Dome of the Rock and Jewish Quarters

Yesterday was yet another amazing day! Today Catie, Jamie, and I went to the city for our free day! Our first stop…Dome of the Rock and Temple Mount! It was incredible! I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved going to this site. The Muslims built the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount because they believe that this is the spot where Abraham sacrificed Ishmael. Inside the Dome, there is a big rock in which they believe was the sacrificial altar. I wish we could have gone into the Dome of the rock, but it is not allowed. Anyway, the outside was beautiful and we had such an amazing time taking lots of pictures of the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. 

Dome of the Rock

After the Temple Mount, we went to Jewish Quarters on the Cardo Street. The Cardo Street was the main street of the Byzantine ear in the 4^th century. It had a lot of old remaining ruins and pillars. It was really neat to see. Our second stop was the Broad Wall, which looks like a pointless pile of stones but it has so much more meaning. The Broad Wall was part of King Hezekiah’s building in the 8^th Century BC to enclose a new quarter outside the city wall. Right next to the Broad Wall was the Ariel Center, which was my favorite stop for the day. I loved going to the Ariel Center to learn more about the First Temple Period. There was an audiovisual show that describes all the city’s history from 1000 BC to 586 BC. Another group was there too, so we had a lot of fun learning about the city, as well as learning how to write our names in ancient Hebrew. After we got out of the tour, we had about an hour to spare before our reservations at the Hurva Synagogue, so we, of course, got ice cream! I can’t believe how much ice cream I have eaten in Jerusalem, but it is all SO good! MMMMmmmmm! I love it! The Hurva Synagogue was really interesting because it told a lot about the Jewish History as well as the site, but I had a hard time focusing because I was so tired! I am glad we went to the site though because it had a lot of amazing pictures spots. 

Stephanie, Jamie, me, and Katie at the Ariel Center

Overlook from the Hurva Synagogue

 For the rest of the day, we shopped around and enjoyed the city. I truly love the city! It feels so nice to just walk around, look at the shops, and smell the spices. I remember the first day in Jerusalem that I was a little bit culture shocked and I never thought I would ever feel comfortable. So much has changed since I first arrive in Jerusalem. I sincerely am loving every minute of my experience here.   

Arab Night

Last Wednesday, we had Arab Night! It was so much fun! We first went to the forum room to hear about the Arab culture. The Arabic teacher talked about the culture and customs of Islam, particularly prayer. Two men sang the call to prayer for us that is announced throughout all of Jerusalem five times a day. After the call to prayer, the Islam people pray, so the two men demonstrated for us how the people pray. It was really interesting to hear about their religion. I have a lot of respect for their beliefs and the loyalty they have to Allah. 

After the forum, we went ate Arab food in the Oasis. Early in the day, a group of us volunteered to help prepare the meal. I loved preparing the meal because the chiefs would teach us all about the Arab food and how to prepare it. I was in charge of preparing a dish that had stuffed zucchini with wine leafs that had rice in them. Also, I helped prepare the chicken burritos (well that is what we would call them in America). They had an Arab spice, so I didn’t like them very much, but it was fun to prepare. My favorite thing to help with was the cookie dough! I don’t know if I was much help preparing it, but I sure did help eating it when the chief was not around.  

Anyway, so we had dinner in the Oasis with the many dishes that the students helped prepared. It was really nice! To commence the Arab Night, we had a dance in the gym. It was not ordinary dancing though. Some of the local Arab people came and taught us how to do their form of dancing. Basically, you hold each other’s hands in a circle and do a lot of stepping and skipping. All of us had so much fun learning how to “dance”! By the end of the night, we were all extremely happy until we thought about homework and the midterm the next day.   

"Not Another Tell?"

Last Monday, October 4th, we went from Tell to Tell in the Shephelah, low hills, seeing lots of historical sites.

Tel Tzafit: Biblical Gath of the Philistines, home of Goliath 

Tel Maresha :“Bell Caves”, olive press, columbaria, cistern house, tombs

Bell Caves

Dove Cote

Olive Press

Tomb

Megan, me, Chelsea, Lizzie, and Allysa

Highlights:

• Brother Jackson explained how Olive Oil is used to bless because it is symbolic to the atonement of Christ. Through his blood we are healed because he spilt it for us. The oil is a representation of Christ.  
• Also, I really like seeing the Dove Coat. It was AMAZING! A couple girls and I had a lot of fun taking pictures. 
• The final stop at Tel Maresha was my favorite because we went into these little rooms that had tombs that were painted. 
• Lizzie, Alyssa, and I climbed into the tombs to take some funny pictures. We had so much fun, especially getting ice cream afterwards.     

