Friday, May 27, 2011

The Milk Grotto

I met a nice couple who married at the age of 35-36 years old. They've been a couple for about 6 months now. Of course, their wish is to have a fruit of their love, a darling baby.

I remembered I also met a couple pilgrim, married for 7 years. They're still waiting for a baby. They requested to visit the Milk Grotto even if it was not included in our itinerary.

The Milk Grotto, located in Bethlehem, is a place you would want to go to if you are yearning to have a child. It is a place where the Blessed Mary and the child Jesus are featured as mother-and-child.

The Milk Grotto was where the Holy Family took refuge during the "Slaughter of the Innocents", prior to the "Flight to Egypt". Tradition has it that while Mary was nursing Jesus in this place, a her drop of milk fell onto the ground, turning it white.

Thus when we visited, there's a white-powder product available in the place for would-like-to-be mothers. But of course, we receive anything we ask for in prayers, according to our faith.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

God Bless Us

There is a reason for everything and God who is Great has greater plans for us. It is He who blesses our work and business, not our pure efforts and skills.

However, I also believe that we have God-given talents. These talents must be put into use for our benefit and for others. If we do not hone them, ultimately, we will lose them.

Photo taken in Tel Aviv, Israel.

May God who is ever generous give us wisdom, patience and grace to do what we are here to do.

God bless!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Getting to Know Hummus

Yup, I was introduced to this new world of food, different from Pinoy or Chinese cuisine.

Food here has a certain herbal taste. One dish that is never ever absent on the table is hummus. Love it with pita or bread.


Hummus is a Levantine Arab dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. It is a popular food throughout the Middle East and elsewhere.

Hummus is a common part of everyday meals in Israel. Israelis elevated Hummus to become a "national food symbol" and consume more than twice as much hummus as their Arab neighbors, according to figures by Tsabar Salads, a hummus manufacturer in Israel.

As an appetizer and dip, hummus is scooped with flat bread (such as pita). It is also served as part of a meze or as an accompaniment to falafel, grilled chicken, fish or eggplant. Garnishes include chopped tomato, cucumber, cilantro, parsley, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, whole chickpeas, olive oil, hard-boiled eggs, paprika, sumac, ful, olives and pickles.

Source: Wikipedia