Spiritual Journey

Galilee.
WE WERE JUST IN GALILEE. What!?! I am blessed. I am blessed. I am blessed. I don't know how else to say it. We seriously just went on a tour of a lifetime. This is what I hoped to experience before hopping on the plane a few months ago. Walking on water, casting out devils, healing the blind and sick, we ventured it all. The entire 10 days we were there we focused solely on Christ. All of the different sites and classroom lessons (yes we did have class a few feet away from the Sea of Galilee) all centered around Christ's ministry. I loved every second of it. I am growing closer to Christ. My knowledge of his life and ministry are expanding into the horizon. The bible is truly coming alive in my eyes. The simple stories I have learned my whole life are real. I know this may sound silly but it still blows every part of my soul to hear, "this is the place where Christ healed Jairus' daughter, walked on water, fed the 5,000." It never gets old.
One of my favorite parts of the week was actually a hw assignment suprisingly enough. We are assigned to do reflection papers a few times throughout the semester. This one happened to be assigned during Galilee. Overlooking this beautiful lake I was to choose one of Christ's miracles, explain it in context, and then relate it to my life. I chose the story of Christ casting out the legion of devils from the suffering man into a herd of swine. I focused primarily on the man before his encounter with Christ. It says in Jesus the Christ, "so complete was his possession by wicked spirits that he could no longer distinguish between his individual personality and theirs." This man was seen as absolutely hopeless and beyond any sense of acceptance. He dwelt in tombs away from mankind for no "man could bind him. (Matthew 5)" Reading this broke my heart for I could not help but relate this to our lives. How sometimes we may feel hopeless and of little worth. How we tend to define ourselves by our trials and weaknessed rather than the gifts and strengths we have been given. If I have learned anything here it is that the power of change and the Atonement are real. Christ has the power to heal if we allow him. There is no such thing as hopeless. I am so grateful for this realization and sense of comfort. No matter how hopeless we may seem in the eyes of others or how closely we define our worth by our faults, Christ is able to heal all. I am learning more and more from the scriptures. The people who experienced these miracles and healings were just like us-imperfect and dependent upon Christ's love. Just as their lives were touched and healed by Christ, so can ours.
 It is simply beautiful. I am sorry to go off on tangents but I just love learning. I am living the dream to say the least. If only I could portray a small ounce of what I am feeling but sadly my writing ability and this simple blog post wont do justice. Therefore I have gathered a random selection of photos to give a little sneak peek of last week.

In Nazareth we visited the church of Mary's Annunciation. This was one of my favorite places we visited. Honestly we focus on so many aspects of Christ's birth but how often do picture it from Mary's perspective. My love and respect for Mary has increased dramatically. She was a young girl striving to do her best. This divine calling, to be the mother of the Savior,was a difficult task to accept knowing her social life, family relationships, and life would be in danger. Nevertheless "be it unto me according to thy word." Her faith and trust in Heavenly Father never faltered.

 

 A little taste of home. Haha no one understood my excitement when I saw this little guy chillin on the side of the street. Who knew our lime green car would be rested on the side of a street in Nazareth. Love it!

 One night while in Galilee we went to a restaurant to eat Peter's fish just as the Savior would have done.

 We took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We stopped in the middle of the lake and read scriptures while Brother Muhlestein gave us a lesson. Beautiful to say the least. I just looked out to the water and knew somewhere in my vision of sight Christ walked upon the water and calmed the raging storm.

 Capernaum. Highlight of this entire semester. I was in absolute awe as we wandered around what may be considered Peter's home, Christ's main place of dwelling, and the location of one of the most monumental and incredible days ever. All in one day Jesus Christ healed a man sick of the palsy, called Matthew as an Apostle, ate a meal with sinners and publicans (while teaching the Pharisees a valuable lesson), healed Jairus's daughter (right behind me in this picture), on the way over to Jairus' daughter he healed a woman with an issue of blood, then healed two blind men and casted out a devil from a suffering man. He was lastly overwelmed with compasison, with the desire to continue the efforts to gather the "scattered sheep," as he taught multitudes of people within nearby cities and villages (Matthew 9). In this picture you can see my handy dandy journal. While in Galilee I began to carry it around because everything we were learning was so amazing that I needed it in hand at all times in order to write everything down.

 Who would have known just outside Capernaum's gate was the man from Up. He was peacefully resting from the heat, I couldn't resist. I had my friend Cam stand in front of him to pose as though I were going to take a sanpshot of him....no no no this man seemed to figure me out quickly-hence his devious little smirk.

