Brandon Seegmiller
Awaking extremely well rested after sleeping ten hours, I readied for the first New Testament quiz, which was quite easy. We learned today that Matthew’s testimony focuses on Jesus’ ties with Jewish prophets, kings, and prophecy. Joseph’s Davidic lineage, the line that would have brought Jesus to the throne of Israel, is enumerated instead of Mary’s. This same Joseph receives the annunciation from Gabriel. Jesus, like Moses and others, fasted forty days and was promptly visited by the tempter.
Even the temptations themselves parallel earlier temptations of the greatest men of the Old Testament. I can imagine Lucifer reasoning that David had succumbed so easily to desires of the flesh. Perhaps Jesus will as well. “Turn this rock into bread to satisfy your physical hunger,” he said. That didn’t work; perhaps this future king of the Jews will suffer the haughty loftiness of Saul. If He knows how royal He is, surely He’ll want to prove it by throwing Himself off the temple at my goading. His own pride will lead Him to tempt the Lord’s ability to rescue and save and to His spiritual downfall. It’s an unoriginal temptation once you break it down, but it works on countless other humans—just not on the Savior—so the prince of darkness tries one last time. The final temptation had been brought subtly to King Solomon, the highest of the Israelite Kings, and it worked like a charm. The pursuance of material wealth and power lead this king to idol worship and devotion to the worldly church of the devil. Solomon, to the end of his life, never could release himself from this snare. Unfortunately, the King of Kings would have none of it and relied on divine power to command the infernal father of all lies to depart.
I loved learning about the downfall of the Persians and the rise of the western world. Bro. Huntington’s narrative illustrated the events at Marathon and Thermopiles in ways I’ve never experienced. I can see how it gave way to the Savior’s life and death. The Jews had to experience what they had under the Greeks in order to live as they were under the Romans. It fascinates me that under the Romans, the Jews were more obedient than they had been at almost any other time in their history, yet they were ripe and ready to furnish their own God as a sacrifice.
Until this day, we have missed every BYU devotional, but hearing about Pres. Monson’s planned address made us determined to watch it. As we were waiting for the connection and projection setup in the forum, we talked about what we expected to hear from the first counselor. Archie mentioned that in nine addresses he’d heard, Pres. Monson has mentioned the pining of Cardinal Woolsey in Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, “If I had served my God with half the zeal I served my king.” We couldn’t help chuckling out loud when Pres. Monson gave that exact quote again but in a new context.
My personal expectations have changed day by day it seems. I thought that studying the scriptures on site in the context of culture and history would help me understand deeper the principles I’ve been taught all my life. I had no idea what that would entail. As deep as I thought my intentions were they were actually quite shallow. My personal conviction has been affected, true, but my ability to express that conviction has undergone far more change than my gospel knowledge has. I guess I’m trying to say that in the future others—family, neighbors, students—will benefit from my experience more than I will have. For me that will be the fulfillment of my expectations of my New Testament study in the Holy Land.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday Nov 12, 2007
McCall Barrick
Brother Ludlow
November 19, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
We had class all morning today—our New Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies classes. Then after lunch we had our Arabic and Hebrew finals. So, in the space between class and lunch, and even during lunch, just about everyone was busy studying.
The general consensus on the exams is that they were pretty easy. After all, they are just pass or fail courses. The Arabic final was particularly interesting. Some of us even started laughing in the middle of taking the exam. It was a total of 13 questions long. That is so short for a final! However, it was harder than the length would lead you to believe. In fact, there were quite a few questions with words that none of us had ever seen or heard before. So that was really interesting. But all things considered, those two finals went really well.
After the finals a really large majority of us went out for the rest of the afternoon. There were groups doing the usual shopping, but there were also a lot of people who went to see some sites. A number of people went to West Jerusalem to an open air market. Apparently that was a really cool place to go. The people who went said that it was more aimed to locals than it was to tourists, so it was a really authentic experience. All who went loved it there, and had made those of us who didn’t go want to go in the near future.
Through my experience in this upcoming New Testament class, I want to learn how to better apply the teachings of Christ in my life. I think that learning will come as I gain knowledge and understanding of his background and situation. I want to be able to visualize Christ in his own setting, teaching the people. I especially want to grow to appreciate what he is trying to teach me personally through his parables and his stories. More than anything, I want to learn how to take full advantage of the opportunity that I have to study in the Holy Land, so that I don’t take anything for granted and so that I grow as much as possible during my time here.
Brother Ludlow
November 19, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
We had class all morning today—our New Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies classes. Then after lunch we had our Arabic and Hebrew finals. So, in the space between class and lunch, and even during lunch, just about everyone was busy studying.
The general consensus on the exams is that they were pretty easy. After all, they are just pass or fail courses. The Arabic final was particularly interesting. Some of us even started laughing in the middle of taking the exam. It was a total of 13 questions long. That is so short for a final! However, it was harder than the length would lead you to believe. In fact, there were quite a few questions with words that none of us had ever seen or heard before. So that was really interesting. But all things considered, those two finals went really well.
After the finals a really large majority of us went out for the rest of the afternoon. There were groups doing the usual shopping, but there were also a lot of people who went to see some sites. A number of people went to West Jerusalem to an open air market. Apparently that was a really cool place to go. The people who went said that it was more aimed to locals than it was to tourists, so it was a really authentic experience. All who went loved it there, and had made those of us who didn’t go want to go in the near future.