Tel Lachise Ancient fortress city of Judah

Tel Azekah: View of the Valley of Elah, Site of David and Goliath

using my sling shot on the site of David and Goliath

Old City Adventures

Last Thursday a couple of us went to the Old City to enjoy the amazing historical sites. All of the sites that we went to say that this is where Christ did this or this is where this happened in the scriptures. There is no way to know that the place is EXACTLY the spot. All the churches believe that they have the “correct” spot, so I just study, learn, and feel the spirit in all of the sites. I know that most of the historical things happened around the area so I accept that and enjoy the site. 

Anyway, we first went to a look out point over Dome of the Rock. This is where some say that Christ started his Via Della Rosa. The spot in ancient times would have looked over the ancient temple of Herod. Well, if this is not the place then it does not matter because I got a great view of the Dome.

Dome of the Rock

Next we went to the Church of the Flagellation. This is where a Catholic church resides that believes that Christ was flogged by Roman soldiers prior to his Crucifixion. After that we went to the Church of Condemnation, which was next to it. In this location is believed to be the place where Christ was put on trial before Pontius Pilate. We also saw the Ecco Homo arch, which spans the Via Dolorosa, and then made our way to the Convent of Sister of Zion. At the Christian Convent it is believed to have been the spot where Pilate present Christ and said “Ecce Homo” meaning “behold the man"

Church of the Flagellation

After we were all drained of visiting the sites we made our way through the Old city to get some ice cream!! I love ice cream and this time it tasted even better than usually. As we entered through Damascus Gate we stopped by the Roman Plaza. This is where the people used to enter to get into the Old City in ancient times.

  

Ice Cream with the Girls!

Roman Plaza

 On the way home, we all talked about how neat it is to walk where Christ walks each day and to study the places at the places in Jerusalem. It is amazing to be here and to learn off him!

 

Egypt

Egypt was such an amazing experience! It is impossible to put into words all of the wonderful experiences I had while traveling around Egypt, studying the scriptures, and getting to know the people in the land, so I will give only a few highlights from the trip!!

Day One: The first day we spent mostly traveling but we stopped at a few Biblical sites on the way including Tel Beersheba and Tel Arad. Finally we ended up at the Kibbutz Keturah where we played in the sand dunes, enjoyed a wonderful BBQ, and swim party.

Tel Beesheba

Day Two: We mainly spent day two traveling and crossing the border into Egypt. However, we were able to attend a LIGHT SHOW at the pyramids which was AmAzInG!!! I kept having to pinch myself to believe that I was actually in EGYPT!

Light Show at the Pyramids

Day Three: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Papyrus factory, Saqqara (Mastaba and Zoser complex, Memphis, and flight from Cairo to Luxor

Giza Pyramids

I love these girls!!

Building a Pyramid at the Pyramids :)

I can't believe I was there!! I love the Pyramids of Giza!

Sphinx

Memphis: Ramses II

Zoser Pyramid (first pyramid ever built)

Sheraton Hotel with my roomate Jenelle

Day Four: Valley of the Kings, Funeral Temple of Hatsheput, Falukah Ride, Camel Safari, carriage ride through the city, shopping in the Suuq, and night stroll through the Winter Palace

Temple of Hatshepsut

Falukah Ride through the Nile River

Camel Ride by the Nile River

Day Five: Motor boat ride, Karnak Temple tour, carriage ride, Luxor Temple Tour, swimming at the hotel, train ride from Luxor to Cairo

Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple

Luxor Temple

Watching the Sunset over the Nile River :) Breath taking!

Train Ride from Luxor to Cairo

Day Six: Old Cairo, Egyptian Museum, Hard Rock Cafe, and Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar

Hard Rock Cafe in Cairo

Day Seven: Cairo Citadel (Muhammad Ali Mosque and Al Nasir Muhammad Mosque), Marah, Elim, Rephidim, and over night at Moganland for a 2:00 AM hike to Mt. Sinai

Muhammad Ali Mosque

Head dress for inside the Mosque

Class at Rephidim

 Day Seven: 2:00 AM wake up call for Mt. Sinai, go home to Jerusalem

At the top of Mt. Sinai

Watching the Sunrise on top of Mount Sinai

Egypt was incredible! I had such a great time making lasting memories and creating great friendships! I LOVE EGYPT!!!

