November 3, 2007
Shabbat Shalom! Today was another wonderful Shabbat here at the Jerusalem Center. Since it was fast Shabbat, we were able to get some much needed sleep since we didn’t eat breakfast. It has definitely been a day of peace and rest.
Our church meetings were great today. We started off with Fast and Testimony meeting. As I sat in church listening to all of the testimonies of the students here, I was filled with joy. It is so great to see all of us having strong, personal spiritual experiences here and learning and growing so much because of them. We all left jobs, people, classes, opportunities at home to come here, and because of that, we have all had trials and struggles in our own way. Some have been harder than others, but as I listened in testimony meeting, it made me so happy to see everyone growing so much and learning to rely on the Lord in times of need. How great it is to be surrounded by people who are all trying to be their best and do everything right. We’re all becoming better, and it is so fun to see the light of Christ become stronger in everyone’s eyes.
Today we had a new Sunday School class, ‘Missionary and Temple Prep’, which will be taught by two returned missionaries. The lesson was an intro to both missionary and temple work, and it’s going to be a great class. There are many people who are in various stages of missionary prep, and a few girls here who are getting married soon. It will be a good class to prepare us for our exciting months ahead. I think to the future and where everyone will be in a year from now, and looking at the potential that is here, I think we’re all going to go on to do great things. Everyone here is such a great example to me and how I can be better and stronger. It’s so great to be surrounded by wonderful examples.
In Relief Society we had a lesson taught by Sister Huntington on the Second Coming and how we can prepare ourselves for it. We mostly talked about how we can fill our lamps spiritually to be as the 5 righteous virgins who were ready for the bridegroom. After church, most people took naps or studied the Old Testament in preparation for a paper and a final which are due this week. We’re all going to make it through and hopefully our hard work and study thus far will pay off after Wednesday. At 4:00 pm sharp, we broke our fast to a wonderful Sabbath meal. It’s funny how much our lives revolve around the times of meals. Since they are the most constant event here, they mean a lot to us.
As we near the end of our Old Testament studies, I look back on how much I’ve learned in this class. I came this semester having read only sections of the Old Testament, with a brief knowledge of stories. Now I know the stories and personalities in more depth, how they all fit together chronologically, and most importantly I’m not scared of the Old Testament anymore. It was always intimidating, but now that we’ve studied it so much, I’m excited to read it again soon and learn even more about it. My favorite sights during our Old Testament study have been the mountains that we’ve visited. First of all, climbing Mount Sinai was a wonderful experience as we were better able to picture the wandering of the Israelites in the wilderness and their fearless leader, Moses, leading them. It was great to have more understanding for their situation. Then we visited Mount Nebo, where Moses looked out over the Jordan River Valley into the Promised Land and was told by the Lord that he was not going to inhabit it. Being there and knowing this story made me appreciate Moses so much more for his leadership and obedience as a prophet. I could not have done what the Israelites did, and visiting the mountains where they traveled helped me learn more about them and appreciate what they did for me!
Monday, April 21, 2008
November 3, 2007
Meg Rampton
3 November 2007
In the Jerusalem center we have our Sunday worship services on Saturday. At first I thought that I wouldn’t like it very much and have a hard time getting used to it. But it quickly became one of the most restful days of the week. I love Shabbat! Today was fast and testimony meeting. It was wonderful. Many of the testimonies were about the love of Heavenly Father and that he hears and answers our prayers. I know this is true and that he does. Many of the testimonies testified of our Savior Jesus Christ. As I sat there in the beautiful chapel I overlooked the old city. I could see the top of the church of the Holy Sepulture as we as the Garden tomb. Both possibilities of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection place. My heart was overfull with the knowledge that he lives and I was so grateful to be in this very place where he lived, taught, atoned, died, and resurrected all for me.
This semester of studying the Old Testament has been such an eye opener for me. I have learned so many things. Mostly the fear of the unknown in the Old Testament has been replaced with the spirit of power as I know and understand what happened in the Old Testament. Before I came to Jerusalem it had been 10 years since my high school freshman experience of studying it and I honestly don’t remember any of it. I have learned many things but I think mostly it has been able to place all of the stories in the context of history and location. Sadly I had no idea that the city of David was right here in Jerusalem let alone had I made the connection before that King David was the same David who beat Goliath. I am so grateful for this experience and so excited about the unexpected plethora of knowledge that has been acquired during my first two months in Jerusalem.
