Jerusalem: Take Two!

There are so many pictures and stories to tell, however there is simply not enough time to do so. Here are a few highlights of the past week. I love being here. There are so many things to learn. I am currently excited to begin my journey of discovering the Old City and the Old Testament.

Ramparts Walk. We got a breathtaking view of the Old City by traveling along the outer walls encompassing the city.  

I love Cemeteries! There are numerous cemetaries covering the Mount of Olives and East Jerusalem. I am in Heaven.

We are on the walls of the city in front of Mount Olives.

The Dome of the Rock.

Wailing Wall. I loved getting a closer view of the ways both the Jews and Muslims worship. This wall is a sacred site for Judaism for it is the remains of the Jewish Temple. People from all over the world come to pray to this wall for purposes of speaking directly to God. There were many women reading the Bible, writing and saying prayers next to this wall. To see such sacrifice and physical devotion to God is refreshing. 

The Augusta Victoria Tower is one of three prominant towers overlooking Jerusalem. It was absolutely freezing to be on top but the view was well worth the countless flights of stairs.

Elias Monastery. This building overlooks Gibeon. This is perhaps one of my favorite sites we have visited thus far. The view is spectacular and is the place of our ancestry. 

I am standing in front of Gibeon and Benjamin Plateau. We sang a hymn and read the history of this beautiful land. The scriptures truly come to life when we can see the actual location of what we are reading. It is unbelievable.

This is our beautiful Jerusalem Center. It sits on Mount Scopus overlooking the Old City.

This is Zedekiah's Cave. We happened to run into it. This cave is the largest cave in Jerusalem. This cave goes all the way under the Old City! Ya girl!

Jerusalem!

    Four planes, mature Austrian babies, lots of girl bonding, no sleep, and lost luggage brings me to one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I am so excited, words cannot express my happiness. I love the people. I love the center. I love the faculty. I love it all.
I will try to post pictures as often as I can but it may be difficult because of the internet here at the center.
   Jet lag is the current obstacle to overcome. Heavy eyelids are a very common site around the center. Luckily the excitement and spontaneous adventures keeps us all on our toes. The teachers radiate charity and love. Thanks to their efforts we are all slowly becoming a family. There are a total of 82 students here from all over the country. It is simply the common bond of being in the Holy Land that brings us together. I have never met so many outgoing and energetic people at one time. It is a blast!
    Though we have only been here for a few days, it feels like I have been here forever. Some of the highlights these past few days include the introduction of the Call to Prayer, viewing East Jerusalem from the auditorium windows, lesson of the Abrahamic Covenant, touring through both the East and West parts of Israel, and visiting the Western Wall.
    This culture is so interesting. I have never seen anything like this. We have been drilled to respect the current clashing relationship between the Palestinians and the Jews. It is a very sensitive topic and one that must be handled lightly. It is not our place to judge or pick sides while we are here. We are here to learn and develop a stronger testimony of Christ and His ministry within Israel.
    The people here are extremely nice. It may have to do with them wanting our money but no matter their intentions, they are friendly. We are trained not to smile, proselyte, look men in the eyes, or carry on friendly conversations. The merchants in East Jerusalem practically sing, “Mormons, Mormons “every time we pass by. They know who we are and seem to enjoy our stay in their homeland.
    The BYU Jerusalem Center is beautiful. The architecture, landscape, location, everything is just perfect! In my opinion, the auditorium is the best room of the entire center. Ironically enough this room is the place we perform the most important Sabbath activity, the sacrament. There are rows and rows of seats that face a wood stage and podium. A beautiful organ is located directly behind the seats. When the organ is played, nothing can stop the Spirit from entering this room. Although everything about this room is majestic, the windows are the most beautiful and breathtaking aspect of this room. There is a wall of windows overlooking the Old City directly behind the podium. It is the most beautiful site I have ever seen. I know this vision will only get more beautiful and sentimental as we continue to study about Jesus’ life and the history of Jerusalem. One of the most spiritual moments on my trip thus far occurred the first night of our arrival in this very room. All the students were gathered together for the first time in this auditorium to sing hymns and do a little housekeeping business. The students, strangers only 24 hours prior to this moment, began to sing and one of the professors slowly opened the curtains (hiding the windows) to expose this beautiful site. Pictures cannot do justice. I don’t know if there is a faster way to feel the Spirit than by singing church hymns and overlooking Jerusalem. I am blessed. In this moment I truly recognized the significance of this experience and how blessed I am to be here.
     One of the most unique and surprising cultural aspect of Eastern Jerusalem is the Call to Prayer. This prayer is broadcasted for Muslims five times a day over loud speakers. The first night of my arrival I forgot that such a prayer was delivered at five in the morning. I woke up in a panic thinking a man was serenading our window. In utter fear, I hopped out of my bed and went to my roommate’s bed in order to calm down and comprehend what was going on. Honestly, it is a beautiful prayer. The man offering it has a wonderful voice but oh how it catches me off guard. Even after several days I still get startled to hear a man’s voice echoing throughout the walls in my bedroom but who knows maybe one day it may become relaxing and even therapeutic. Let us hope anyway. I admire these wonderful Muslim and Jewish people for their faithful religious dedication. They are humble and willing to sacrifice for their beliefs. I am excited to learn more from them.
     I still don’t know very much about the land I am in. I am trying to soak up as much as my little brain possibly can. My curiosity is increasing each day. The academics here will not be easy, in fact it will be rather difficult, but that is how we learn eh? I am so excited to learn and become more educated about my ancestors and the land of our Savior. I will try to update at least once a week if not more. Thank you for you support and love. I love you family!

