September 30, 2007 Mount Sinai Sunrise

James Heaton
9-30-07
O.T. Journal Entry

Well today started early this morning for me and everyone else. It started at 12:00am as everyone was awaiting the Mt. Sinai trip. Everyone had to be gathered at 1:00am for a quick breakfast and then it was up to the top for a devotional given by Brother Ludlow. I went to bed shortly after everyone left to go to Mt. Sinai. I wasn’t able to go because the administration of BYU decided that it would be too much of a risk to send a diabetic up to a place where it would be difficult to get any kind of medical assistance. To be honest, the decision left me more than a little angry and frustrated. I understand that it’s the safe thing to do but I wish I would have been told a little earlier than the day before. I’ve run a half marathon, hiked the Subway, and climbed Mt. Timpanogos and now I am left wondering how this could possibly be any different. I think this morning was the hardest when I woke up and watched the sun rise. That was probably the low point of my day. And it seemed that no matter how long I tried not to think about it, it only seemed to press itself in my thoughts even more. I spent a little bit of time this morning studying my scriptures and talking with some of the other students who also had to stay behind for various reasons – Caitlin, Courtney, Stephie, and Archie. After reading my scriptures, I felt a little better but that frustration was still hanging with me. We had a nice breakfast with the Heyes and then spent some time laying by the pool, doing nothing, because the water was too cold to swim. Things got better when everyone got back from Mt. Sinai. Some of the other students came out to the pool and then we all went swimming even though the water was freezing. After showering, packing, and eating a quick lunch, we got back on the buses and endured another several hours to the border. Crossing the border into Israel was a nice relief, although we had to wait for some of the students because one of the x-ray machines broke. Everyone was able to play a little in the Red Sea and it was nice to have a little down time. Then it was back on the bus for another few hours until we stopped at a McDonalds. A bunch of us got some ice cream and it was delicious! I think it was pretty quiet on both buses for the remainder of the way home. There was a little bit of excitement at the end though. Right as we were approaching the Jerusalem Center, in one of the traffic tunnels, there was a car that had stalled. I think everyone was a little nervous wondering about the possibility of a car bomb. Eventually everything got worked out (the car problems were real) and we were able to make it back to the Jerusalem Center for a late dinner. And to be completely honest, more than anything I’m just glad that today is over.