Through my experience in this upcoming New Testament class, I want to learn how to better apply the teachings of Christ in my life. I think that learning will come as I gain knowledge and understanding of his background and situation. I want to be able to visualize Christ in his own setting, teaching the people. I especially want to grow to appreciate what he is trying to teach me personally through his parables and his stories. More than anything, I want to learn how to take full advantage of the opportunity that I have to study in the Holy Land, so that I don’t take anything for granted and so that I grow as much as possible during my time here.
Saturday Nov 10, 2007
Allie Braby
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Today was a peaceful Shabbat day. With all of our studies in the scriptures, church is still an escape, not from the gospel, but from the stress of homework and trying to find a balance in our chaotic schedules. When we first arrived in Jerusalem, I think most of us were subject to the feeling that we always needed to be out in the city, doing everything that we could think of during every possible second of the day. Each Shabbat was filled with groups leaving the Center, mostly going to the Garden of Gethsemane or to the Garden Tomb. We have always been told that we will not be able to do everything and see everything that is in Jerusalem. I know that I am not going to be able to see everything, but I still feel that I should use every opportunity I can to get out to the city.
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, Brother Huntington told us about the first group that came back to Jerusalem in the winter semester. Their schedules were just as busy as ours, but they also had their Shabbats full of choir rehearsals and firesides. Brother Huntington said that a couple of students approached him and just asked when it would end. Shabbat had become another day full of activities instead of a day of rest. Lately, I have been feeling the importance of having a day of rest to myself. The Jerusalem Center’s goals are focused around building up our testimonies and our relationships with our Heavenly Father, but it is hard to do that when we don’t have a day in which we can rest and really worship and listen to the spirit. I think that because of this realization that we each have been making, we feel that we can go out on Shabbat and enjoy good things, or we can stay in. We do not need to be going out all of the time.
With this in mind, I made the decision to go to the Garden Tomb today. It was nice to be able to walk through the crowded and hectic streets, past the extremely loud bus station, and into the quiet of the beautiful Garden Tomb. Although it is more crowded and a little louder than the private garden at Gethsemane, I love the people there. It is comforting to share a common belief in our Savior Jesus Christ with people from all over the world. As I was sitting and studying in the garden, I could hear hymns of praise being sung in various languages. It came as a surprise when one group started to sing “Count Your Many Blessings” in another language. I love the familiarity associated with hymns. After an hour or so, we got up to leave and we ran into a tour group full of Latter-day Saints. Our groups immediately recognized each other. It amazes me that no matter where we are in the world, being with other members of the church is comforting although no one knows each other individually. A lot of the people in the tour were older and were visiting the Holy Land for the first time in their lives. I think I am starting to realize what a blessing this has been to be here and how much of a responsibility it will hold. It is a life changing experience and because we are experiencing it at such a young age, we will have so many more opportunities to share what we have learned with others. Much of the rest of the day was spent hanging out with friends or having some quiet alone time.
This semester, I want to learn so much in our New Testament class. This part of the scriptures is a big part of my decision to come to the Holy Land. I want to study the Savior’s live and be more familiar with his teachings. But most of all, I want to get to know him on a more personal level. We have been counseled to be like our Savior and in order to do that, we need to know Him. By immersing myself in the Holy Land and by studying his doings and teachings, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of Him as a person and as my Savior and Redeemer. And by doing that, I hope to apply this understanding in my life and start the change this experience can instill in my life.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Today was a peaceful Shabbat day. With all of our studies in the scriptures, church is still an escape, not from the gospel, but from the stress of homework and trying to find a balance in our chaotic schedules. When we first arrived in Jerusalem, I think most of us were subject to the feeling that we always needed to be out in the city, doing everything that we could think of during every possible second of the day. Each Shabbat was filled with groups leaving the Center, mostly going to the Garden of Gethsemane or to the Garden Tomb. We have always been told that we will not be able to do everything and see everything that is in Jerusalem. I know that I am not going to be able to see everything, but I still feel that I should use every opportunity I can to get out to the city.
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, Brother Huntington told us about the first group that came back to Jerusalem in the winter semester. Their schedules were just as busy as ours, but they also had their Shabbats full of choir rehearsals and firesides. Brother Huntington said that a couple of students approached him and just asked when it would end. Shabbat had become another day full of activities instead of a day of rest. Lately, I have been feeling the importance of having a day of rest to myself. The Jerusalem Center’s goals are focused around building up our testimonies and our relationships with our Heavenly Father, but it is hard to do that when we don’t have a day in which we can rest and really worship and listen to the spirit. I think that because of this realization that we each have been making, we feel that we can go out on Shabbat and enjoy good things, or we can stay in. We do not need to be going out all of the time.
