Side Note... Bits of Jerusalem I Love

Check out this view! 

 The valley below the Old city is the Kidron Valley; it must have been nice that the Old City of Jerusalem had a pretty natural defense system because of the surrounding valleys--their only vulnerable side was then north (Just in case you wanted to know).
Just looking at the city you can see where momentous event occurred.  There is so much history here! Everything we've been reading in the Bible about for so long, is now so close to me.  I've always had a testimony of the Bible, but there is something visual about seeing the sites where these stories took place, that solidifies faith.

I love the Old City. Everywhere you look is something exciting and authentic!

Plus, look how colorful it is. 

Don't ask me why but I love seeing clotheslines all over Israel.  

Stray Cat Strut? 

Instead of stray dogs, rabbits, or coyotes, Israel has stray cats.  If a country is going to have a stray animal, at least cats are cute. I secretly love seeing them all over town. 

The Garden Tomb.

Even though this picture does not depict how we would usually like to see the tomb (with no tourists), I love the fact that millions of people travel from around the world to come see the empty tomb. 

  "He is not here, for he is risen."  

Funny Story about these boots.

Notice how the boot on the right is a lot nicer and looks a lot newer than the other?  That boot my friends, was on the foot I accidentally stepped into the Pools of Bethesda with. 

I always knew the Pools had healing powers in the Old Testament; but I didn't know they still did!  I was so excited the pools fixed my boot!  I had to share. 

Jericho

Jane and I.  Herod's Winter Palace used to be behind us.  At this site we learned that Herod was an incredible builder, not to mention powerful.  He had many accomplishments but is mostly known for how terrible he was towards people.  For example, he murdered his wife and had his brother-in-law drowned because he was paranoid of power.  Not only that, but he wanted Christ killed as a babe.  These bad traits are the things he is known for, not his accomplishments.  Herod's bad example helps us realize how we want to leave a legacy. How will you and I be remembered? We will leave an impact whether we want to or not--let's leave something our posterity can be proud of.

This is in Jericho, next to the found remains of the ancient Jericho wall that got destroyed numerous times.  We saw Neolithic tower which was dated to about 9000 BC! It is hard to fathom these ancient buildings are still here. Something I thought was impressive was that you can still see the old mud bricks, which is what I focused this picture on above. 

Jericho!

Jericho is the oldest city and the lowest place on Earth. Who knew? I didn't, until about two days ago.  There was also a rumor going around that they also had the best bananas.  Unfortunately, that was proven false today; however, on the optimistic side maybe today was just a bad banana day.  Jericho is a nice city, which was a bit surprising because everything until then is a vast desert with Bedouin communities surrounding it.  Bedouin communities fascinate me.  It was fun to see camels walking around today too.  I think they are one of my new favorite animals.  I can't wait to ride a camel in Jordan next week!

St. George Monastery, Wadi Qelt Between Jerusalem and Jericho.

This was such a great surprise as we walked among the vast desert and came upon this vision.  What was even more special was that we read the story of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, because this is that very road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Can you see how it is a place thieves would like to be in?  What a perfect canyon to rob someone and leave them where nobody would see. Thankfully the good Samaritan didn't pass on when he saw his neighbor in need. In this chapter we learn that everyone is our neighbor.  It is ironic the Samaritan, somebody not looked highly upon in this old society, was the one who stopped instead of the Priest. 

The most important lesson the Savior teaches us from the story of the Samaritan here is, "Go, and do thou likewise."

To the left of this is Mt. Temptation, the possible site where Christ fasted and Satan tried to tempt him. 

There was a restaurant down the hill called Temptation Restaurant; I thought it was pretty funny. 

Christ's fast shows self mastery, which is why we fast--spirit controlling the natural man

Looking around, there is not much here besides a bunch of rocks.  Satan's temptation of bread would have seemed pretty nice after fasting for forty days. Strangely enough, the rocks slightly resembled pita bread. No joke.

We read the story in Matthew 4:1-11. 

We read that God stayed with Jesus this whole time, even though Christ was fully capable of resisting temptation. God will stay with us to help us through trials; and with God, anything is possible. 

The Negev

Lakiya Negeb Weaving Center--This is where women learn marketing skills to better their status in the community.  I never knew how much work went into one rug it is amazing.  This place was so cool because we got to see  how they made everything from scratch, all the way from spinning sheep's wool into yarn, dying it, then weaving it into rugs, purses, pillows, anything.  Their work is beautiful.

