As many of you know we have had several llamas over the years. Our plan with the move was to bring Tommy, the llama with us. However he died the end of August.
(John feels it was the same thing we lost the other ones to: Meningeal Worm.)
Unable to find a llama near our new place John researched donkeys. They are also known to be guard animals to sheep. I have to admit I know very little about donkeys! After finding a farm nearby who had them for sale the owner showed us a couple to choose from. Once the decision was made she commented on the “ Jerusalem Cross” on her back. Another fact about donkeys that I never knew and once able to, googled it to see exactly what she meant! It was a fascinating fact that I’m sure many don’t know!
Jerusalem Donkey
The bible says that Mary rode a donkey into Bethlehem before giving birth to the baby Jesus. We see this today in most Nativity scenes where a donkey is standing or bedded close by the manger keeping watch over the new family. Then, on Palm Sunday Jesus rode into Jerusalem for the last time on a donkey. The religious significance of the donkey is expressed in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The King, riding the lowly donkey, is seen as a symbol of peace and salvation.
You may have heard of the legend of the “Jerusalem Donkey”. It goes something like this – after he brought Jesus into Jerusalem the donkey was troubled because he knew what Jesus was about to go through with his trial, suffering and death on the cross. The donkey seeing the sad treatment of Jesus wished he had been able to carry the cross; after all, it was his job to carry man’s burdens. The donkey could not bear to watch and turned away but in his concern stayed nearby as Jesus endured his torture. God saw this and caused the shadow of the cross to fall across the little donkey’s back and he has carried the sign of the cross ever since as a symbol of God’s love.
The delivery went smoothly but the donkey wanted nothing to do with John and especially the sheep the first day or two. Eventually with some coaxing John was able to get it to the section of pasture where the sheep graze.
After a few hours of the sheep being terrified of something new in the pasture and the donkey being terrified as well of her new surroundings they have finally adjusted! They are even hanging out together now!
Meet Clara the donkey! And yes she has the cross on her back.
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Clara is so cute! I hope I get to meet her some day.
I don’t have your new address. The move must be so exciting….and stressful. Miss you!
Hi Ann,
The move has been very stressful! A crazy few months, but exciting at the same time! So nice being closer to the kids, we are enjoying that. The house is a work in progress with John doing a lot of it himself! We finally got our tree up even though the floors weren’t done. My oven decided to stop working before Thanksgiving and the new one just arrived but not installed yet, so no Christmas baking other than no bakes and pizzelles! We were also rear ended back in October down here before we made the final move, we were lucky we weren’t hurt! However our blue Subaru Outback was totaled which added to the stress of everything else.
Looking forward to 2020 and want to let you know you are always welcome! We have 2 extra bedrooms and the small town of Floyd is such an interesting place.
Merry Christmas Ann,
Rose
P.S. I always think back of the Obenreder Christmas parties you hosted and invited us to, such fun memories!
Thanks for sharing the story of the donkey. I never new that. Can’t wait to ask Bruce if he knew this. He is out hunting.
That is such an interesting story.
I’m glad that everyone is settling in nicely! Thank you for sharing the Jerusalem Cross story- I had never heard it before.
Hi Rose
Love reading your blog. We are hoping to ride our motorcycle down your way this fall. Possibly bringing the camper. Are you familiar with any of the campgrounds in your area? Please let me know, maybe we can look you up!
I have accomplished many outside projects this spring. It’s great having the time and energy to finally be able to do this!!
Looking forward to hearing more from you.