With this in mind, I made the decision to go to the Garden Tomb today. It was nice to be able to walk through the crowded and hectic streets, past the extremely loud bus station, and into the quiet of the beautiful Garden Tomb. Although it is more crowded and a little louder than the private garden at Gethsemane, I love the people there. It is comforting to share a common belief in our Savior Jesus Christ with people from all over the world. As I was sitting and studying in the garden, I could hear hymns of praise being sung in various languages. It came as a surprise when one group started to sing “Count Your Many Blessings” in another language. I love the familiarity associated with hymns. After an hour or so, we got up to leave and we ran into a tour group full of Latter-day Saints. Our groups immediately recognized each other. It amazes me that no matter where we are in the world, being with other members of the church is comforting although no one knows each other individually. A lot of the people in the tour were older and were visiting the Holy Land for the first time in their lives. I think I am starting to realize what a blessing this has been to be here and how much of a responsibility it will hold. It is a life changing experience and because we are experiencing it at such a young age, we will have so many more opportunities to share what we have learned with others. Much of the rest of the day was spent hanging out with friends or having some quiet alone time.
This semester, I want to learn so much in our New Testament class. This part of the scriptures is a big part of my decision to come to the Holy Land. I want to study the Savior’s live and be more familiar with his teachings. But most of all, I want to get to know him on a more personal level. We have been counseled to be like our Savior and in order to do that, we need to know Him. By immersing myself in the Holy Land and by studying his doings and teachings, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of Him as a person and as my Savior and Redeemer. And by doing that, I hope to apply this understanding in my life and start the change this experience can instill in my life.
Saturday Nov 10, 2007
November 10th, 2007
Jason Bentley
It was a very peaceful Shabbat. All the sacrament meeting talks were really good. Tuni, as well as the Myers gave talks. The Myers are a new family in the branch. Brother Myers works for the state department and the family had been stationed in the Ukraine before they got transferred over here recently.
Sister Myer told a story about how she felt really lonely in Ukraine when they first moved over there. She didn’t speak the language and she didn’t know anyone. She said one thing that really touched her was when she went to church how the young women in her branch befriended her and offered to come over and spend time with her during the week. She talked about how no matter where you go if you’re in the church you’ll always have friends and how important it is for us to befriend new members in the branch.
Today in Shabbat school we had a lesson on the restoration of the gospel. It was really interesting to talk about the restoration after classes were over to see the different themes touched on in each class.
The rest of the day was pretty tranquil. We had the afternoon to relax and meditate. One group of students went to the garden tomb while another group of students went to the garden of Gethsemane. It was an all around nice day, especially since all the students have finals coming up in 8 or nine days. Next Shabbat we’ll all be lot more stressed out, it was nice to have a day just to relax.
In terms of what I want to accomplish this semester in NT study, I want to come to know the savior and his Apostles. I want to get to know who they were, their personalities. I want to see the sites so that my bible readings can be more real, but most of all so that I can empathize with them slightly better having some of their same surroundings so I can get to know them as they are.
Jason Bentley
It was a very peaceful Shabbat. All the sacrament meeting talks were really good. Tuni, as well as the Myers gave talks. The Myers are a new family in the branch. Brother Myers works for the state department and the family had been stationed in the Ukraine before they got transferred over here recently.
Sister Myer told a story about how she felt really lonely in Ukraine when they first moved over there. She didn’t speak the language and she didn’t know anyone. She said one thing that really touched her was when she went to church how the young women in her branch befriended her and offered to come over and spend time with her during the week. She talked about how no matter where you go if you’re in the church you’ll always have friends and how important it is for us to befriend new members in the branch.
Today in Shabbat school we had a lesson on the restoration of the gospel. It was really interesting to talk about the restoration after classes were over to see the different themes touched on in each class.
The rest of the day was pretty tranquil. We had the afternoon to relax and meditate. One group of students went to the garden tomb while another group of students went to the garden of Gethsemane. It was an all around nice day, especially since all the students have finals coming up in 8 or nine days. Next Shabbat we’ll all be lot more stressed out, it was nice to have a day just to relax.
In terms of what I want to accomplish this semester in NT study, I want to come to know the savior and his Apostles. I want to get to know who they were, their personalities. I want to see the sites so that my bible readings can be more real, but most of all so that I can empathize with them slightly better having some of their same surroundings so I can get to know them as they are.
Friday November 9, 2007
Brittany Hofman
November 9 – Journal
Friday was our first day of New Testament class with Brother Ludlow. We wrapped up Old Testament with the final and turned over a new leaf with New Testament. Although I really enjoyed the Old Testament, I am particularly excited about studying the New Testament while living here in Jerusalem. What better experiential education could I ever receive in studying the New Testament than by living here in the same place that Christ lived and taught and healed? I am excited!
After class, a group of us took off via taxi to West Jerusalem. We were dropped off a few blocks away from the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem. The Great Synagogue is a large building that was built in the style modeled on the Jewish Temple which once stood in Jerusalem. The sanctuary apparently seats 850 men and 550 women. To our disappointment, the Synagogue was closed (although, our guidebooks said differently). We convinced the doorman to let us in for only one minute. After getting in (there were 11 of us and one of him…how could he even put up a fight?!) we looked around the foyer area for a split second and then headed back out. There wasn't much to see and the rest of it seemed pretty quiet and closed. From the outside, I could see some intricate stained glass windows and could only imagine how beautiful they would have been to see from the inside looking out.
Next, we headed over to Mahane Yehuda street (located between Agrippa Street and Jaffa Street, a few blocks up from Ben Yehuda) to a "must see" open air market. It was really a fun experience. I was impressed with the cleanliness and fresh atmosphere, as well as the variety of vendors. There were fruits and vegetables, candy, Shabbat challah breads, clothes, souvenirs, etc. We ate some great pizza at the end of the market and practiced our Hebrew. After the market, we walked on down to meet up with some other students near Ben Yehuda Street, bought some ice cream and then caught our taxi back to the Center. The evening was spent getting some homework done before Shabbat.
