EXPLORER OF HOLY LANDS

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2009-06-21T00:21:00.001-07:00

I was thinking about Jerusalem and then about my blog, and I decided that I should officially end my blog as an explorer of the Holy Land. Not that I don't want to go back and not that it really matters, because honestly, who really reads this blog? It looks like someone puked all over it. Ha ha ha, so I think this is for me. To tell myself and the cosmic universe that I am so grateful for Jerusalem, all it's experiences, all the people I met, and things I've learned. So many people have touched my life in a very meaningful way. And I know that sounds corny, but that doesn't make it untrue. I feel different since Jerusalem. I know that it's changed me in a big way. I'm still as dorky as they come, but I feel different inside. Ha ha ha, I'll stop. I just wanted to say thanks.

Every day is the Best Day Ever!

2009-04-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

So today was one of the greatest days! We had the best of all worlds: ruins, swimming, hiking, and knowledge! Ha ha ha. Our first stop was Masada which was really cool. It's a fortress on top of this huge plateau fortified by Herod. Next place was the Dead Sea! And I do have to say that ever since I heard that you can't sink in this body of water, it has been my dream! Dream accomplished today!! It was so awesome!! Although that water burns! There is more chemicals in there than salt (magnesium, potassium, and something else), and if you get some it your mouth it is like a fire has exploded in there! Just think if you got it in your eye! AH! Then we walked over to the mud pit, and covered ourselves in mud. After that was En Gedi, where Samuel hid from Saul. The waterfalls there were beautiful, but other than the ground right next to the water, it was baren dessert. Our last place was at Qumran where they found a large portion of the Dead Sea Scrolls. That was really cool because our professor actually worked on them, and the Jerusalem Center present knew the archaeologist that discovered them. I felt so lucky!!

Ok, so I think this will be my last blog. I have other things I want to do with my last while, and blogging is not one of them! YUCK! Almost as bad as the journ! Also I'm currently planning a trip to Italy on my way home. I don't know anything about Italy, so if you have some tips, I'd be grateful for the info!

I LOVE THE HERODION

2009-04-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

For my tomb, I would like a giant mountain made and named after me. This is a serious request!

Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

Today was Palm Sunday, and we went to the Church of the Holy Seplechure. It was really amazing to see all the different Christians gather together to celebrate Christ. I don't see enough of my Christian brethren here!

Catholic?

Nuns

Copts

Pictures of Galilee

2009-04-05T04:48:00.001-07:00

On the boat in the sea of Galilee!

A ship they found that dates back to Christ's time.

Ryan Rampton trying to make a raft. Later Stephanie Tanner took it out to sea in her clothes, it started to sink, so she was screaming for her life. Ryan yells, "I'll save you!" Gets into the water, rips off his shirt, his shirt falls into the water, and he saves Stephanie. Unfortunately the water didn't even get his pants wet. Ha ha ha, good times!

Suppose to be the most beautiful place in Israel.

Ceaserea: We take these lame "GQ" pictures all the time! Ha ha, Also NUN ON THE BEACH!

This is Brother Brown, our director. He's rad, and posing for another "GQ" picture at Kurish where Christ cast the evil spirits into the swines.

Back to "The Center"

2009-04-03T11:09:00.001-07:00

I just got home from Galilee and then snorkeling in Eliat. It was absolutely amazing. We hit Galilee in the two month period that's it's green, and I think it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

We stayed at the Kibbutz Ein Gev. Our bungalo was right on the Sea of Galilee. I just can't describe how wonderful it was.

I think my favorite things about Galilee was the Mount of Beattitudes. The church there was simple and lovely, and the grounds were spectacular.

We also did hiking in the Golon Heights, and the place is covered in flowers. But word to the wise, do not go off the path because there are a whole lot of thistles and surprise rocks.

I also loved Capernaum, Nazareth, and Meggido

Today I just got back from Eliat, and it was kickin! The water was so clear, and the fish were awesome! There was a bossy guy though. We went at a nature reserve, and a guy would come over the intercom and say, "JERUSALEM STUDENTS, DO NOT SWIM THERE" at least every fifteen minutes. Ha ha.

Well I probably should write more, but I am exhausted! Shabbat Shalom!

Important Word

2009-04-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

Read Blood Brothers. That is all.

New Testament

2009-03-15T12:42:00.001-07:00

I started New Testament this week and I am so excited!! I am so grateful for the chance to learn more about the life of Christ!

Also my teacher found this really good quotes, so I'd thought I'd share!

Occasionally, a few in the Church let the justified caveat about the Bible—“as far as it is translated correctly” (A of F 1:8)—diminish their exultation over the New Testament. Inaccuracy of some translating must not, however, diminish our appreciation for the powerful testimony and ample historicity of the New Testament. (Neal A. Maxwell)

The doctrines contained in the Bible will lift to a superior condition all who observe them; they will impart to them knowledge, wisdom, charity, fill them with compassion and cause them to feel after the wants of those who are in distress, or in painful or degraded circumstances. They who observe the precepts contained in the Scriptures will be just and true and virtuous and peaceable at home and abroad. Follow out the doctrines of the Bible, and men will make splendid husbands, women excellent wives, and children will be obedient; they will make families happy and the nations wealthy and happy and lifted up above the things of this life. (Brigham Young)

Seperation Wall

2009-03-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Today we had a field trip to the seperation wall. It's such a big deal, and it's in our backyard. I can't wait to come home and tell people what's really going on in Jerusalem. They told us to keep our blogs on the DL, so that's all i'm going to say.