 Hiking. Mom I wish you could have been there so badly. We randomly went on a hike during our free time to El Al. Seriously breathtaking. We hiked for about an hour to reach the waterfall. This is my darling friend Jess and I standing on top of the waterfall.

The waterfall.

The water was absolutely FREEZING. Everyone was screaming. Not just any scream but the Mariah Carey, dog whistle scream as they entered the water. However, after a few minutes our bodies became so numb it actually began to feel good.

 Abby, Lani, Kristin, Britt, and I overlooking one of the most beautiful parts of the hike. I have never been to Ireland before but I can only imagine it being something like this place.

Beautiful eh?

 Ok one thing I love about this program is the faculty. Both my New and Old Testament teachers are living in the center with their families. Therefore, we get to know their children pretty well. Talk about darling-all of these kids here are ADORABLE. One in particular is Sabrina. She can melt your heart in a second. I love when the kids come on field trips with us because they really add energy and excitement to the already crazy bunch.

 

 This picture is dedicated to my wonderful roommate Elise. I know how much you love nuns. Although I saw her from a far off distance nothing could stop me from taking this picture for you girl. 

This is Tashara and I going to church in Tiberias, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. She is one of Brother Muhlestein's daughters and also one of the beautiful young women I teach. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to get so close with these girls.

 Some of the studs in our group. Here are a few of the boys I have become so fond of from the program.

Sky and I standing in the Jordan River. It was lovely. There were so many people, gathered from all over the world, dressed in a white jumpsuit getting baptized. I saw techniques from the traditional baptismal dip to dunking face first. It is really fascinating to see how people worship and express their faith.



Here is one example of a baptism occuring at the Jordan River.

Jess and I on top of Mt. Tabor.

 Donny and I on top of Mt. Tabor. He is a stud to say the least. We have a similar sense of humor. Therefore it is never difficult to get a good laugh when I am around him.

 Field Trips. We play hard, study hard, and go hard all day so by the time night approaches at the end of the day, going to bed is very appealing. This is a typical image as a field trip nears the end. We just get a little weary at times. However, it is all fun and games. For example, right after this moment my teacher offered students extra credit for anyone who can beat him fencing with his son's plastic swords. Bliss anyone?

 Tel Dan. This is the location known for calf worship under Jereboam's reign. We all lined up flexing our calves. TIt was a funny story but when we all flexed they were surprised by my calf (sprinting does legs good I guess) and so they nicknamed mine the "golden" calf. I don't know how I feel about labeling my body part as an object of idol worship but it definitely caused a good laugh and an embarassed girl.

Jacksons, Jacksons, and more Jacksons. The Jacksons are overtaking the JC. Both of these couples are responsible for the students health and saftey while here in Israel.  

And last but not least, this is for you Daniel Wade. I have been practicing at a few different sites but failed...miserably. This is the best I got and just for you.

Dome of the Rock

Apparently I have caused some scare as to why I have disappeared off the face of this earth. To all my fellow friends and family I am sorry I have not been so faithful on updating my blog. I have so much to say and so little time to say it. We just got back from Galilee and Eilat and a crazy week of fieldtrips in the Old City. I seriously cannot remember a time I have been this happy. Thank you again family for loving and supporting me.

Before I begin to express the joy I have experienced this past week, I must reflect back to before Galilee and finals. I must express the joy I experienced when I visited the 

Dome of the Rock.

Throughout this semester we have focused again and again on the Temple mount. With the destruction of the two temples, this sacred mount has been an issue of controversary throughout Jerusalem's history. Surprisingly it has taken me quite some time to actually get over to this sacred area and explore the grounds of this temple mount which now contains the Dome of the Rock.

Words cannot even begin to express the wonderment of this place. Although it is breathtaking from afar, it is absolutely gorgeous up close. While wandering around this beautiful structure I felt peace and joy. The sun was shining, children were laughing and playing soccer, tourists from all over the world were gathered around to see the glory of this holy place. It was one of those "out of body experiences" where it feels as though I was just a fly on the wall, watching the world move on around me.

I love these moments.

I absolutely love the Dome of the Rock.

 B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L

 Just the dome and I.

 There is nothing like the sight when the sun reflects off this gorgeous gold dome.

Rach, Jess, and I at the Dome.

Day to Day

I usually document the big field trips and crazy adventures but here is just a few shots of the people I love living the dream day to day.

The many faces of the Jerusalem Center:

SMILE your in JERUSALEM.