Fond Moments of Sophomore Year

I have been so blessed to be acquainted with such wonderful individuals while attending BYU. I lived in room 108 of the Regency Apartment Complex just south of campus. I may be biased but this room proved to be the best of all Regency. I lived with five other wonderful girls: Rachel, Krista, Elise, Brenda, and Katrina. I shared a room with my twin sister Rachel whom I love ( If you dont have the privilege of knowing her, I wrote about her in my description of my family). We previously lived with Elise and Krista our Freshmen year. We liked them so much we wanted to live with them again. We all were delighted to be assigned to live with Brenda. She is wonderful and we couldn't have asked for a better roommate to add to our nucleus of four. As for our sixth roommate, she is currently engaged and soon to be married so we didn't see much of her but Katrina was very nice for the brief moments we saw her.

Krista. She is one of a kind. If there is a mediator in our apartment it is her. She has the amazing ability to relate and get along with anyone. She is spunky and fun. Talk about speed. She is fast at any task she is presented with. However, her most apparent speed ability is running. She runs anywhere and everywhere. She recently ran her first marathon. She ran such a great time she qualified for the Boston. Though if you ask her she will humbly say she likes to run but we all know better. Kris lives every day to the fullest. I am constantly amazed by her energy and desire to become the best she can be. I love her.






Elise. She is beautiful there is not doubt about it. She has porcelain skin and gorgeous auburn hair. She also knows how to do the best eye makeup I have ever seen. She is tender and knows how to comfort those in need. She is truly a nurturer and will become a wonderful mother. One unique quality about Elise is her passion for wildlife and nature. She thoroughly enjoys animals of any kind. Last year she bought cat food to feed the stray cats on campus (haha we love her). Elise is kind-hearted and truly strives to do what the Lord would have her do. I look up to her for her ability to be so grounded and independent. I love her!

The Many Faces of Brenda. Brenda is a wonderful contribution to Regency 108. We absolutely adore beautiful Brenda. She loves cats and her missionary Ryan. She is a Lord of the Rings guru. Brenda is simply the most expressive person I know. She can speak solely through the use of her eyebrows. She also has a fun, quirky sense of humor we cannot get enough of. However, one thing about Brenda is that she refuses to be in pictures. We have tried the sneak attack approach but nothin. The few rare moments she smiles...it is truly priceless!

Harry Potter Midnight Showing!

St. George Road Trip!!!

The Lamb Room. A nice couple let us stay at their house while we enjoyed St. George. We were all lucky enough to sleep in this room covered with every stuffed toy lamb ever made. Bonding!

Oh what happens when we get lost in Zions National Park...we stop to take a picture by a sweet looking, pumpkin covered truck.

A little Angels Landing.

We got a little tired by the end.

On the way to St. George Daniel Wade taught us how to "chip surf." Ya girl!

There is no story. I just love this picture thats all.

Triathlon baby! First, Second, and Third-"The Terrible Trio"

Our apartment's walls were oh so bare and uninviting... so we brought out the markers.

Hot Springs. Reminder: never wear flip flops to venture a rocky hike.