Purim

2009-03-11T08:36:00.001-07:00

THE BEST HOLIDAY EVER!

At first the Mormons were the dorks that show up early at the party! But boy we know how to party!! Especially if you are so overly scheduled and tested and bossed around!! So we get to West Jeru at FIVE O'CLOCK! Yes, the party didn't start till ten.... There were lots of people who left because it was cold, but a few of us stayed true, and five hours later there was a rockin party full of drunk, fire-crackin Jews. It was pretty awesome. I dressed up as a white trash pregnant woman, and EVERYONE was staring at my belly and trying to talk to me in Hebrew. Sometimes people would just casually walk by and poke it, just to check!! It was so rad! Halloween is boring compared to this holiday. I declare that all people need to get on this!!

I am faster than 80% of all snakes. Dwight

2009-03-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

So today I went to the Jewish market and it was CRAZY! I bought nuts and dried bananas and headphones and this sweet necklace! So I'm pretty happy about life. Everything was so cheap! That was pretty much all we did.

Oh my gosh I can't believe I didn't tell you this, but I met the crazies man! He said he had a computer chip in his head, his mom was god, and everyone was his "enemies", oh and the government took away his TV. It was so funny. Everyone was looking really uncomfortable because we couldn't leave because we were waiting for a taxi. So we were waiting in this spot stuck talking to the craziest man. But I loved it!! I just tried to keep asking questions!!! Ha ha, it was really hard to understand him though because he was speaking English and ARabic.

Yad VaShem

2009-02-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

So today we went to the Holocaust museum of Jerusalem. It was a very sobering day. I don't think I can ever complain about anything ever again, and I feel horrible for whining when we rode that sketchy train in Egypt. The Jews of the Holocaust went through so much, they we pushed to ends of humanism as they were treated as livestock. I think the most heart wrenching part for me was to see the shoes. The shoes were from the Jews who were about to enter into a shower of mass murder. Something as simple as footware made the Holocaust seems so real. People had been through the worst wearing those shoes. It was some of the last things the Jews about to meet their death touched. I just couldn't believe it. And I'm so grateful that I don't have to go through anything like that.

It really made me appreciate how great and easy my life it. I forget alot how lucky I am just to live in a relatively peaceful place. I have freedom and people aren't trying to kill me. But really, life and to be treated as a human being is such an incredible gift.

When a dog runs at you, whistle for him.

2009-02-17T06:49:00.001-08:00

So, I have this problem. Everytime time I go anywhere I feel like I get yelled at by Monks or Nuns. And I don't think I've met a nice one yet!! I like to explore, so if there aren't any signs posted, I do just that. Unfortunately I am not very sneaky, so they find me everytime! AH!! If only I had sneaky skills. However I am going to keep trying!! I just have too much of my mom in me I guess!

Just Your Average Sunday

2009-02-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

So I quoted Sponge Bob today, and somebody totally knew what I was talking about. Life long friend in 30 seconds!!

Seriously today was really really good. I finally left "the center" and went to the Israel house of government know as the knenesset. They have a weird government, it's really confusing. The elections just passed, they know who has the most votes, but they don't know who won. This is because you have to get more than 50 percent of the votes, so you have to combind votes with other people who ran and promise to give them things in return! CRAZY! But it was really cool. Chagall designed these huge tapestries that are absolutely beautiful. I think that was my favorite part. But even the place that almost looks exactly like the senate, smells like smoke. Everyone is always smoking!

Other than the knesset, we just walked back to the old city. But first we talked to some guards. He he, they are so CUTE!! All the military boys are 20 to 22, and some of them are SMOKIN! So we got directions from a beautiful man, and then they watched us walk the total wrong direction, laughed, then corrected them. I have some serious man skill. Then we proceeded to wander and wandering is rad!! Jayne and Shamra were way fun to go out with. We went to the Armenian Church of St. James, and absolutely amazing. It was a beautiful church, but I've seen so many pretty churchs. This was has a special place in my part becuase it was unique because it was so peaceful and reverent. Just a really cool spirit. AMAZING!

Then we went to the Dormition Abby, which is also beautiful. They say it's where Mary died. And I've been to a couple places dedicated to Mary, and they are the best places. Beautiful, simple, and lovely! The Dormition Abby was no exception

That was pretty much my awesome day!

Shabbat Shalom!

2009-01-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

Today was on of the coolest days!

But first, yesterday the day started out amazing!! We paid a few sheckels and climbed on top of the old city wall! You had a wonderful view of the city, plus you were walking on a fabulous piece of architecture that has been around for hundreds of years! It was like being a castle gaurd! I would have given anything for a spear or some hot oil I could've thrown down! But we didn't make it all the way around because there was a demonstration outside of Demascus Gate, so security called our phones, and we were out of there. But it's definitely something I'm going to do again!