Josh.

AJ.

Skyler.

Me.

Jess

Kate

Emily Judd.

She is one of the professor's daughters. She blows everyones' crusties out of the water. She has got the look.

Ok ok it's not all bad. This is more like it....



CRAZY.

DEVIOUS.

LAUGHTER.

I am constantly laughing. Rach and I are known for our loud, often out-of-control laughs (thanks mom).

"Pretend your in a box."

Bliss.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!

EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF!

The JC is officially going insane.


People hiding behind doors. Sliding against walls. Running from classroom to classroom. Quick sharp movements to the throat. We are in a battlefield here at the JC. Slitting throats is the name of the game. We are currently playing Assassin, a game only for the strong in heart.


Obsession is an understatement.


We were each assigned a person to kill and be killed by. In order to kill one must slice their fingers across the other person's throat (uplifting and joyous I know). It began a few days ago and therefore it is now coming to an end. It is not a rare sight to see people hunched behind furniture or right outside the entrance of the computer lab anticipating the arrival of their next prey. Piercing screams penetrate the JC many times a day.


I have never seen so many creepers roamin around the JC. We are all going insane. I honestly have never seen a more hysterical, bizarre sight in my life. This game definitely brings out the worst in people. The key to the game is to be on guard at ALL times. Naturally I was out the first night.


I was writing my paper for New Testament in an open, vulnerable area (first wrong). I was jammin to my Mindy Gledhill when low and behold, Taylor Henderson the III (Kris knows him) comes creepin around the corner with his guitar. He wanted to serenade me. What a kind gesture I thought! Oh how wrong I was. He slowly began to get closer, close enough to strum and reach for the throat. After a few strums on the guitar, DEAD! 


The lesson to this story...never trust a boy with a guitar-he is only trouble!

Yad Vashem!

Visiting Yad Vashem was a day that I anticipated since my arrival into Jerusalem. This Holocaust Museum provided a new insight as to the perspective of the Jews within Israel at the time of the European upheaval during WWII. I personally had no idea what to expect. Our Judaism teacher, Ophir, was our “tour guide” for the tour throughout the museum. When I say tour guide, I mean he was with us but was not permitted to guide us throughout the museum. Rather we were each given a piece of paper with important information and key historical facts to be aware of and we were left to guide ourselves. 

There were many rooms separated into different sections based upon sequence and theme such as the rise of the Nazi party or the ghettos evolving into concentration camps. The design of the exhibit was magnificent. Each display was equipped with personal testimonies and original artifacts. The most amazing part of this exhibit was the fact that it was from an Israeli perspective. The concept that caught me the most off guard was the fact that many Israelis at the time of the extermination of the Jews didn’t feel as sympathetic as they did frustrated. Israel previously advised the Jews to come to Palestine and get out of Europe. Therefore when many Jews were being killed it was seen as a consequence for not heeding to their counsel. Israel fought for their independence, so must the other Jews. There are two types of Jews depicted within the holocaust: fighters and those who submitted to the Germans. When this exhibit first opened, the main court was dedicated solely to the resisters and fighters within the ghettos. However, as more information and understanding evolved the court yard changed the dedication into “Holocaust and Heroism.” I assumed Israel would have been very sympathetic and open to the suffereing Jews spread across Europe, which in some cases they were, however, Ophir brought up an interesting point. When many Jews came into the land of Israel to find a safe haven, they were presented with the concept of judgment, judgment not only by their neighbors but also by themselves. Why would I survive and not my family? Many may accuse the Jewish survivors as betrayers to their own race because they escaped death, unlike many of their friends and family members. Even after the war the Jews did not have it easy. This cold time in history affected millions of people all over the world and continues to effect people living today.

I could not have prepared myself for such an experience. Nothing can justify the way humanity treated each other at this time in history. How could a human soul reach to such a low, selfish state? Throughout the entire exhibit I simply could not comprehend the level of disparity and hatred. My words simply cannot do justice to such an experience. Therefore, along the way I collected a few profound quotes from the individuals who are capable of expressing this pain in the most accurate manner possible (if it can be expressed at all), the victims.



“When I grow up and get to be 20 I’ll travel and see this world of plenty. In a bird with an engine I will sit myself down, take off and fly into space, far above the ground. I’ll fly, I’ll cruise and soar up high above a world so lovely into the sky…”

-Abramek Koplowicz (Murdered in Auschwitz at age 14).