Smile! I love Brenda and her beautiful pink shades.

HAHAHA Krista's little ball of joy.

Curl till you Hurl. I was never the beautician.

Good Morning Gill. I said GOOD MORNING GILL off to school.

BYU FOOTBALL GAMES!

This is what we spend most of our time doing into the wee hours of the morning...looking at each other and laughing. This is one of my favorite hobbies and I will miss these pure moments with my beautiful, hysterical roommates.

Meet Tristram Jones!

Meet Daniel Wade Jones.

The Jones'.

This semster could not be complete without including Tris and Dan Jones. There is not a better picture to summarize how fond I am of these two boys. Witty, hysterical, charming, and did I say HYSTERICAL. These two boys have really taught me the importance of living every day to the fullest and finding joy in life. Random St. George road trip, skinny jean shopping, 80s rock band, donut runs/smuggle into the library, glowstick dance, triathlon, halloween half marathon, and most importantly doing absolutely nothing but laughing are some of our many adventures during these past few months. I adore them in every sense of the word.

Meet the Fam!

The Jackson Gang

I just love this picture so I had to put it in. We love babies!!! This is one uniting quality among all my sisters. Is it ironic we found a darling little boy at Chitzen Itza...I think not!
The Jacksons consists of girls, girls, and more girls.

The man of the house. Padre. Paps. Daddio. He goes by many names but he is and forever will be known as the studly father of the Jackson clan. He is definitely outnumbered but never complains about the high amounts of estrogen echoing throughout our house. He is hard working and continuously strives to better himself. Self motivated is an understatement. He loves inspirational quotes, movies, and stories. He is supportive to my mom and family. I love and hope to marry someone with similar qualities as my Dad.
My beautiful mother M'lisa. My sisters and I are all the result of her diligence and hard work. She is the woman I strive to become. She is currently working three jobs at the moment to help support my family. She enjoys nature and being active. Her wisdom of social work and life in general continuously pours out and enlightens us all. I love her and her free spirit. She lives life with a passion I hope to one day possess. I am proud to call her my mother.
Rachel Alexandra Jackson. My identitical twin sister of 19, alomst 20 years. This picture captures her beautiful nature and love for others. There is nothing I could say to truly express how highly I think of Rach. She is truly beautiful and pure inside and out. She is hard working and enjoys learning new things. She is currently studying social science and music to be a teacher at an inter-city high school. I love her and her ability to reach out and lift other people. She is very musically talented and sings like an angel. This past year she has really been a strength and leader to me as she always encourages me and pushes me to reach my full potential. She is strong and will change the world I am sure of it. I love her and am so excited to be be going to Jerusalem with her in nine days. I am truly blessed to be paired with such an incredible friend.




My wonderful sister Hannah. She is currently Senior Class President at Layton High School. She is trendy and spunky. Spontaneous is her middle name. She is constantly teaching me how to be more adventurous not only in style but in life in general. She loves to play and have fun. If anyone wants to have a good time she is the one to call. Love her.

Eliza Jane Jackson. She is the youngest child of the family. She is adventurous and full of energy. She is a dog guru (ask her any question I dare ya). Her passions involve family bonding, friends, friends, and did I say friends. She is great at volleyball and is currently passionate about wearing neon spandex. Although I always look at her as my little sister, she is quickly becoming a beautiful teenager I know many will look up to.

Ouelessebougou

This here is my mother and my three adorable sisters. My family and I had the opportunity to volunteer at a nonprofit organization known as Ouelessebougou last Saturday-thanks to Kathy Oviatt.
When most people hear this word, "Ouelessebougou," they give one of two looks, a) a blank stare or b) a sour, more disgusted response. What in the world can this atrociously long word mean? This long almost nonsensical word in English is an African region located in Mali, West Africa. Ouelessebougou, in this reference, is a non profit organization established in order to raise money for this region and other neighboring regions in Africa. The money raised at both the silent and live auctions will go toward creating better educational systems, clean water, disease prevention, and housing supplies.
Money cannot buy happiness but it can provide wonderful opportunities to those who currently are in need. A little donation can go a long way to bless many generations. If not money-time. Time is something we can all give. Coming from a poor college student, time for me is the ultimate expression of sincere love and gratitude.
For more information about this program, please check out this website. It can change your life, I know it has changed mine.http://www.ouelessebougou.org/.