Tell Beersheva.

We got to go in an ancient underground water system. It's hard to imagine at first, but pretty phenomenal when you picture the ancient civilization that existed here. 

Tell Arad.

January 21st, the middle of winter and it was as hot as can be in the Negev.  At Tell Arad it was interesting to see sites where an old Holy of Holies was, and learn about the history, like this temple site was reverently buried because Hezekiah couldn't control the satellite temples from Jerusalem. The best part of this site for me was the 50 foot well where they gathered the sparse water their community had. In this ancient community, every street drained to a central area so the seven inches of water they got every year would gather and be held in the well. Even though everything we learned about was interesting, we were all relieved to find shade like this tower provided. 

Some Late Pictures

The Dome of the Rock!  We couldn't go inside, but the outside is pretty miraculous so I was just fine with that.
This is a holy site for a few reasons: it is where the Muslims (who built the Dome during the Early Arab period in 687 AD) believed Muhammad ascended to paradise, where Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Isaac, and was the site of Solomon's temple.
Turkish tiles were added during the Ottoman period; the Turks must have great style.
At the other end of this Temple mount, there is the al-Aqsa Mosque--it needs some credit too.  This whole mount is just an incredible site built inside the Old City. I'd like to thank them for giving Jerusalem such a beautiful symbol.

Lindsey and I on the Rampart Walk--walking on the wall of the Old City. The view from above was incredible!

The kids here in Jerusalem make me so happy!  They play at the park below the "Mormon University" and always ask us to play soccer with them.  How could we say no to those faces? They love us and we love them just as much.  We could even practice our Arabic lingo with them.  Habibdi! Xoxo

This is Bethlehem to the far left, you can't see much of it, but behind me is the Shepherd's valley.  While we looked out to the valley where the angel of God appeared to the shepherd's, we sang the song, "Far far away, on Judea's plains." I had the biggest smile on my face as I sang that song thinking of that special night in Bethlehem when Christ was born.  How joyful and overcome with the Spirit the humble shepherds must have felt when the angel proclaimed, "I bring glad tidings of great joy!"

A Casual Weekend?

How awesome is it that a casual weekend for me involves going to the Garden of Gethsemene, Orson Hyde gardens, seeing the Jews bring in the Sabbath at the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, walking in the Old City (and above it on the wall), and going to St. Vincent's home for disabled children...  What a loaded sentence.  All of these experiences are life changing, and I had them in one weekend.
Even though this whole weekend has been amazing, with incredible views and amazing sights and new experiences, the most impacting part of today was going to the home for children with special needs.
I cannot get over how fast those kids can make me happy.  The kids at St. Vincents did not talk, they did not walk, but they taught me more than I could express.  From a simple smile or look in the eyes, my heart just felt warm.  I know these children are so loved by our Heavenly Father, so pure, that they could not be tempted by the normal things we are tempted by.  Not only are their spirits perfect and loving, but the caretakers there are angels.  That place is so full of happiness.  There is a special spirit there that just makes those who enter smile with complete bliss.

I'm so blessed to have these opportunities to serve here in the Holy Land. I have so many incredible adventures and experiences here it makes me wonder, why am I so blessed?  My mind is still blown when I realize I'm here.

Reflective Friday

Marhaba! (That means hello in Arabic)

Friday's might be some of my favorite days.  Not only is it the beginning of the weekend, but we got do a service activity and go to the Western Wall--commonly referred to as the wailing wall.

Being in Jerusalem is so incredible already, but I was having withdrawals from not singing or dancing...  so, today healed that a little bit.  Here at the Jerusalem Center, we blasted the tunes as we put together hygiene kits in the best assembly line I've ever seen.  I've never been a part of a service project that was so much fun!  Everyone was singing along, dancing, and putting the kits together so fast that it was almost like a race.  The total number we assembled is 2100!!! How amazing is that; we finished in under two hours and the time flew by.  Jerusalem Center students are all great.  We have so many different personalities here but we all have so much fun and I love it already.  

In the late afternoon, we all took a walk to the Western Wall.  I can't even describe what a great experience that was.  Tonight the Jews celebrate the coming of their Sabbath as the sun set.  Every weekend they do this; what a party.  Everyone was singing and dancing with their arms around each other and a bible in hand.  Seeing this amount of dedication and bliss that religion brings to these Jews, really inspired me.  I want to be as enthusiastic about my beliefs as they are about theirs.  At first, I was caught up in the fun of the evening and what an amazing sight I was looking at... but then I realized that this location means so much more to me than seeing how Jews bring in their Sabbath day.  

