There have been so many times along my journey I have been invited to remind myself, "Just be. Enjoy." This is what not knowing a language often prompts. It is also the result of simply being in a culture that is very good at being. Sometimes people turn to their phones here, but not in the nervous way so many Americans do. People in the Holy Land seem okay with just sitting. And when we sit, when we be, we experience the joy and gift of each others' sheer presence and energy. The peace of just breathing, being alive and in the company of others who are just breathing and being alive alongside us.

I experienced the epitome of this getting to be with Farhat, the newest member of the Farhat family with whom I am staying in Hebron. At three months old and he has the power to renew the lives of an entire room of people 15 to 45 times his age.

I think babies are the saving grace of this land, perhaps the whole world. They capture us with their wonder, beauty, and simplicity and in turn ignite in us each of these sentiments along with the most extraordinary amorousness as we sit googley-eyed around them.

"Sit, enjoy, stare." I gently whisper within, now cooing to myself as I would sweet Farhat. "Be slowed and stilled. Let you self enjoy. There is nothing else you have to do. Just be and be in this moment."

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