Regarding my goals and desires for this New Testament section of the semester, I really hope to gain a better perspective of the four Gospels and their concurrent perspectives on the life of Jesus Christ. I also really want to make a better effort at really praying to learn by the Spirit before coming to class each day. I feel that this will help my testimony of the Savior and of his life grow, and in the end, I hope to be able to apply his teachings and examples with more meaning in my own life. As I mentioned in the first part of my journal article, I feel really excited to be able to have the experience of learning about the life and teachings of the Savior in the very land that he lived and taught in. My goal is to make the very best of my last 6 weeks here.
November 9 – Journal
Friday was our first day of New Testament class with Brother Ludlow. We wrapped up Old Testament with the final and turned over a new leaf with New Testament. Although I really enjoyed the Old Testament, I am particularly excited about studying the New Testament while living here in Jerusalem. What better experiential education could I ever receive in studying the New Testament than by living here in the same place that Christ lived and taught and healed? I am excited!
After class, a group of us took off via taxi to West Jerusalem. We were dropped off a few blocks away from the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem. The Great Synagogue is a large building that was built in the style modeled on the Jewish Temple which once stood in Jerusalem. The sanctuary apparently seats 850 men and 550 women. To our disappointment, the Synagogue was closed (although, our guidebooks said differently). We convinced the doorman to let us in for only one minute. After getting in (there were 11 of us and one of him…how could he even put up a fight?!) we looked around the foyer area for a split second and then headed back out. There wasn't much to see and the rest of it seemed pretty quiet and closed. From the outside, I could see some intricate stained glass windows and could only imagine how beautiful they would have been to see from the inside looking out.
Next, we headed over to Mahane Yehuda street (located between Agrippa Street and Jaffa Street, a few blocks up from Ben Yehuda) to a "must see" open air market. It was really a fun experience. I was impressed with the cleanliness and fresh atmosphere, as well as the variety of vendors. There were fruits and vegetables, candy, Shabbat challah breads, clothes, souvenirs, etc. We ate some great pizza at the end of the market and practiced our Hebrew. After the market, we walked on down to meet up with some other students near Ben Yehuda Street, bought some ice cream and then caught our taxi back to the Center. The evening was spent getting some homework done before Shabbat.
Regarding my goals and desires for this New Testament section of the semester, I really hope to gain a better perspective of the four Gospels and their concurrent perspectives on the life of Jesus Christ. I also really want to make a better effort at really praying to learn by the Spirit before coming to class each day. I feel that this will help my testimony of the Savior and of his life grow, and in the end, I hope to be able to apply his teachings and examples with more meaning in my own life. As I mentioned in the first part of my journal article, I feel really excited to be able to have the experience of learning about the life and teachings of the Savior in the very land that he lived and taught in. My goal is to make the very best of my last 6 weeks here.
Thursday November 8, 2007
Spencer Kelly
November 8, 2007
Today was a fairly normal and relaxing time for us at the JC. We had Bro. Huntington’s class first thing in the morning followed by Ophir who taught about Jewish life under the British Mandate. The afternoon seemed to be a time for students to get caught up on homework that was pushed aside the last couple days while they studied for the Old Testament final exam. Although for some students it was time used to catch up on rest that was lost studying for the Old Testament exam. I spent the afternoon doing the latter while watching the hilarious comedy “Father of the Bride II” and empathizing with its main character George Banks.
Besides just lounging around, I was able to visit the U.S. consulate in the evening. Kyler Kromwell from our ward agreed to show us around the U.S. consulate and tell us about the potential opportunities that are possible with a career in the U.S. Foreign Service. The grounds of the consulate were beautifully well kept. We learned that the U.S. bought the grounds and its buildings from a church. The actual consulate is was originally a monastery. Kyler talked with us about the five main job classifications within the Foreign Service also known as the five cones and gave us some tips on getting hired.
There are many expectations that I have for our New Testament class. My first expectation is that I will gain a greater appreciation for the Savior and his personal ministry to the one. Another expectation which I have is that I will become familiar with the text of the New Testament. I expect that we will spend time in the scriptures reading the words of the Savior and applying them to our lives and individual situations. My final expectation is that we will read our scriptures as we are at sites on our field trips to better relate and understand the importance of each place.
November 8, 2007
Today was a fairly normal and relaxing time for us at the JC. We had Bro. Huntington’s class first thing in the morning followed by Ophir who taught about Jewish life under the British Mandate. The afternoon seemed to be a time for students to get caught up on homework that was pushed aside the last couple days while they studied for the Old Testament final exam. Although for some students it was time used to catch up on rest that was lost studying for the Old Testament exam. I spent the afternoon doing the latter while watching the hilarious comedy “Father of the Bride II” and empathizing with its main character George Banks.
Besides just lounging around, I was able to visit the U.S. consulate in the evening. Kyler Kromwell from our ward agreed to show us around the U.S. consulate and tell us about the potential opportunities that are possible with a career in the U.S. Foreign Service. The grounds of the consulate were beautifully well kept. We learned that the U.S. bought the grounds and its buildings from a church. The actual consulate is was originally a monastery. Kyler talked with us about the five main job classifications within the Foreign Service also known as the five cones and gave us some tips on getting hired.
