachim was a good father. Their wait with Mary was to find a proper suitor. Hopefully someone rich and wise.

One day, Hannah left Bethlehem with her husband for the unknown hills of Galilee. Joachim was huge and ruddy with red hair. He was quiet. Joachim's mother had died. Hannah and Joachim moved to a small mud brick home which now belonged to Mary's brother Simon. Hannah loved living in Nazareth. It was a hamlet cut off from the main trade routes.

God blessed Hannah's womb. She bore a daughter. They named her Mary. By a certain age, suitors began coming to Joachim. There was Abner who was studying to become a priest. There was Cleophas. His business was silks and spices. Mary was interested in only one suitor. His name was Joseph. He was a poor young carpenter. He was 6 years older than Mary. Hannah was leery about him.

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric