Moon Over Jerusalem

Palm Sunday and Good Friday

2009-04-11T03:50:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday: Last Sunday we were able to join in a procession which celebrates the coming of Christ into Jerusalem.

I became apart of the procession and was able to wear this honorary green thing... and that's the guy who I stood next to in the procession.

Then on that Friday (aka Good Friday), there was a procession of the cross. It was great to be there as they carried several crosses throughout the street as representations of the day that the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified.

My Cousin.

2009-04-09T01:38:00.001-07:00

Needs prayers and Fasts.

http://blog.brandonplewe.com/

A million billion photos of Galilee

2009-04-06T12:13:00.003-07:00

There are seriously so many pictures I want to post (I didn't even post half of them... which just explains how amazing this trip was) But I don't really want to do explainations for all of them. So I thought I would just post 'em and maybe add an explanation for a a couple of them. They are super out of order... hope you can get it in all the confusion.

I tried a zoom effect in this church. I was happy with it... but I need a little practice.

The first time Elyse saw a flower

One of the Oldest structures... it dated back to Abraham's time (I think)

Class in session

Fish Market. Not Happy

S'mores on the Sea of Galilee.

Class on the Sea of Galilee...

Rafting on the River Jordan

Armageddon. We are frightened.

Goodbye Galilee.

Back...

2009-04-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well I am finally back from Galilee... and it was a wonderful trip. More updates later...

MY BIRTHDAY!!

2009-03-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

I seriously have the BEST FREAKIN' ROOMMATES IN THE WORLD!! They are seriously the greatest and made my birthday the best it could of been in Jerusalem!! I love them!! I will tell more later... but I still have more partying to do... (And packing for Galilee!!)

The Rest of Jordan...

2009-03-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

A bunch of other things we did at Jordan...

THE BLUE MOSQUE

We went to the Blue Mosque where all the girls had to put on these robes (which made us look like Harry Potter wizards) which were supposed to be like Muslim robes (and kind of smelled)

And Cate rocked it.

One of my favorite pictures... I don't really know why... but I just really like it. (in the Blue Mosque)

JERASH: ROMAN RUINS

Yup. True Blue Roman Ruin.

A really pretty picture of Kara at the Roman Ruin.

Miriam and I... where they would have chariot races and fights (after picture was taken... I beat Miriam to a pulp)

No people... (except for the dancing people)

PEOPLE!!

3 random kids. They think they are something special. Especially Money and Jacob.

3 people that are something special (and the photographer was pretty special too... but in a different way)

I have noticed that there are a lot of groups of 3... interesting. Almost as interesting as this picture. Which is of Miriam and Jessica giving Money a bath. (trust me... he needs it)

THE JORDAN RIVER

Two (not three) kids walking to the river...

Not what I pictured Christ getting baptized in...

But it was still awesome.
(Kara, Lindsay, Marianne and Me)

Especially when you have a gorgeous Miriam standing by the river...
(I am so lucky I get to wake to her beautiful face everyday)

Or Money posing by the river...

Or drinking its contents.

(This has nothing to do with the Jordan River... but he has a caterpillar mustache)

This is Jordan M. He told me a very interesting story about why he was named Jordan (which is inappropriate for this blog) but the main point is that it was after the Jordan River. This was seconds after he told me the story (I was trying to hide shock and disgust from my face)

The Band. We really are a band.

RANDOM

See these? These are THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS!! And whats more awesome then that...

This man (Bro. Skinner who also happens to be my teacher) translated them!! How awesome is that!! (This picture was taken when he was telling us about how he translated the scrolls... He acidently bumped into me and was saying excuse me at the time... hopefully he doesn't see this picture and lower my grade) He is so smart and I love his class!

At the Mecca Mall... where 3 guys tried to pick Richelle, Steph and I up. (and taught us our first Arabic swear word!)

This is Cate's eye. I just like it.

Petra

2009-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Petra: Petra: Most Famous For... Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Which is why it was no surprise to find most of the snack places named after Indiana Jones... and we even found a Indiana Jones look-a-like (aka Matt)

Richelle thought she looked like the female version... I guess that's a personal thing.

To get to the Treasury (and all the other cool sites) we had to walk through these beautiful cliffs (I think they are referred to as cliffs... though they could of had a special name that I just didn't know about) They were so beautiful and the lighting was perfect (for sure a photographers dream... I would put up a billion of them... but it would take a long time and I don't think that anyone really cares)

My first view of the Petra Treasury!

Emma Righteous (she really is THAT righteous... she totally deserves that nickname) Rachael (who I have yet to give a nickname) and ME (I have an abundance of nicknames) in front of the Treasury!!

The whole group in front of the Treasury... we are a handsome bunch (if you could see us)

There was more to see than just the FAMOUS TREASURY! We also saw a theatre... where we decided to put on a mini-play.
Actors/Actresses: Cate (with her deadly dagger) Me (who can beat up Cate with my bare fists) Ken (who always saves the day) Miriam (Who swoons over Ken because he is the most awesome guy in the JC) and Chelsea (who saw a camel shirt/purse/pin/anything that can have a camel on it... she has a little bit of an obsession)

Then we had to walk up to the Petra Monastery which had like 900 steps. It was ridiculous. Mt. Sinai the 2nd. But we had a really cute security guard who let us jam to his cell phone and made sure we didn't fall off the cliff (and helped us up when we tripped... which I did several time... the first time was accident...)

But we finally got there... and it was worth it. BEAUTIFUL!

A group of us sitting inside the Monastery... we were in love with Petra (and Miriam was in love with me)

After that... we wanted to check out the "END OF THE WORLD"...

(I wish I could tell you what I saw)

(Nope. It wasn't Indianna Jones/Matt chillin' in Petra... but close!)

No mom... that wasn't on my hand. But I did write it! (I am Nile and Cate is Egyptus)

This picture deserves a longer story... and I will try to give you another one when I get a picture of Belgium and I (from Miss Stefanie Tanner) but the moral is... that I am pretty good at getting free stuff from the Merchants in Petra. (One even fell in love with me... not a joke)

I will tell later... suspensful eh?

Mt. Nebo (On the way to Jordan)

2009-03-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Beautiful Kara on the top of Mt. Nebo. I love taking her picture.

Memorial of Moses

This is one of my favorite pictures of Jordan... (well actually it was before Jordan... but on our way to Jordan) Its a little out of focus... but I like it none the less.

Richelle Loves Moon

Kara and I on against a circle rock. I forgot what it was supposed to be... actually I don't think I ever really knew what it was supposed to be. But Kara and I were there. So that's important enough.

I told them to get crazy. This is all I got. Lame.

PreJordanian Times

2009-03-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

Before I cover Jordan...

I should catch up with a few things...

We have been working on hygiene kits (yeah not original) in the Jerusalem Center... the cool thing is that they are going only a few miles away... to Gaza. I think our goal is about 50.000? I should check on that though... we have done a ton already and continue to work on them.

The Dome of the Rock... up close and personal. I love this picture.... though Tamara forgot to turn around.
The guy who inspired me to get a Polaroid camera.... ok actually I have always wanted one. But I REALLY wanted one after I met him. He was super cool (especially with his camera)

Lo and Behold I found a camera shop with one Polaroid in the window. It was kind of a sketchy place though. I think he had a total of five cameras in the shop (and a whole lota empty space...) and some creepy pictures on the wall. When I asked if I could purchase a camera he said "Yes. Five minutes" and ran out of the store. We were a bit confused, but waited till he came back. When he did come back it was like 7 min later... and empty handed. He said that he didn't have any cameras... but if I wanted to sell him my nice DSLR that he knew a man that wanted it...
Not planning on going back there any more.

In a tunnel under the city! It was pretty awesome... and wet.

I didn't want to ruin my shoes... so I decided to go barefoot. It was the best choice of the day!

Jacob, Nycole and I (people I convinced to go barefoot with me)

The Tradition Lives.

I honestly love painting boys nails. I am pretty sure every semester I have convinced poor boys to let me paint their nails. Its like a secret tradition for me (though its not so secret anymore)

Jacob loved the polka-dots that I did. They were my best yet.

and they made him look extra sexy.

Miriam did a great job with Money's. Though he ruined them later by trying to put his own polka dots on them. (he was jealous because Jacob's were just so awesome)

And JJ. With the Rainbow nails. He looked pretty fly.

We were all pretty styling (though sadly no one offered to do my nails...)

The Goliath...

2009-02-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

The Slayings of Goliath... it was magical. and ridiculously hard. Seriously. If you have ever tried to slay 5 boxes stacked on top of each other... you know how hard it is to use that little sling and 5 smooth rocks (its hard enough finding 5 smooth rocks when 40 other students are scrounging for them...) I can't even imagine slaying an actual HUMAN with them... props to David... that's all I have to say.

Kara, Hedi, and Marianne... being preparing to slay the bad boy Goliath... Cate and I... we are pretty much awesome.
Slaying around Goliath is a lot harder than it sounds... just look at Matt.

or Ryan...

Matt finally go the hang of it... he was pretty awesome.

But Priscilla was still the best... yet she complained about having a sore arm later...

Nycole just dropped the stupid sling and resulted in a man to man combat... it was pretty sweet to watch Nycole take on the horrid Goliath.

Though when you really think about it... Goliath isn't really that bad looking...

3 Dances in Two Weeks. (plus a Freaky Friday)

2009-02-16T11:39:00.001-08:00

So I am trying to fit so much into updates... and I miss so much... and it becomes really old... but oh well. Its all good (I'm sorry that I don't update everyday Jenn!!... You don't update everyday either!!)

But we have had a whole lot of dances... my room mates and I try to put on FlashDances (which are 15 minutes of pure joy and dancing) The first one we held in our room, and some of the boys were complaining that they weren't allowed to come... so we had the next one on the stage so they could come... As you can see by the stage... there were no boys. Suspiciously they were actually no where to be found in the whole JC Center...
So when we finally found them 15 min. later all coming down the stairs... we tried to investigate. Our tatics were strong and our flirting was high...
But the boys stayed strong and they would give us no information to what they were up to...

Then we had an Egypt Night... where we all were encouraged to wear what we bought in Egypt. I didn't really buy anything, so I asked Richelle to dress up with me and we became bathroom attendants/mummyfiers... We actually won "best costume" ... though not surprising.

Richelle and I on the Runway... we are awesome.

The Freaky Friday Dance... Friday the 13th.

I dressed up as a dead Indian...

Then in honor of Friday the 13th... some boys (with the help of Elyse) took us to a dark room and tried to scare us.

And the next day was VALENTINES DAY!! (I am not sure why that was in all CAPS because the 13th was WAY cooler than Valentines Day.)

Creepy and by Creepy I mean HIGHLY Attractive

2009-02-15T08:23:00.001-08:00

Ok. Richelle honestly wrote a better story than I did (or will) though you may have to go back a couple of days to find it because it happened about a week ago (I told you I was behind on this thing...)

Well here is the story. A story of a poor old man who turned into more....

Lets get a good look at this young... i mean old... fellow.

How about a closer one... (though pictures won't EVER do his creepiness justice)

and here is a short story. So Richelle, Emilie, Christine and I went to the Canon store to get some ish. This fellow followed us in. We didn't really think about it... because there are a lot of strange fellows here. However we were in the store for quite a while, and the whole time this man was just staring intently at us (I am not making this up... even the canon employees noticed and reccomended that we get some gentlemen friends.) Though I guess the staring wasn't enough to get his message across. He had a bag full of paper, and furiously would try writing us notes. (Especially to Emilie) it was mostly about the usual stuff... bombing, murder, and something about the devil closing his mouth so he couldn't speak... nothing too out of the ordinary. He even asked (well wrote down) for Emilie to go in private with him (not sure why... though we think it might of been for a nice cup of coffee and a smoke since his teeth and beard were stained a beautiful yellow). The rest of us were jealous that this man kept giving Emilie so much intention (dangerous or not... it was attention from a man and we were in sore need of some) so we called some men to take us out. Security men count right? Well this old man who was infatuated with us was so disappointed that a couple of hunks (strong and intimidating are a few more adjectives that come to mind) came to pick us up that he followed us out of the store and continued to follow us with his puppy dog eyes (who's to say that the puppy dog wasn't a vicious german shepherd?) wishing that we would of gone with him to his humble cave/basement/dungeon. Though I might of gone with him... if I knew a brownie pastry would be waiting for me. (the security guys wouldn't stop for us.)

Richelle and I practicing being scared, and by scared I mean really attracted to this old man.

I am a pro at kick-boxing... it might of been as a form of defense against the old man... just in case he rejected the batting of my eyes.

Richelle prepared to swing if the man got too fresh... or not fresh enough.

Our knights in shining armour... I think we being the damsels in distress?

Da Biblical Zoo.

2009-02-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

I have done SO much these past two weeks (since being home from EGYPT!!). So all these adventures are going to be a little old... but I can't skip over all of them so I am going to do my little highlights (will I ever be caught up?! It seems like I am always 2 weeks behind!) Though I will say one thing... I am not as good as my fellow JCites who write novels about their expirences. If you want words... please go to the right hand of the screen and click on one of those lovely names over there. (This is already getting too wordy for me) so..

FIRST IS THE ZOO!!
(not just any zoo... THE BIBLICAL ZOO)

This seriously was such an awesome zoo! Here we (Nycole, Lauren, Elyse, Mariam, Me, and Richelle) are pretending we are peguins at the pool. They were so cute (yet not as cute as we were!!)

The most beautiful animal I have seen. I have never seen one this close and it acted like it was just posing for pictures. She must of been a movie star in her previous life. Seriously gorgeous. (No... I am not talking about me.)

Then there are some not so gorgeous animals at the zoo... not quite sure what it is exactly.

Like I said... pure animals. Its just so gracious of Money to share his food with this very hungry goat.

My beautiful Richelle. I think this was a snake we were supposed to be looking at? Maybe a lizard. I was more interesting in her though. Haha. She sure is a catch!

Noah's Ark. Right in the middle of the zoo. Rumor has it... this is the actual one. (Its possible!)

Young love in Noah's Ark. I'm thinking Ham and Egyptus?

Mt. Sinai

2009-02-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

(I know its a lot of reading... but its semi-good. You should read it. )

I'm not going to lie (one because that was my goal for the week and two because I think its too awesome to lie about) Mt. Sinai was not worth the hike up... or so it seemed when I got to the very top and was freezing to the point that I could barely move or think straight.

The hike was very difficult for me (I don't know about everyone... I am just saying for me). We started the hike up the mountain about 2am, where it of course was freezing and dark (of course). It started out pretty decent and the stars against the mountain were beautiful. I could just imagine Abraham and Moses looking up at those stars and thinking about how the Lord promised that his posterity would fill the earth... yet then the hike started getting more intense and the incline increased immensely. Soon I was just praying that I could just take a few more steps, and then a few more than that. I seriously didn't know if I could make it and I got colder by the minute.

I finally got to the top, and watched the sun rise over the top. I will admit that it was a beautiful sunrise... but nothing too special. Everyone was snuggling to stay warm, but I was just ready to
go back down. Luckily the wonderful Tamara was about ready to go down, so I walked down with her. I still wasn't sure that it was worth it till about 1/3 of the way down, when I looked up and saw what I had accomplished. The road was hard and rocky on the way up. I couldn't see where I was going and I had to trust in the little light that I had. Even now I don't know how I got up (I honestly think that God was helping me up). Yet then I traveled down in the light and saw what I had accomplished and it became worth it to me. I think that's how the Lord works in our life. He helps us up rocky roads, where we aren't really sure where we are going and when we are going to reach our final destination, but soon when we reach the peak... we began to see the light and we see what the Lord had in store for us and what he wanted us to learn. We really just have to lean and trust in the Lord to get us over that mountain. I now am very glad that I was able to accomplish that hike and see the light. It was worth it... as all trials are.

Right before the dawn was breaking. One of the worst parts because it was cold and the darkest, but then the sun broke and we were able to see what I accomplished.

Some people as they started going down (not my photo)

I know it doesn't look that high from the picture... but trust me. Its high and steep.

The view as we started walking down.

Looking into the rising sun.

Tamara really gave me some great insight on the way down. I was so grateful that just her and I could go down the mountain together and just talk. I have learned so much from her already. I hope she knows what a powerful aura she has surrounding her.

Priscilla joining us... she walks a little faster than we do apparently. I was amazed at her strength to climb up that mountain and her being so sick. I had trouble and I was perfectly healthy... the people who completed that being sick deserve an award.

If there is one thing I regret... its that I didn't take a picture with my new hero Suzy Wilson at the top (or anywhere close to Sinai for that matter). She was seriously the one who got me up to the top. She was pushing me along and waiting for me when I needed to take a rest... and she was also one of the sick ones. I call her hero everytime I see her (I hope that doesn't annoy her...) because she truly is. I love that girl. (she might be an angel)

Well thats all for now.... I think Egypt is done... It was seriously such a good trip. I can't wait to save up some more money and go back there. I fell in love with that beautiful place.

Boats Camels and Carriages

2009-02-08T02:22:00.000-08:00

We were probably the most spoiled kids when it came to Egypt. I can't believe all the awesome stuff that we were able to do. I was fine just looking at pyramids and shriveled mummies... but of course we got to do more amazing things than I thought possible.
For one... we got a sweet Hotel. It was called the Sheraton, and it was super nice. And the waiters were overly nice (it almost got a little tiresome) I felt like I was waited on hand and foot and I am deffinitly NOT used to that. Though it was tempting to eat the fruit that they had laying out... but we were warned against their fruit and water... so I resited. I just settled for the other 5 entree choices they had laying around... tough huh?

We took this very boat (you can see our hotel... the orange-ish one in the background) and sailed down the Nile River. I couldn't believe that my hotel was right on the Nile and I was actually sailing on it!!

Priscilla lookin' oh-so-fine on the little sail boat with her friends.

Then the sail-boat dropped us off on the other side of the bank where we got to ride...

CAMELS!!

Me on my beautiful camel... just strollin' down the Nile banks.Shelby loved my Camel... its because his name was Casanova... it was a pretty sweet-talkin' camel.

My camel (Casanova) and my guide (Muhamed)... he kept trying to hold my hand.

Then we got to take a carriage back to our hotel... it was pretty sweet

My fellow carriage riders... Matt, Miriam and Cate. We were the best group ever. (Though our driver thought that our bills were too wrinkled and tried to convince Matt to give him crisp ones... which is what is going on below)

The driver angry at wrinkled bills... I think they had one fold in them from being folded in half and in our pockets.

So I really can't complain about that day... it was pretty sweet. Well actually it was more than sweet. It was WONDERFUL!! But seriously... which day hasn't been wonderful here?! Its hard to think of one. (Well after we got all those orientation days over with)

Some History Egypt Has To Offer

2009-02-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

Not all the cool sites we saw were pyramids and sphinxes. (I think thats how you do the plural version of sphinx... it could be sphinxi?) Above is a natural pyramid... pretty cool eh?

It was almost like a scene out of the history channel... people were still working and excavating the ruins... I got a few good shots of them in.

Beautiful Jessica pondering the wonders of the hieroglyphics... she claims she is a pro at reading them.

The most beautiful Emma. I love her hair. If there was one person that I would trade hair with it would be Miss Emma. I sat by her for quite a bit on the bus and she thrilled me with her great conversational skills. Though she called me a liar at every chance she got... which is not true. But she definitely was my favorite person on the Egypt trip... but she'll never know it.

This is Miss Stefanie Tanner. She is a pretty awesome photographer. I usually just take pictures of her taking pictures. I don't know if she enjoys me stalking her.

The lovely Cate and I in front of King Tut's tomb. Cate's real name is Egyptus but she has to keep it on the DL because she is a celebrity in Egypt. It doesn't really help though that she is so beautiful though.

You know. Just us chillin' in front of the Pharaoh's Tombs.

There are seriously a billion pillars everywhere. But not just your average pillar that holds up a huge monument... but huge pillars with beautiful hieroglyphics that covers every inch of them. (and yes they still hold us amazing monuments)

I don't know if I can ever say enough about these two girls. They are seriously a HUGE part of why I love it here so much. They seriously are awesome and most of the time I feel like I'm not cool enough to hang out with them... (let alone sleep in the same room with them) But yeah... That us (room 410!!) standing in front of these pretty awesome looking statues. Though the amazingness of Richelle and Miriam kind of blocks your view. So you will just have to trust me. They were tall and awesome.

Shelby loves looking like a tourist. I try to avoid standing by him at all costs.

Priscilla is my idol for getting men. She says there is no place like the ruins for making a relationship work. (Ok well she may not of said it outloud but I am pretty darn sure she was thinking it.) She is most likely the funniest person I have met- though she pretends like she isn't. I wish I had her clothes.

My favorite Jacobs!! (and more pillars!!)

Nefertiti playing Nerfertitti. They look VERY similar.

Resting on Egypt History.

I know that I have only given you chunks of what I saw and expirenced... and I know even the chunks that I did give you weren't very good (or even comprehensible). I am not very good at writing long descriptions or even remembering what everything was called. If you want more I would check out some of my friends from Jerusalem that are on the side of this blog. They are a lot better at explaining stuff than I am!!

Pyramids and Da Sphinx

2009-02-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

Of course... what the first thing you think of when you think of Egypt? The pyramids... duh! So of course one of our first stops in Egypt... was the amazing pyramids!! Yay!!

My very first view of the pyramids as I walked out of the bus. I couldn't believe I was looking at the amazing PYRAMIDS!!

My traveling roommate Stefanie and I in front of one of the very first step pyramids... it was pretty sweet.

Stefanie Tanner, Elyse Bradly and I just doin' our thing. Yeah- we occasionally just hang by the pyramids. Daily occurrence for us all.

Beautiful Tamara and I in front of the three pyramids.

Richelle, Miriam and I standing in front of the beautiful pyramids

Richelle and I climbed the pyramids... we are pretty much the best hikers in the world. (It might of been illegal... but we will do anything for a photo.)

Our roommate "to-do" list was to hug a pyramid. Unfortunately they aren't as cuddly as they look. So we hugged Jeff instead (who I affectionately nicknamed pyramid anyways... so we thought it worked out fine.) But Miriam was nowhere to be found... so it wasn't a total success.

We jumped for joy at the awesomeness of the pyramids

And we also saw the sphinx!!

Miriam and I were pretty stunned to see the awesome Sphinx... so stunned that we had to put on our shades.

Sphinx (me) and Pyramid (Jeff)
We pretty much go together.

Mike having a conversation with the Sphinx. Its normal for him to talk to statues.

Well that's all for now... More Egypt updates later. There is soo much more to go through. It seriously was the most amazing thing ever. Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful.

Before Egypt

2009-02-02T01:14:00.000-08:00

Egypt.

What can I say about it?

Except that I have found my aura and my love.

It is seriously the best place that I have ever been and I am starting a bank account right now so I can go back. Love isn't even a strong even word for how I feel about it.

I have soo much to write about it... I think that I may do it in small sections. But this blog will never do that place justice. Pictures don't even do that place justice. And that says a lot!!

But lets start from the beginning...

Before even leaving the Jerusalem Center... Everyone tried to do their laundry in the few hours that we had before leaving for Egypt and with all the intense washing... it decided to flood. We had a pretty good time splashing in the suds and water.

We finally left for Egypt at about 5am and had several stops...

One was to see Beer Sheba where lots of the people from the Old Testament apparently stopped... there were a bunch of wells and ish like that. I am not sure why we had to wear hard harts... but they looked nice for the pictures.
It also happens to have an sacrificial alter... so a couple of the boys decided to reenact some animal sacrifices... It was interesting.

Then of course... being closer to Egypt... we saw several camel crossings...

Then we stopped at a bunch of ruins and saw some pretty sweet ruins and views.

Jacob and I got into an argument if this kid was a girl or a boy. I won. It was for sure a boy...

so Jacob gave me some money to give to him... and the whateverhewas bowed to me... it was pretty sweet.

We did so much... and we hadn't even reached the Egyptian borders...

Saturday January 24, 2009

2009-01-24T12:53:00.001-08:00

I AM ON MY WAY TO EGYPT!! PRETTY DANG EXCITED!!

Saturday January 24, 2009

2009-01-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

So I left my wallet in a camera store so I had to enlist 5 people to come with me to get it... and this was my gang... (well all of them except Mike) and they are Jeff, Stefanie, Richelle, and Elyse

And since we were already in West Jerusalem we decided to go to the "Jewish" Market and get some extra ish for Egypt. It was so awesome and very very busy!!

We even saw this cool old man playing in this band... at least I think he was playing in this band because he was parked right next to them just jamming out.

Today we went to the Garden Tomb today (Saturday) It was seriously a great spiritual experience. It is one of the few places where people think that Christ was laid when taken from the cross.

Chelsea and I... plus Carly jumped in... I love these girls.

Kara, Miriam, Me, Richelle, and Stefanie

Then we saw some amazing people who came from Africa
Steven, Jessica, Me and Richelle

Friday January 23, 2008

2009-01-23T01:05:00.000-08:00

The other day we were able to go through tunnels that follow the western wall. It was pretty amazing how deep and how much work the Jews put in to build such an awesome wall.

After the tunnels we walked through a bit of the Old City on our way home

And this old Jewish man came up to me and took my hand saying "Welcome to Jerusalem" and then kissed it... for a long time. haha. Pure Love.

Tuesday January 20, 2009

2009-01-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy I haven't had to time to write emails or even update this for a while!!

On Sunday we had a complete free day so about 25 of us took a tazi/bus to En Kerem (I think that's how its spelled...) which is the birth place of John the Baptist. It is such a cute little town in the hills (so it definitely was a hike). I think that if I knew what Tuscany was like... I would compare it to Tuscany... or some little quaint town of that nature. The view was absolutely amazing and the weather couldn't of been better. We just walked around to the different little churches and shops in the city. My favorite place was the art gallery where this man has been painting for 70 years and his work is beautiful.
After walking from hill to hill a few of us (Miriam, Richelle, Ryan and I) got tired and decided to split from the group and stop at a small gellato place. IT WAS SO AMAZING. They had like a cookie flavor (honestly I don't know what it was) but it was heaven. Richelle and I loved it so much that we had to split a second one.
So because we slacked off on Sunday we had a lot of catching up to do Monday, so that was a dedicated study day (however those usually still turn out to be social because everyone gets together to study... and ends up just talking) It seriously feels like one big family now... I feel pretty close to everyone here (can't say if they feel the same about me though)
We are getting ready to go to Egypt soon which I am excited about... though a little nervous because the staff enjoys telling us horror stories. Basically if you don't get raped, kidnapped or deathly ill you will have a good time... but about 80% of the people got one of those (ok most of it was the sick part... but you could say that their health was kidnapped)
I am constantly tired and hungry... yet extremely happy- which is a good thing because it means I am busy. I am so greatful that I am able to visit all these amazing sites. I am trying to keep up with all that I do... but I am still days behind!! I hope you all enjoy!!