There are many expectations that I have for our New Testament class. My first expectation is that I will gain a greater appreciation for the Savior and his personal ministry to the one. Another expectation which I have is that I will become familiar with the text of the New Testament. I expect that we will spend time in the scriptures reading the words of the Savior and applying them to our lives and individual situations. My final expectation is that we will read our scriptures as we are at sites on our field trips to better relate and understand the importance of each place.
Wednesday Nov 7, 2007
Kerri Regehr
NT Journal 1
November 7, 2007
I woke up unusually early today to study for the OT final. It was so early the lights in the building weren’t even on yet and it was creepy! At five o’clock when the lights came on I headed up to the sixth floor to classroom four where several of us had created a study room the night before. I sat on the floor and read off of the two boards we had filled with notes from the whole semester of OT. When it was finally time for the test I was so ready to take it. I was relieved to have the test done and therefore enjoyed Brother Huntington’s class more than usual.
All of the students wanted to go out into the city to celebrate the test being over, and I was with them. I ended up going with a huge group that wanted to see if we could get on the Temple Mount. Miracles of miracles, we got on the Temple Mount! It was so cool to be right up where the Temple used to be. I took lots of pictures and even touched the Dome of the Rock. I tried to picture what Solomon’s temple would have looked like in all of its glory hundreds of years ago. When it was time for us to get off the Temple Mount, I wandered into the Jewish Quarter with a few friends. We ended up walking down the Cardo and then made our way into the Armenian Quarter where we visited an Armenian Genocide Museum. We walked back through the old city from Jaffa Gate and had a great time being heckled by the shop keepers, as usual. I spent the rest of my day trying not to think about the impending finals in my two Modern Near Eastern Studies classes and having fun. All in all, it was a fabulous day in Jerusalem!
While studying the New Testament for the rest of the semester I would like to gain a greater appreciation for Jesus Christ as a man who worked miracles among the people. I know he is my Savior and Redeemer, but I don’t think I know the miracles he worked as well as I should. I hope to learn more about these miracles, and be able to appreciate their application in my own life.
NT Journal 1
November 7, 2007
I woke up unusually early today to study for the OT final. It was so early the lights in the building weren’t even on yet and it was creepy! At five o’clock when the lights came on I headed up to the sixth floor to classroom four where several of us had created a study room the night before. I sat on the floor and read off of the two boards we had filled with notes from the whole semester of OT. When it was finally time for the test I was so ready to take it. I was relieved to have the test done and therefore enjoyed Brother Huntington’s class more than usual.
All of the students wanted to go out into the city to celebrate the test being over, and I was with them. I ended up going with a huge group that wanted to see if we could get on the Temple Mount. Miracles of miracles, we got on the Temple Mount! It was so cool to be right up where the Temple used to be. I took lots of pictures and even touched the Dome of the Rock. I tried to picture what Solomon’s temple would have looked like in all of its glory hundreds of years ago. When it was time for us to get off the Temple Mount, I wandered into the Jewish Quarter with a few friends. We ended up walking down the Cardo and then made our way into the Armenian Quarter where we visited an Armenian Genocide Museum. We walked back through the old city from Jaffa Gate and had a great time being heckled by the shop keepers, as usual. I spent the rest of my day trying not to think about the impending finals in my two Modern Near Eastern Studies classes and having fun. All in all, it was a fabulous day in Jerusalem!
While studying the New Testament for the rest of the semester I would like to gain a greater appreciation for Jesus Christ as a man who worked miracles among the people. I know he is my Savior and Redeemer, but I don’t think I know the miracles he worked as well as I should. I hope to learn more about these miracles, and be able to appreciate their application in my own life.
Wednesday 7, 2007
Gregory W. Marsh
Brother Ludlow
Journal Entry—Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Old Testament—Final Exam
Today, sadly, our Old Testament class came to an end for the semester. We took the final exam, some with weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. All of us, I think, were relieved to have the exam over, but I think most of us were also sad to have the class over. It has been a wonderful semester, learning about the Old Testament, and I have grown a lot in my understanding of the scriptures through our study of the Old Testament.
We’re now looking forward to learning about the New Testament, about the life and works of the Savior. I think more than anything else, I’m looking forward to developing an idea of the geographical context of the miracles and teaching and events in the life of the Savior. As we’ve studied the Old Testament, I have found that simply understanding the geography of the scriptures has made a huge difference in my understanding of the scriptures. Already, having visited the Galilee and seen the Sea of Galilee, I can better connect with the story of Jesus and His disciples crossing the sea in the middle of a storm, and I can better imagine the miracle of His calming the sea. I want to have that same sort of context for the remainder of the events in the Gospels.
Owing to the early hour of the exam, we had lunch early today. That gave many of us the opportunity to go up to the Temple Mount to visit the Dome of the Rock. Many of us have been trying to go for a long time, but the Temple Mount is never open when we’re not in class or at lunch; thus, the early lunch today opened a beautiful opportunity for many of us. There were probably fifty of us who made it up there today. It was very beautiful; it is a very peaceful place, and it’s beautiful to imagine the time when the Temple of the Lord was on that very place. Indeed, it is a sacred place, and it was a privilege to visit there.
