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...