It is hard sometimes to remember significant events or why something is supposed to be special, so you have to stop and think.  After I got through my initial awe and wonder of where I was and my fascination at what Jews do here, I thought to myself, "why is this place sacred to me?"  Thinking about this wall during Jesus' time is what changed my mood.  I can't even imagine how old this place is.  So much has come out of God's teachings--think of all the religions who declare this place and the Dome of the Rock holy.  It was a strange phenomena for me that this place didn't seem too sacred to me at first, but then I thought about what it stood for in the Jewish perspective.  When I thought of what it meant to them, I reflected on my own beliefs.  It's amazing how fast and meaningful a day can be when you just decide to change your thought process.  Focus on the Savior--I've found when I do, my day is always better and a lot more meaningful.  This is a new goal of mine I just decided.

Golgatha--where Christ was crucified

This picture wasn't taken Friday, but it fits in with the title being another reflective experience. 

City Life

The Old City is such a remarkable place; I could spend all day just in the Old City and never get bored. Everywhere you look there is something that catches your eye.  It's busy and noisy and crazy; I almost bought about ten things today because I wanted everything!  That and the merchants are such good salesmen who just treat me so nicely.  The colors that surround the streets look so beautiful--I think I'm inspired.
Today after classes, we went out into the Old City and West Jerusalem.  When I think about which place I like better, I simply can't decide... they are completely different.  The Old City is exciting with so many places to look and find and sites to see!  West Jerusalem is more city-like lifestyle with bigger buildings, more spaces, modern shops and restaurants, and almost feels European to me (not like I've ever been to Europe).  There was where I tried my first falafel... interesting, strangely delicious.  I love both places though;  it is nice Jerusalem has both feels about it.
Favorite part of today:
We found Ali Ababba's!  I was so happy because I've heard so much about this shop from my parents and past BYU students who have came to Jerusalem.  His shop lives up to the reputation too, the shop keeper and his son are some of the nicest guys I've met here.  They know all about us Mormons and have specially made BYU Jerusalem shirts for us and scripture holders and all sorts of things.  They even let us try on traditional Arab dresses to take pictures in.  They were so much fun.
Another highlight was on our way home form the city (I love calling Jerusalem Center home), when surprisingly I ran into three very happy little girls.  When I said ran into, I really mean it--they came running at me giving me a huge hug and grabbed my hands and legs while asking my name.  This surprise made me so incredibly happy the girls were so cute!  I haven't felt so much love from little kids that I've never met, and I just ate it up.  I want to have so much love for others as those little girls showed me.  Those smiles can make any day better; even when you thought you were having a pretty great day already!

Pools of Bethesda within the Old City

We made friends at Ali Baba's shop! The shop keepers Omar and Shaban let us dress up and we had so much fun! They are famous for all the LDS visitors and they live up to their reputation. 

Half Way Around the World and 10 Hours Later

MADE IT TO THE HOLY LAND! I honestly can't believe I'm actually here in Jerusalem!!  Even though I've been preparing to come here for a while, I never thought it was actually going to happen for some reason; maybe I just couldn't imagine it.  The fact I am in the Holy Land still hasn't sunk in and probably won't... my first time out of the country is a success and I just realize I am so extremely blessed that I wonder why.  All I can do is thank my Heavenly Father for the amazing opportunities He sends to me, live how He would have me live, and live up every moment of this experience.  

I am staying here at the BYU Jerusalem Center and it is gorgeous!!! We've barely toured it but I literally stood there with my mouth gaping open as I saw the view of the Old City.  It's pretty cold and was hailing on the way over but it's so green here!  We haven't gotten a chance to sleep yet, they kept us busy since arrival. 

Anyway, I'm here safe! So stoked for this experience :) CAN'T BELIEVE I'M HERE! Miss you guys!!! 

This is the beginning of something beautiful, the world just has so much to offer and I don't know the half of it.  I can't wait to find out how much there really is... traveller Tawny here I come. 

It SNOWED!!! This never happens in Jerusalem--they haven't had this much snow in over ten years. My Old Testament teacher shared the Isaiah scripture, "though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow."  The reason this scripture is significant is because snow is so rare, so Isaiah is writing about something unique.  Jerusalem receiving snow is special like it is special to receive forgiveness.  It feels a bit magical that I can be here when it snowed.  I'm excited!