Machine Guns

The IDF (Israeli Defense Force) is crazy. I am especially intrigued by the women with weapons. Talk about tough chickas. Some of us were walking in the city and stopped to take a picture. A guard started approaching us and I got nervous wondering if we weren't allowed in this specific area. He then plopped down right next to Jessica Hawkins, my beloved roomie, and smiled for the picture with us. His comrade then came up and they both offered to take single shots with us. Bomb.

shalom

Far Left...Below me are remnants of the oldest man-made structure in the world, dating back to 7000 BCE. This tower was excavated in Jericho, the oldest city in the world and one of the lowest cities in the world. Just around the corner from the tower were remnants from the Wall that fell as the Israelites marched around the city of Jericho seven times. (Joshua 6:12-16, 20)

Above Left...Pool of Bethesda. This is where Jesus blessed the lame man as he entered the pool. (John 5:2)

Direct Left...The line to enter into the supposed Garden Tomb. I really enjoyed the Garden Tomb and Golgotha. Our tour guide, retired baptist pastor from Tennessee kept telling us to "Listen to your heart," as your heart would tell you if this indeed was the spot. I love how unifying the events in the Bible are to Baptists, Jews, Muslims, Mormons, etc. Everywhere we go we hear and see different faiths celebrating Jesus the way they know best and it is beautiful. If anything, I think the thing I have felt and noticed most about living in the Holy Land with various faiths and cultures is how much God loves all of His children and recognizes their various forms of worship and dedication.

Left...Mediterranean Sea day at Tel Aviv. Not really sure what is going on in this picture with Katie Backus and I but it was so nice to have a day at sea. The sacred and educational sites have been incredible, but spending all day in the sun and sand was bliss.

Bottom Left...This is was taken at the Wadi Qelt lookout. These hills make the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. The Western Wall (picts to come later) and this point are two of my favorite sites so far. We sat atop the lookout and discussed the story of the Good Samaritan (occurred somewhere there). It was a humbling and contemplative day. Our Old Testament teacher, Brother Judd, told us to think about the Savior's trek from Jericho to Jerusalem as He walked these hilly, hot, lonely paths. He knew what the last week of His life would entail and I can only imagine the thoughts running through His head as He walked the lengthy trail back to Jerusalem to sacrifice for all mankind. And yes, it is common to see men on camels as represented in the picture.

Bottom Right...James (fellow Jerusalem Center zoobie) and I in front of the Mount of Temptation. (The Gospels, Matthew 4)

Walls, Caves, and Fields

Ramparts Wall...The walls of Jerusalem include 35 watchtowers, half of which were never completed. Each tower is 2-3 stories high and were used for defenders to guard and attack. We walked the wall, noticing openings in the stone every few feet where fire could be made. In this picture the ledge to walk on is to the right of the wall...notice the little heads

Zedekiah's Cave... was used as a quarry for stone to build much of the city's buildings, including materials for the first temple, King Solomon's Temple. We met a little Muslim family inside the cave who were very friendly. Well...at least the father was, Ali. He kept saying over and over again how much he respected and loved Americans. He apologized for the 9/11 attack and for his poor English grammar, although it was most likely better than mine.

Katie enjoying the little random lonely chair found in the dark abyss of the cave. We loved Ali and the chair.

The background of this picture is Bethlehem. I am excited to go there in the Christmas season. This same day we saw a view of the valley of Gibeon, which is where Joshua 10:8-13 took place (The story of the Prophet Samuel and when the Lord fought for Israel by casting a hailstorm and by making the sun stand still, lengthening the day) and the setting of 1st Kings 3:4-14 where Solomon made 1,000 burnt offerings unto the Lord and where He appeared to Solomon in a dream. We had a little devotional and read those scriptures while looking out at Gibeon and sang some hymns. It was so cool to see the scriptures come to life. Also at Gibeon I tried my first fig, not too bad :)

Here and Happy

Jerusalem is indeed a Holy Land. All I want is to linger after each meal outside the Oasis cafeteria and look over the city. My Mom used to always say you could feel the spirit thicker than the humidity in Nauvoo, and I'd like to say the same is true in Jerusalem...except not so much humid- just hot.I am loving the Center and the people here. It's great to be in a place where everything is impeccably organized, with an experienced and accredited staff. The Center itself is beautiful. I love the domed windows on every floor, allowing sights of the city around each corner. I also love the music made within these walls. The organ and hymns are played and sung with such enthusiasm, creating a spiritually inviting atmosphere. The song of the righteous really is a prayer unto God.

I felt apprehensive before coming to Jerusalem. Several concerns created knots in my stomach and I often questioned whether attending the JC this Fall was right for me. I felt better about coming as the departure date neared but now that I am here, literally every fear I possessed has disappeared. The power of prayer is real and I know Heavenly Father knows the desires of my heart and has shown me His love as I have recognized the peace of mind and heart here.

It is great to be here in the Fall. The month of Ramadan is coming to an end and I have enjoyed learning about the holiday. We have many Muslim employees here at the Center observing Ramadan and I can only imagine how exhausting it must be to be hauling 80 students' overlystuffed suticases up five flights of stairs while completely malnourished andddddd preparing dozens of tuna sandwiches while they are fasting. The streets are less occupied because many of the merchants refrain from selling food during the day. We hear more prayers and singing than the usual five times a day prayer call as they are dedicating themselves all day. Ramadan is a beautiful concept. I wish we could go out in the city tonight, but because it is the last Friday night of Ramadan the streets are too crowded with Muslim celebrations and thus too dangerous for the students.

First day of school pict...