October 30, 2007

Brittany Hofman

October 30 – Journal



Had things turned out a little bit differently, I would be hiking into Petra with the rest of my 80 classmates today. However, due to an unexpected flare up of some stomach issues (and after having passed out twice the night before our scheduled departure to Jordan), doctor's orders kept me here at the Jerusalem Center to spend the week resting and recuperating. Initially, I was quite frustrated with my body and with the whole timing of the matter. Why it couldn't have chosen a more convenient time to act up is beyond me. I hope to someday make the trek to Jordan – visiting the famous sites of Mt. Nebo and Petra, among others. But for now, I guess Indiana Jones and his "Temple of Doom" will have to suffice.



The rest of the students left early yesterday morning. Yesterday and today have been spent coming to terms with my situation and wondering what to do with myself (all by myself) in the 8 quiet floors of the entire Jerusalem Center. Being alone in the entire Center has been quite peaceful; it is quiet and I can pretty much do whatever I want. However, I find it a little too quiet at times – almost a spooky quiet! Sister Sandy Huntington has been taking good care of me. In fact, today she took me out of the center to visit a church in West Jerusalem. The Church of St. Andrews is an early 20th century church built as a memorial to the Scottish soldiers who died in the region during World War I. It was a beautifully quaint church, set in a great location with a view of the Western side of the Old City. After visiting the church we wandered into a little non-profit shop/organization that sells the crafts made by Palestinian women from Gaza and the West Bank. I was really impressed with this little shop and the opportunity and help it gives these women, who would otherwise not have the means to cross the Separation Wall to sell their products.



In regards to one of my favorite highlights of the Old Testament these past two months, I would have to say that learning more about the children of Israel and their wanderings was pretty interesting. Although we did not spend a great deal of time at the Sde Boker overlook, nor did we spend much time discussing this particular wilderness area, I found it very interesting to ponder on why Heavenly Father would choose to deal with the children of Israel in such a severe setting. The children of Israel were dependent on the Lord for everything during their wanderings. I think this is an incredible lesson on our dependence on the Lord and his mercies. Because I have been given many tools, some of which include the scriptures, prophets, and the Holy Ghost, I too can be led and directed by the Lord in my life if I humble myself and let him lead me.



I also appreciated our time at Mt. Sinai. Not only was it refreshing to be outside in our Heavenly Father's creations, but it also helped me gain a better perspective into the life of Moses and the wanderings and experiences of the children of Israel