Brother Ludlow
Journal Entry—Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Old Testament—Final Exam
Today, sadly, our Old Testament class came to an end for the semester. We took the final exam, some with weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. All of us, I think, were relieved to have the exam over, but I think most of us were also sad to have the class over. It has been a wonderful semester, learning about the Old Testament, and I have grown a lot in my understanding of the scriptures through our study of the Old Testament.
We’re now looking forward to learning about the New Testament, about the life and works of the Savior. I think more than anything else, I’m looking forward to developing an idea of the geographical context of the miracles and teaching and events in the life of the Savior. As we’ve studied the Old Testament, I have found that simply understanding the geography of the scriptures has made a huge difference in my understanding of the scriptures. Already, having visited the Galilee and seen the Sea of Galilee, I can better connect with the story of Jesus and His disciples crossing the sea in the middle of a storm, and I can better imagine the miracle of His calming the sea. I want to have that same sort of context for the remainder of the events in the Gospels.
Owing to the early hour of the exam, we had lunch early today. That gave many of us the opportunity to go up to the Temple Mount to visit the Dome of the Rock. Many of us have been trying to go for a long time, but the Temple Mount is never open when we’re not in class or at lunch; thus, the early lunch today opened a beautiful opportunity for many of us. There were probably fifty of us who made it up there today. It was very beautiful; it is a very peaceful place, and it’s beautiful to imagine the time when the Temple of the Lord was on that very place. Indeed, it is a sacred place, and it was a privilege to visit there.
Tuesday Nov 6, 2007
6 November 2007
Jessica Bringhurst
November 6 had great potential to become a dark and dreary day as it was the day before our Old Testament final. Everyone was trying their best to cram 900 years of history into a massive day-before study session. But somehow, I’m still not quite sure how, I was able to have fun that night. I studied with Janessa, Bailey, and Tiffany (plus the occasional straggler) in the far-reaches of classroom 4. We filled two white-boards with knowledge that night. The mood was light and fun, surprisingly. Maybe it was our reenactments of biblical stories- like Sampson (Tiffany) tearing down the two pillars of the temple (Bailey and I), on top of all the Philistines (Janessa). Or maybe it was so fun because we gluttoned ourselves to our utmost desire and beyond. Seriously, we ate half of a tub of chocolate, three bags of popcorn, a large box of Mike and Ikes, Magnum bars, and an undefined amount of granola bars, Twix’s, and suckers. It felt right at the time, but I felt disgusting the next day.
I would like to expand on this day, but NOTHING else happened. We had classes in the morning, but after that, I saw very little of anyone or anything outside of classroom 4. I’m quite sure that everyone else had similar experiences. I really did enjoy studying so intensely the stories and lessons from the Old Testament. I learned SO much that night—a lot of things that I had overlooked or misunderstood. I think I gained an even greater appreciation for the Old Testament as a whole just from rehearsing it over and over for the final.
I have some great expectations for the New Testament. Unlike the Old Testament, I am beginning this class with a love and appreciation for the New Testament and I feel that I have a pretty good understanding of the first four gospels. I love the stories of the Savior. He teaches us so much by example, commandment and parable. I’ve studied the New Testament in my personal time, seminary, and a previous class at BYU, but I still feel that there is so much more to gain, so much more that I’ve overlooked. The biggest thing I would like to get out of class is to leave everyday feeling inspired, and feeling like I can make a difference. Each day I want a renewed commitment to improve myself—a trait I could develop or a service I could perform. I also want to have an even greater love, appreciation, and understanding for Christ’s life here on earth. He is the example by which I should live, and I need to understand how I can cultivate more Christ-like characteristics. I have some big expectations, so good luck!
Jessica Bringhurst
November 6 had great potential to become a dark and dreary day as it was the day before our Old Testament final. Everyone was trying their best to cram 900 years of history into a massive day-before study session. But somehow, I’m still not quite sure how, I was able to have fun that night. I studied with Janessa, Bailey, and Tiffany (plus the occasional straggler) in the far-reaches of classroom 4. We filled two white-boards with knowledge that night. The mood was light and fun, surprisingly. Maybe it was our reenactments of biblical stories- like Sampson (Tiffany) tearing down the two pillars of the temple (Bailey and I), on top of all the Philistines (Janessa). Or maybe it was so fun because we gluttoned ourselves to our utmost desire and beyond. Seriously, we ate half of a tub of chocolate, three bags of popcorn, a large box of Mike and Ikes, Magnum bars, and an undefined amount of granola bars, Twix’s, and suckers. It felt right at the time, but I felt disgusting the next day.
I would like to expand on this day, but NOTHING else happened. We had classes in the morning, but after that, I saw very little of anyone or anything outside of classroom 4. I’m quite sure that everyone else had similar experiences. I really did enjoy studying so intensely the stories and lessons from the Old Testament. I learned SO much that night—a lot of things that I had overlooked or misunderstood. I think I gained an even greater appreciation for the Old Testament as a whole just from rehearsing it over and over for the final.
