Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Garden Tomb and More

The past few days have been filled with lots of exciting trips and activities.
On Saturday, we had church because Sabbath is on Saturdays here, which is kinda different to get used to but I like it! After church, we went to the Garden Tomb, where Jesus was supposedly 'buried'. The site is just a little walled-off part of town, literally in the middle of everything. But once you get inside, it's really calm and peaceful. There were a bunch of other groups of different religions there when we went, and it was neat to see that we aren't the only people who believe in the Resurrection of Christ. While we were in the Tomb, we got to sing a few hymns, "Nearer My God To Thee", "Our Savior's Love", and "He Is Risen". Probably one of the greatest experiences with singing that I've had!
The entrance to the tomb.
Walking into the tomb!

That was a very nice Sabbath day activity.
Then on Sunday, we had our very first outing into the city! We walked alllll around East Jerusalem, the Old City, and West Jerusalem. It was so interesting to see the difference between all the areas, even though they are pretty close to each other. We met a few shop owners who love the BYU students, so that was nice because now I know where to get all my activities from. Also, a 10 year old boy slapped my friend's booty...hahaha even though it's considered harassment and not a joke, it was hilarious. Also we got to play soccer with a group of Palestinian boys, which was fun too! I was so tired after the day, I went to bed at 8:30 pm and then woke up at 6 am...I slept like a rock! 

Church of the Holy Sepulcher


New scripture case


 
Happy after one of the best days ever!


Monday we had an all day field trip, and went to tons of sites that look over Jerusalem, and the city, and Bethlehem and other places. Today was full of class, and studying for a huge test I have tomorrow, which I have to go back and study for right now!




Friday, January 11, 2013

SHABBAT SHALOM!


SHABBAT SHALOM FROM THE HOLY LAND!

I can't believe I'm here! Seriously, this is one of the coolest places ever.
Okay so it started with the flight- from Salt Lake to JFK I made some new friends, so that was nice. Then from JFK to Tel Aviv I was supposed to sleep...I did not get any winks of sleep that flight so that was lovely. But when we landed, I almost didn't make it past the passport guy because I told him I was studying here instead of traveling (which is what we were supposed to say) so he almost didn't let me go...haha but I made it! Then we drove up to the center, which is on the top of a hill and it is SO BEAUTIFUL! Except when we got here it was raining like crazy! So we couldn't see the Old City yet, but now that it has cleared up the view is great! It snowed too! Like 6 inches or something on Wednesday night, so Thursday we woke up to what looked like Provo all over again haha. Then Thursday was full of orientation activities so that was nice, except I kept falling asleep...And today is our first day of class! I'm writing this super early because I couldn't sleep again, the prayer call woke me up this morning (but I like it so it doesn't bother me!). Anyways, here are a few pictures of my life right now, the internet is not so great but I will add more next time, ENJOY!

My roomies Tori, India and Chloe! Snowy in J-Town!

Dome of the Rock with snow on top!



I bought a skirt at DI...and my roommate India found the matching shirt!
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?!
Sunday outfit next week? Check!