3 November 2007
In the Jerusalem center we have our Sunday worship services on Saturday. At first I thought that I wouldn’t like it very much and have a hard time getting used to it. But it quickly became one of the most restful days of the week. I love Shabbat! Today was fast and testimony meeting. It was wonderful. Many of the testimonies were about the love of Heavenly Father and that he hears and answers our prayers. I know this is true and that he does. Many of the testimonies testified of our Savior Jesus Christ. As I sat there in the beautiful chapel I overlooked the old city. I could see the top of the church of the Holy Sepulture as we as the Garden tomb. Both possibilities of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection place. My heart was overfull with the knowledge that he lives and I was so grateful to be in this very place where he lived, taught, atoned, died, and resurrected all for me.
This semester of studying the Old Testament has been such an eye opener for me. I have learned so many things. Mostly the fear of the unknown in the Old Testament has been replaced with the spirit of power as I know and understand what happened in the Old Testament. Before I came to Jerusalem it had been 10 years since my high school freshman experience of studying it and I honestly don’t remember any of it. I have learned many things but I think mostly it has been able to place all of the stories in the context of history and location. Sadly I had no idea that the city of David was right here in Jerusalem let alone had I made the connection before that King David was the same David who beat Goliath. I am so grateful for this experience and so excited about the unexpected plethora of knowledge that has been acquired during my first two months in Jerusalem.
October 1, 2007
Natasha Antoniak
Brother Ludlow
Slumbering after Egypt
After adventuring in Egypt for over a week, we arrived late to the Jerusalem Center the night of September 30th. We returned only to face a full day of classes on October the first …..
However, I, along with my roommate (and best friend), Tuni did not participate in the aforementioned full day of classes. OOPS! We, through our complete, sincere, and utter exhaustion missed classes for the WHOLE day! We slept UNKNOWINGLY until 3 p.m.!! When we woke up-- late in the afternoon—we realized how hungry we were since we missed BOTH breakfast and lunch! We went on a search for a small group to go into the West side of Jerusalem for some good pizza. MM mm MMM!
We called up a taxi and arrived at ‘Big Apple Pizza’ off of Ben Yehuda Street around 4pm. We ordered the most delicious pineapple and onion pizza we had ever eaten. With our round of Fantas and freshly made-thin-crusted goodness called a “pizza pie,” we chowed it down while reminiscing of our memories and adventures of Egypt. We realized how much we had just learned from that 7 day trip and felt so grateful for the bonding and fun memories that were created. We just kept saying “we can’t believe just 24 hours again we were in EGYPT—a country in Northern Africa!” And then we would just start to laugh as we saw our current reality: that being, eating delicious pizza in Jerusalem!—another one of our lifetime goals and treasured memories.
When we got back later that evening, a lot of people congratulated us on sleeping for the whole day. They expressed their simple jealousy and how impressed they were that we could sleep so long. We, quite frankly, felt awful, even amidst silly praise and sarcasm that we had just slept through half of our day! We walked around trying to get all the notes and information from the classes we had missed but found, during our walk, a variety of people sleeping in the most random places! Along with the obvious pure exhaustion that was our group, there was a HUGE rush of laundry-doing on the 2nd floor, while others continued on with their homework, some decided to relax and watch movies, and most went to bed early to try to “catch up” on the sleep that was so direly needed!
Randomly, however, a select few who had so MUCH energy (BECAUSE they hadn’t slept in so long causing them to be on a constant 2nd wind) that were running in and out of the gym, chilling at the Shalom Shack, and just giddy from the week previous. I think the snickers and coke finally caught up with them and gave them the sugar rush we all needed from our long hours on those buses crossing the borders, yes?
On the not-so-good side, there were still people from Brother Draper and Brother Ludlow’s classes suffering from what I like to call “Montezuma’s revenge” or lack of a better phrase “the Egypt experience.” They spent the majority of their first day back in Jerusalem in the bathroom, visiting Dr. Heyes for more Immodium, and picking at their food at dinner—scared to eat. We all empathized and sympathized. However, none of us regretted our experience and embraced the consequences of exhaustion and upset stomachs that come so naturally with getting to travel amidst this Jerusalem Study abroad.