Saturday January 17, 2009

2009-01-17T07:11:00.000-08:00

This week has flown by so fast. I can't believe that its already shabbat (the sabbath). Yesterday we went to the "Wailing Wall" which is the western wall of the Old City wall. I think its the only remaining original wall of Herod's Temple. We went about sundown (which is when the Jewish sabbath starts) so there were tons of people there to sing, pray and worship. It has been my favorite thing so far. I was able to walk right up to the wall which was present when Jesus was there and place a small piece of paper in the crack as a prayer to God. (It was basially the most awesome thing ever... there were pieces of paper with written prayers in every open crevice in the wall. After some moments of meditation, some of us met up with a group of Jewish girls and participated in their song and dance (the boys and girls had to be seperated so they can't be distracted in their worship.) Everyone was so kind and willing to let you into their circle. For the first time I was approached and asked about my religion... but the sad thing is that I wasn't allowed to say anything about it. (The church has agreement not to talk about the church in Israel) But other wise it was so much fun and I loved seeing the people in the midst of their culture having such a fun time celebrating the coming of the sabbath. (Just something I have holy envy for) I wish I was able to take some pictures to share with everyone, but we aren't allowed cameras because it is so Sacred.
Today we walked to the Garden of Gethsemane (which is a good walk from the Jerusalem Center... as is everything) It is just a small little garden with a few of the oldest olive trees alive inside. It had such a great spirit about it though, and I was able to read my scriptures and write in my journal as I sat in the middle of all those trees. I still am astonished that I am here and able to sit and read the account of the Savior while I sit where he once was. It is such a powerful expirence.

Wednesday January 14, 2009

2009-01-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was definitely a study day. Luckily it was warm outside so I was able to study on the grass overlooking the beautiful Jerusalem... plus I got to take some beautiful pictures of the outside. The classes that I am taking are
1. Old Testament
2. New Testament
3. Ancient Near East History
4. Modern Near East- Jewish Side
5. Modern Near East- Palestine Side
6. Arabic
I haven't decided which one is my favorite yet. All the teachers here are amazing. There is SO much homework though. We seriously have to read 30 pages or more for each class. It definitely isn't just a semester off. Plus the bad thing is that we aren't able to repeat any of these classes... so if I do bad... it's forever!! dun dun dun... and it doesn't help that the beautiful Holy City calls my name at every free moment. I am learning to balance my time for sure here. By balance I mean go out to the city by day and study and cram by night. Though today we only had an hour or two between class... so I just decided to stay in and read. As you can see... I didn't read for very long till I started taking pictures. I mean but seriously... how can you not? I love it here!!

Monday January 12, 2009

2009-01-12T07:38:00.001-08:00

I finally figured out how to upload on this internet... This is our first day of school... notice the awesome backpacks?

Today is Monday, yet it feels like Tuesday since we had classes yesterday (Sunday). No I am not a sinner. We have church on Saturday (as previously discussed.) Having church on Saturday seriously messes your whole week up. You keep thinking that the the day is the day after... when really its not. Confusing right? You just had to read that. I actually have to live it. But its all good. I love it enough to stay here. (Its not like my mom and dad would let me come home if I wanted to anyways.)
We were able to go out again today. We still had to stay in larger groups and be back by 4pm as an extra precaution... but at least its out. I still am in awe that I am walking the streets of the Holy City and so much history is in our backyard. We are hoping that the bombing stops and there is a call to "cease fire" so we can have less restrictions and more freedom to roam about.
Today we went to the Rockefeller Museum (I don't think I spelled it right... but its not like it matters) It was pretty amazing. Lots of bones and pots and carvings. You know. Typical museum ish. I love that stuff. I wish I was able to take pictures inside... but I couldn't. No use crying over spilled milk.
I also had my first Arabic class today. I think its going to be my favorite. The teacher is so funny and I am pretty sure I just laughed the whole hour. And he was the first teacher not to assign us a billion sheets of homework.
Speaking of HW... I should get to it.