“This is a time for sanctifying life, not for sanctifying God’s name through death. In the past, our enemies demanded our soul, and the Jews sacrificed his body to sanctify God’s name. Now the enemy is demanding the Jew’s body, and the Jew is obligated to defend it-to protect this life.”

-Rabbi Yitzhak Nissenbaum (Warsaw Ghetto)

“Remember only that I was innocent and just like you, mortal on that day, I, too, had had a face marked by rage, by pity and joy, quite simply, a human face!”

-Benjamin Fondane (1944-Killed at Auschwitz)

The Entrance

Outside the museum there were many trees dedicated to the "righteous among the nations." In other words, those non-Jews who put their own lives in danger to safe and protect Jews. This here is Oskar Schindler's plaque.

Before we entered the museum, we went through the exhibit dedicated to the children. These stone structures are dedicated to al lthe children who died throughout the span of the holocaust. These stone structures are set up in the arrangement of a class picture.

The Jewish Flag

BEAUTIFUL Cemetery outside the museum.

Peace Among the Storm

Within These Garden Walls

Sabbath.

Today a group of students and I went over to the Garden Tomb for a few hours. We all gathered in a remote area near the site of the tomb. We pulled out our handy dandy hymn books and began to sing. Music is a definite highlight of this trip. I absolutely love singing hymns. We began singing. Slowly but surely people began to gather. People of all denominations and nationalities gathered to enjoy the spirit. A few people even tried to join in and sing with us-knowing that English is their second language is quite moving. Although we cannot proselyte, we can spread our testimonies through our music and actions. It was  a wonderful experience. I learn so much about people and our religion every time I visit the Garden Tomb. The most amazing part of these experiences within the garden walls is the fact that Jesus Christ is the one common interest that brings all of these random souls together as one.

Simplicity

My life is bliss. I could end a blogspot with those four words but I will elaborate just a little bit. I have many wonderful experiences to blog about such as the Holocaust Museum experience...I simply need to dedicate more time to a blog post like that one (Do not fret it shall be sooner rather than later). However, I am happy and I need to share a few reasons why.
This week the JC crew is currently experiencing a little thing they like to call finals. This is a bitter sweet experience. Sweet because after next week our work load will decrease dramatically (like 3 classes significant) but bitter because these next few days will be in overdrive. Today was a great, long day of studying. Lately I have been living, eating, and breathing the Old Testament. It is a beautiful book and I am sad I haven’t tried to comprehend it in full detail until now….it is magnificent. Unlike most studying days, this one was glorious. The hours just flew by and I felt content and at peace. All of those the scrambled puzzle pieces separating Jeremiah, Ezra, Isaiah, and 1-2 Kings just came together. Many of the random facts floating aimlessly in my brain from the fields trips also contributed nicely to the geography and stories within the Bible. I love moments like today. I found myself standing up dancing or clapping with joy because I finally understood a principle or relationship among two of the many kings within the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. I hope to always apply this valuable information I am learning now to future experiences in my life. It is valuable and golden. 

Exercise is also becoming more apparent within my life. I slacked off a bit since I have been here but I am beginning to pick it back up again. Running soothes the soul, especially in Jerusalem. It is beautiful and so fun. The JC is planning to participate in a marathon, half marathon, or 10k depending on the ambition and ability. I am so excited, well that is if we can get it passed by the administration. You should see the center now. People who never admitted their hidden passion for running suddenly emerged from their little shell. What? That’s what I thought. Though can you imagine saying, “I ran a marathon in Jerusalem (or any race for that matter)?” I am so stoked. Currently there is a morning crew and night crew.  The people are drastically different within each group as I am sure you can imagine. LOVE IT! The two downsides (I mean if there could be a downside to living in Jerusalem) of running in Jerusalem are the (1)constant hills and (2)the inability to wear shorts. Other than that, golden.  

The things I have learned/thought this past week:

1)Students have to have their google docs. It blows my mind how quickly students begin circulating one of these bad boys for a test.

2) If sleep is a priority, don't bring up cheesy jokes with Sky before bed. She is loaded with the craziest riddles and jokes imaginable.

3) My Arabic teacher, Ayman, is more concerned about my love life than I am. He was trying to set me up with his friend who gets out of prison in two months...my future is looking bright:)

4) I love Rach. Nothing can stop a laughing session with her. Our laughs are beginning to harmonize...creepy, I think not!

5) Sunsets make the whole day worthwhile. I will never get tired of looking out to the Old City just as the sun is emerging or disappearing behind the beautiful horizon.