I have some great expectations for the New Testament. Unlike the Old Testament, I am beginning this class with a love and appreciation for the New Testament and I feel that I have a pretty good understanding of the first four gospels. I love the stories of the Savior. He teaches us so much by example, commandment and parable. I’ve studied the New Testament in my personal time, seminary, and a previous class at BYU, but I still feel that there is so much more to gain, so much more that I’ve overlooked. The biggest thing I would like to get out of class is to leave everyday feeling inspired, and feeling like I can make a difference. Each day I want a renewed commitment to improve myself—a trait I could develop or a service I could perform. I also want to have an even greater love, appreciation, and understanding for Christ’s life here on earth. He is the example by which I should live, and I need to understand how I can cultivate more Christ-like characteristics. I have some big expectations, so good luck!
Tuesday Nov 6, 2007
Maggie Bertucci
Journal
November 6, 2007
So I didn't do a whole lot today. We have our Old Testament final
tomorrow, so I studied for that a little. We had Arabic this morning
and Ayman managed to go the whole hour without actually speaking any
Arabic. It was great. We talked about boy/girl relationships and the
country of Jordan.
About this time in the semester I tend to hit a wall, and I don't
want to move forward in my studies any longer. I hit that wall today.
I had no desire to study for my final, so I procrastinated. I'm
actually one of the best procrastinators that I know. When I have no
definite plans of distraction, I spend a lot of time wandering. I
just go up and down the stairs in the Jerusalem Center and see what
different people are doing. Sometimes I stop and chat for a little
while, and at other times I just walk passed if what is going on does
not interest me. It's an interesting habit that I've picked up since
being here. What a way to pass the boredom. So I did some of that
today. I also spent a lot of time in the computer lab with Danny
playing solitaire and free cell. We wasted a lot of time.
In the evening, after dinner, I decided that I needed to get my act
together and study for this test a little bit, so I did. I studied
for about three hours. I took a few breaks. During one of these
breaks, Nichelle, Tuni, and I went upstairs to copy a study guide, and
I was able to witness a spectacular wrestling match between Tuni and
Karey. It was really great. Later, I talked to Tuni about life. She
and I have good talks, in general.
One of the reasons that I came to Jerusalem was to get to know myself
and my Savior better. That has happened through my study of the Old
Testament, but I think it has the potential to happen even more as I
study the New Testament and really delve into the Savior's life and
teachings. I look forward to this opportunity and hope to make the
best out of it.
Journal
November 6, 2007
So I didn't do a whole lot today. We have our Old Testament final
tomorrow, so I studied for that a little. We had Arabic this morning
and Ayman managed to go the whole hour without actually speaking any
Arabic. It was great. We talked about boy/girl relationships and the
country of Jordan.
About this time in the semester I tend to hit a wall, and I don't
want to move forward in my studies any longer. I hit that wall today.
I had no desire to study for my final, so I procrastinated. I'm
actually one of the best procrastinators that I know. When I have no
definite plans of distraction, I spend a lot of time wandering. I
just go up and down the stairs in the Jerusalem Center and see what
different people are doing. Sometimes I stop and chat for a little
while, and at other times I just walk passed if what is going on does
not interest me. It's an interesting habit that I've picked up since
being here. What a way to pass the boredom. So I did some of that
today. I also spent a lot of time in the computer lab with Danny
playing solitaire and free cell. We wasted a lot of time.
In the evening, after dinner, I decided that I needed to get my act
together and study for this test a little bit, so I did. I studied
for about three hours. I took a few breaks. During one of these
breaks, Nichelle, Tuni, and I went upstairs to copy a study guide, and
I was able to witness a spectacular wrestling match between Tuni and
Karey. It was really great. Later, I talked to Tuni about life. She
and I have good talks, in general.
One of the reasons that I came to Jerusalem was to get to know myself
and my Savior better. That has happened through my study of the Old
Testament, but I think it has the potential to happen even more as I
study the New Testament and really delve into the Savior's life and
teachings. I look forward to this opportunity and hope to make the
best out of it.
Nov 5, 2007
April Palmer
November 11, 2007
New Testament
Bro. Ludlow
New Testament Journal: November 5, 2007
The pressure was mounting and I could feel the stress as I woke up on Monday—the Old Testament final exam was only two days away! I tried to pay attention to our other classes, but I could tell that everyone really just wanted to go spend some more time with Moses, Elijah, and the twelve Minor Prophets.
We did learn an interesting thing in Arabic class about the Muslim feast of the sacrifice Eid al-Adha. Trevor asked Mr. Jabara about it to get information for the papers we were writing for our Palestinian narrative class. Mr. Jabara explained to us that the Muslims believe that God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael (not Isaac). An angel stopped Abraham from sacrificing Ishmael, and a ram was sacrificed instead. Eid al-Adha commemorates this event.
Besides classes, other happenings on Monday included a lot of studying (hardly anyone left the center), and some lively Family Home Evening activities. Off-key a cappella hymns were followed by spiritual thoughts, card games, and soccer. And I hear that the large beanbag chairs make for a very soft landing, but that is all I will say about it! Family Home Evening was a good break from the tension of finals, but almost everyone returned to their studies afterwards. I, however, spent the rest of the evening giving haircuts to James, Bryan, and Spencer. I am not sure how I ended up being the designated barber, but it has been fun!