And the Days Go By..

One week has already gone by and I can't believe how much I have learned about the land, the culture, and the scriptures. Every minute is filled with classes, orientations, or field trips and if it is not planned then the students go out in the city. I am loving every minute of it, even the long hours of studying late at night.

Wednesday 9/1: Arrived at Jerusalem/Orientation

Thursday 9/2: Orientation Walk through East Jerusalem, the Old City, and West Jerusalem

Friday 9/3: Class/Free Day at the Center because of Ramadan

Saturday 9/4: Sabbath Day and Walk to the Old City

My Roommates and I before our first Sabbat (which is Saturday in the Holy Land)

Sunday 9/5: Free Day :) Old City, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Church of the Redeemer, Money Exchanger,  Omar's Olive Wood Shop, Ice Cream, Zedekiah's Cave

Damascus Gate

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Golgatha: The believed site of the Greek Orthodox where the rock of which Christ's Cross would have stood.

Stone Of Unction:  spot where the anoiting and wrapping of Christ's body after his death has been commemorated.

Crack in the wall where they believe the earth was cracked by the earthquakes at the coming of the Savior

Beautiful Artwork

Candles symbolizing their prayers unto God

Some people believe that Christ's Tomb was here

Some people say that Christ was buried here

 two tombs

Center of the World (Between the Tomb and Golgotha)

Church of the Redeemer

Zedekiah's Cave

Zedekiah's Cave

Monday 9/6: Geography Field Trip

Seven Arches Hotel Overlook 

Deir Mar Elyas/Alias Monastery (Bethlehem is behind me in this picture)

Augusta Victoria 

Haas Promenade Overlook (View of City of David, Moriah, Kidron Valley, Bethany, Geshtemane, Mt. of Evil Counsel, etc)

Nabi Samwil (Gibeon- Joshua 9-10)

Tuesday 9/7: Class Full Day

Wednesday 9/8: Study Day/ Rosh Hashana Party at the Rabbi's House

A couple of us got invited to go to A Rabbi's house for a Rosh Hashana feast (It is the Jewish New Year)! It was a lot of fun and very interesting. I learned a lot about their religion. The Jewish people are very faithful and have great devotion to God. 

Thursday 9/9: Study/Shopping/Egypt Video

Ramadan Treat with the Girls on our shopping day

Friday 9/10: School/Western Wall

The Western Wall was an amazing experience. We saw Herodian stones that date back to the time of Christ. I talked to a lot of Jewish people who explained to me their beliefs. They pray at the wall because they believe it is a Holy Place (It is the wall of Herod's temple). It was amazing to be there and see how devoted these people are to their faith.

Saturday 9/11: Sabbath/ Garden Tomb

Going to the Garden Tomb was amazing! We went on a mini field trip there. The Garden Tomb at this location is not exactly sure (like everything else in Jerusalem) but it does not matter. The spirit can still bare witness to everyone anywhere that HE LIVES! It was a great opportunity to reflect on the Savior's life and resurrection. Our class sang a number of hymns in the Garden Tomb, and I was able to feel the spirit very strong testify of him.

Sunday 9/12: Tel Aviv Beach :)

the group that went to Tel Aviv for our Free Day :)

The Beach is AMAZING! The water was perfect and the beach was beautiful!

Monday 9/13: Conquest Field Trip/ Pool of Bethesda

Good Samaritan Inn (Byzantine Art Work)

Jericho

Oldest City in the World

Wadi Qilt (People would have gone from Jerusalem to Jericho on this road)

The Savior walked probably walked the Wadi Qilt on his way from Jericho to Jerusalem

Pool of Bethesda

Place where Christ took the crippled man into the cistern to be healed

The whole day was absolutely incredible!! My favorite part of the day was our last stop to the Pool of Bethesda. We went into St. Anne's Church to sing because the church has amazing acoustics. A small group of us began to sing "How Great Thou Art" and then an oriental group began to sing it with us in their own language. It was an amazing experience. All of our eyes were glistening at the end of the song because we  could feel the spirit.

Tuesday 9/14: Study, Study, Study :)

So far it has been an amazing experience! Next week we leave to Egypt and I am so excited!! :)