Ok today! Ha ha, I still can't think about it without laughing. So we can't go out at night, but tonight they made an exception. The center took us to the Western (Wailing) Wall! It was amazing! There are two sides, one for men, one for women. So we went up and there are women singing, dancing, and praying. It's a powerful image to see so many show such devotion. The thing that really impacted me was when I got closer to the wall there are thousands of papers pushing into the crevices to the wall of the prayers of the people. It just put into perspective the individual needs of so many different people. So many different prayers... It just blew my mind and really showed me the power of God. How much he takes care of us and loves us on such an individual basis is so astounding. Then I decided it was time to dance! So I found a group with another girl, and we joined a Jewish circle where people were dancing and singing! It was so much fun! I wish I could start every Sabbath like that!!

The funny thing is that they told us to wear scarves, but nobody else was wearing them! They thought we were Muslim married women!! But that's what the teacher led us to believe we were suppose to do! I had a girl come up to me and ask if I was Jewish, and I said, "No I'm Mormon." And she was like, "oh, that's why all you people are wearing jeans and a scarve!" How silly! They didn't really prepare us well, but they'll do better next time! Over all it was such a great experience. For a moment wished I was Jewish!

Second Day in the Old City

2009-01-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

We went into the old city yesterday after serious warning. We could only be on the same path we had on our orientation tour. So groups just formed and about five of us went out together. Two boys and three girls.

We have to go through a Palestinian area before we get to the city. And there is a little graffiti on the walls, but trash is everywhere. So I asked my fellow comrades about why they thought that was, and one remarked that because the Israel government doesn't recognize and discriminates against them, they don't have as good of trash pickup and they aren't very clean. They are stickin it to the man! I thought that was interesting.

When we got to the Holy City we just wandered around. Streets of cobble stones are line with shops of bright fabric. It's fabulous.

We went into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. That was pretty amazing. The huge church's light comes by candles and it smells thick of incense. As you walk in and there's the rock they think Christ laid on in the tomb. And there's some kind of oil on it. Pilgrims are soaking rags, praying, and/or washing their face in the oil. Behind this is an amazing mosaic. It's at least twenty feet long and it's a depiction of the last supper. They colors are so vibrant, it's beautiful.

Then to the right of that is a room where you seen an alter and rock. And the thing with that is, it's where they think when Christ was crucified, the rock spilt and Christ's blood dripped down onto Adam's skull. So you see a cracked rock. And above that is the hole where they believe the cross was put.

So we walked upstairs and it was kind of gaudy. The whole ceiling has been mosiaced and there is a very shiny representation of Christ and Mary. Above the hole of the cross. Hundreds of unlit lamps hang from the ceiling. But it's pretty cool because you duck down, one at a time to kneel and put your hand in the hole of the cross. There really is a very unique spirit there. It's very solemn. I don't know how else to describe it. Then you wander around in this place, and I didn't understand much. (We're going on the field trip there soon.) But it's huge!!

Then there is a small room inside a large room of limestone and pillars, and it side that small house-like room is where they think his tomb was. So you duck down twice and you are in this tiny room that fits 5 people max. And they just let you stand for 30 seconds in the supposed tomb of Christ and there's a bench with his picture and some more candle lamps. Then when your time is up a Christian monk-like person dressed in all black with a square hat and beard ushers you out. That was pretty much all we saw that was special. It was really a cool place. It was powerful to see people who had come from very different places make a connection with something bigger than themselves.

First Few Days in the Holy Land

2009-01-08T06:33:00.000-08:00

I do have to say that first of all I am exhausted, but secondly, and more importantly, I am so grateful to be in the Holy Land. It is such a blessing, and I am definately going to take advantage of every experience I can!! AH!! It's just still so surreal.

After 22 hours of flying and only 3 hours of sleep, we climbed Mt. Scopus, turned the corner at the sign "Mormon University", our bus pulled up to the BYU Jerusalem Center right at sunset! The timing couldn't have been better. The limestone building is full of archways and over looks the old city were so much happened. My favorite part is that it's a personal and beautiful reminder of the atonement of Christ.

Today we had an orientation of the old city! It was amazing! The huge gate surrounds the entire city and once inside, we toured a church and many shops. Shop owners tried to get us to buy things. A few of them would call out, "Welcome Mormons!" People on the streets can tell who we are immediately. And here it seems to be a compliment to be a Mormon, which is really cool! However, the old city is off limits to us for now because of the current political conditions, but I hope to be spending so more time there soon.

The man who changes our money from dollars to Schekles is named Aladdin!

Oh! We also walked past the Garden Tomb! It's such a powerful feeling to be so near a place that Christ walked, and his prophets have walked since.

I'm having the time of my life. It's so beautiful here, but not in the usual way. The city is huge!! I think there are 750,000. Also the people of BYU Jerusalem are wonderful! They are all so kind and friendly! I am also trying to be friendly, but I'm just so bad at it! Also I have great roommates, and I am the oldest one! So weird! I have never been the oldest one!! The power of 21!