Expectations for New Testament:
My first expectation/endeavor for our New Testament course is to strengthen my personal relationship with the Savior through learning more about His life and ministry. I plan to apply the knowledge gained to my own actions so that I may live a more Christ-like life, and feel the peace that a Christ-centered life will bring. I hope that as I learn and apply the teachings of the New Testament, I will gain an increased desire and ability to share the restored gospel with others. I also hope to pick out teachings and applications that will help me in my next large life step—marriage and a family. Lastly, I want to strengthen my ability to feel and recognize the presence of the Holy Ghost so that I may continue learning through him even after we leave the Holy Land.
November 11, 2007
New Testament
Bro. Ludlow
New Testament Journal: November 5, 2007
The pressure was mounting and I could feel the stress as I woke up on Monday—the Old Testament final exam was only two days away! I tried to pay attention to our other classes, but I could tell that everyone really just wanted to go spend some more time with Moses, Elijah, and the twelve Minor Prophets.
We did learn an interesting thing in Arabic class about the Muslim feast of the sacrifice Eid al-Adha. Trevor asked Mr. Jabara about it to get information for the papers we were writing for our Palestinian narrative class. Mr. Jabara explained to us that the Muslims believe that God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael (not Isaac). An angel stopped Abraham from sacrificing Ishmael, and a ram was sacrificed instead. Eid al-Adha commemorates this event.
Besides classes, other happenings on Monday included a lot of studying (hardly anyone left the center), and some lively Family Home Evening activities. Off-key a cappella hymns were followed by spiritual thoughts, card games, and soccer. And I hear that the large beanbag chairs make for a very soft landing, but that is all I will say about it! Family Home Evening was a good break from the tension of finals, but almost everyone returned to their studies afterwards. I, however, spent the rest of the evening giving haircuts to James, Bryan, and Spencer. I am not sure how I ended up being the designated barber, but it has been fun!
Expectations for New Testament:
My first expectation/endeavor for our New Testament course is to strengthen my personal relationship with the Savior through learning more about His life and ministry. I plan to apply the knowledge gained to my own actions so that I may live a more Christ-like life, and feel the peace that a Christ-centered life will bring. I hope that as I learn and apply the teachings of the New Testament, I will gain an increased desire and ability to share the restored gospel with others. I also hope to pick out teachings and applications that will help me in my next large life step—marriage and a family. Lastly, I want to strengthen my ability to feel and recognize the presence of the Holy Ghost so that I may continue learning through him even after we leave the Holy Land.
November 4, 2007
Daniel Sorenson
Religion 303
Professor Ludlow
11-04-07
The first thing we had on Sunday morning was Old Testament class, where I was surprised to learn that I had a journal article for my New Testament class for that day. Regardless, it was a good class period where we discussed Hoshea and Joel. I especially liked the story of Hoshea, who is commanded to marry a woman of, shall we say, questionable virtue. But he does, and when she is later unfaithful he still takes her back again. This is a very interesting parable that teaches us a lot about our relationship to our Heavenly Father. While we are not as wicked as the wife of Hoshea, we all make mistakes, often repeatedly. We see through this story, however, that God continues to love us and that if we repent then he will forgive us and take us back to him.
After that class some of us had Hebrew, and then we all had our Palestinian Narrative class, where some of us got the opportunity to discuss our thoughts on the class for five minutes, and after that we were done with classes. From there many people stayed in the center to study for our upcoming OT midterm, but me and a few others went out to go to the Church of the Ascension. Unfortunately it was closed; still we got some exercise and fresh air so it was a good trip. The rest of the afternoon I spent studying and getting ahead in my other classes so I could focus on the Old Testament Final. That night however I talked to my family, as well as other students. I realized that night just how grateful I am for this program, and for all the changes that I have made in my life, as well as the friends I have made.
As the final piece of this journal we were supposed to discuss our expectations for this New Testament class. My main expectation is to gain a better appreciation of our Savior’s teachings and life, and through that knowledge change myself to become a happier and more charitable person.
Religion 303
Professor Ludlow
11-04-07
The first thing we had on Sunday morning was Old Testament class, where I was surprised to learn that I had a journal article for my New Testament class for that day. Regardless, it was a good class period where we discussed Hoshea and Joel. I especially liked the story of Hoshea, who is commanded to marry a woman of, shall we say, questionable virtue. But he does, and when she is later unfaithful he still takes her back again. This is a very interesting parable that teaches us a lot about our relationship to our Heavenly Father. While we are not as wicked as the wife of Hoshea, we all make mistakes, often repeatedly. We see through this story, however, that God continues to love us and that if we repent then he will forgive us and take us back to him.
After that class some of us had Hebrew, and then we all had our Palestinian Narrative class, where some of us got the opportunity to discuss our thoughts on the class for five minutes, and after that we were done with classes. From there many people stayed in the center to study for our upcoming OT midterm, but me and a few others went out to go to the Church of the Ascension. Unfortunately it was closed; still we got some exercise and fresh air so it was a good trip. The rest of the afternoon I spent studying and getting ahead in my other classes so I could focus on the Old Testament Final. That night however I talked to my family, as well as other students. I realized that night just how grateful I am for this program, and for all the changes that I have made in my life, as well as the friends I have made.
As the final piece of this journal we were supposed to discuss our expectations for this New Testament class. My main expectation is to gain a better appreciation of our Savior’s teachings and life, and through that knowledge change myself to become a happier and more charitable person.
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