Sunday January 11, 2009

2009-01-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day that we were able to go to the Old City by ourselves (well actually in groups of 5) We were all so ansty to get out of the Center that right after lunch everyone rushed out as fast as they could.
It was so much fun to finally be out and about instead of just looking at it. We had to have at least one boy in our group, so my roommates and I haggled to boys to come shopping with us. Fortunately we hadn't exchanged any money yet- so we weren't able to buy anything (though we were really tempted)
It started raining just as we were about to walk home. So we were soaked- but it was still so fun. I loved every minute of it.

Saturday January 10, 2009

2009-01-10T04:23:00.000-08:00

So I had this blog as a requirement for photoclass- and I decided that I might as well put it to good use and use it as a Jerusalem blog.

I don't think I can post any pictures... so it might not be so exciting. But its mostly just for me to keep track of my travels. Its kind of hard to work because its all in Arabic... but hopefully it works.

We have been here for about 3 days- but it feels like longer. Its so amazing to wake up and realize that you are in the Holy Land and all you have to do is walk outside and you have this amazing view. The Jerusalem Center probably has the best view you can find. It is in between Mt. Scopus and Mountain of Olives.
We haven't been able to go out to the city by ourselves yet because there have been several riots going on. But we were able to go on a tour in small groups which was amazing. I hope that we will be able to go out by ourselves soon though! Its soo tempting being able to see it but not experience it.

My roommates are the best roommates I could ever ask for here. It was not a coincidence that we were put together. (Though it may have been better for our sleep if we were separated. haha) I'm pretty sure that no one has had as much fun as us and that they are all jealous. Its crazy how close we have become in such a short time.

I am so glad that I am here and love every minute of it. (Even 4am Muslim Prayer Calls)

PS. If you decided to look at previous posts... please do not expect anything amazing. We just had to post one picture a day for 2 months for my photoclass and tell something about it. They are not good. So don't expect it.

Saturday November 29, 2008

2008-11-29T20:50:00.001-08:00

Hopefully this lady doesn't see this. But I really liked the light that fell on her from the airplane window light on the way to SLC.

Friday November 28, 2008

2008-11-29T20:40:00.000-08:00

This is an attempt at our annual family picture... but no one would cooperate- so none of them turned out with all of us. Plus I forgot my tripod.

Thursday November 27, 2008

2008-11-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is always a big ordeal in my family. Luckily my mom likes to to have everything perfect and therefore does everything herself. I just enjoy the spoils.

Wednesday November 26, 2008

2008-11-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

What's a vacation without a Mall? And whats a vacation without a food court. Mmm.

Tuesday November 25, 2008

2008-11-25T13:22:00.003-08:00

My little brother Scotty Boy waiting to surf the waves... Just waiting for Mom to go watch him.

Sunday November 23, 2008

2008-11-25T13:10:00.001-08:00

I'm not a stickler about not "Sunday Travel." I mean you gotta eat on Sunday if you are traveling.

Saturday November 22, 2008

2008-11-25T13:05:00.000-08:00

Finally on the Road for Thanksgiving Break. Luckily the gas prices don't scare me.

Friday November 21, 2008

2008-11-25T13:02:00.000-08:00

The truth of the Weekend: My roommate getting ready for a date while I do homework and take pictures.

Thursday November 20, 2008

2008-11-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

Trying to watch the Office and do my homework at the same time resulted in not doing very well of either. I just got frustrated.

Wednesday November 19, 2008

2008-11-19T17:40:00.001-08:00

This is the machine that takes my change repeatedly. I am still not sure how I end up with so much laundry at the end of the week.

Tuesday November 18, 2008

2008-11-19T00:23:00.001-08:00

My sister found a kitty wandering around the other day. I don't even like cats and I think its adorable. Its name is Chow Mein.

Monday November 17, 2008

2008-11-17T23:15:00.001-08:00

It has been so beautiful these past days, I could hardly pass up a time to study outside. I was surprised there weren't many people out on the grass.

Sunday November 16, 2008

2008-11-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday is the day that everyone takes their blessed naps. Luckily my room mate didn't know I was watching her.

2008-11-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

Today is my roommates Birthday and I put a fake parking ticket on her car.

November 12, 2008

2008-11-12T22:26:00.000-08:00

Everyday (unless I just decide not to leave my apartment) I walk up and down these stairs. Sometimes I wonder what I would do if I opened my door and they were gone.

November 11, 2008

2008-11-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

Night after night I spend my time on my computer; writing essays, surfing the web, and perfecting my photos. During the weekdays... my Mac is my best friend.