Bottom line, I think as a collective whole we were all just happy and grateful that we just returned from such an incredible experience. Even if we celebrated it by sleeping half the day away…
Brother Ludlow
Slumbering after Egypt
After adventuring in Egypt for over a week, we arrived late to the Jerusalem Center the night of September 30th. We returned only to face a full day of classes on October the first …..
However, I, along with my roommate (and best friend), Tuni did not participate in the aforementioned full day of classes. OOPS! We, through our complete, sincere, and utter exhaustion missed classes for the WHOLE day! We slept UNKNOWINGLY until 3 p.m.!! When we woke up-- late in the afternoon—we realized how hungry we were since we missed BOTH breakfast and lunch! We went on a search for a small group to go into the West side of Jerusalem for some good pizza. MM mm MMM!
We called up a taxi and arrived at ‘Big Apple Pizza’ off of Ben Yehuda Street around 4pm. We ordered the most delicious pineapple and onion pizza we had ever eaten. With our round of Fantas and freshly made-thin-crusted goodness called a “pizza pie,” we chowed it down while reminiscing of our memories and adventures of Egypt. We realized how much we had just learned from that 7 day trip and felt so grateful for the bonding and fun memories that were created. We just kept saying “we can’t believe just 24 hours again we were in EGYPT—a country in Northern Africa!” And then we would just start to laugh as we saw our current reality: that being, eating delicious pizza in Jerusalem!—another one of our lifetime goals and treasured memories.
When we got back later that evening, a lot of people congratulated us on sleeping for the whole day. They expressed their simple jealousy and how impressed they were that we could sleep so long. We, quite frankly, felt awful, even amidst silly praise and sarcasm that we had just slept through half of our day! We walked around trying to get all the notes and information from the classes we had missed but found, during our walk, a variety of people sleeping in the most random places! Along with the obvious pure exhaustion that was our group, there was a HUGE rush of laundry-doing on the 2nd floor, while others continued on with their homework, some decided to relax and watch movies, and most went to bed early to try to “catch up” on the sleep that was so direly needed!
Randomly, however, a select few who had so MUCH energy (BECAUSE they hadn’t slept in so long causing them to be on a constant 2nd wind) that were running in and out of the gym, chilling at the Shalom Shack, and just giddy from the week previous. I think the snickers and coke finally caught up with them and gave them the sugar rush we all needed from our long hours on those buses crossing the borders, yes?
On the not-so-good side, there were still people from Brother Draper and Brother Ludlow’s classes suffering from what I like to call “Montezuma’s revenge” or lack of a better phrase “the Egypt experience.” They spent the majority of their first day back in Jerusalem in the bathroom, visiting Dr. Heyes for more Immodium, and picking at their food at dinner—scared to eat. We all empathized and sympathized. However, none of us regretted our experience and embraced the consequences of exhaustion and upset stomachs that come so naturally with getting to travel amidst this Jerusalem Study abroad.
Bottom line, I think as a collective whole we were all just happy and grateful that we just returned from such an incredible experience. Even if we celebrated it by sleeping half the day away…
October 2, 2007
James L. Archibald II
Journal Entry 2 November 2007
2 November 2007 was the first full day the students spent at the Center since their trip to Jordan. Some students (including the author) spent their first hours of the day watching movies in the lounge or otherwise goofing off (this lasted until about 2:00am).
Breakfast was served mercifully late, though still too early for some sleepy-heads who managed to either miss it or return back to their beds right afterward. Some groups went to Tel Aviv, but most stayed in the international area of indeterminate status pending the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (at least, that’s what Kyler (the EQP) of the U.S. Consulate told us Jerusalem was).
After lunch about 40 students paid a whopping 14 shekels each for a trip to a park in West Jerusalem. Though the cost was surprisingly high, it managed to engender only mock consternation among the eager group. The plan was to play Ultimate Frisbee.
The issue of whether or not the students were allowed to wear shorts was a tricky one that most resolved by careful consideration of relevant precedents. The statute in question was the one that forbids students from wearing shorts anywhere except the gym (including while jogging). However, it was well-known (or at least widely-accepted) that Sister Galbraith had asked Dr. Kearl if she could wear shorts while playing tennis at the Hebrew U. Dr. Kearl replied that she could as long as she wore pants while travelling to and from the facility. Thus, the students had to decide whether the playing fields were sufficiently similar to the tennis courts at Hebrew U. (and therefore the gym) that the exception to the pants-only rule extended to them for the duration of their athletic activity. They must also have determined whether Sister Galbraith’s case was germane to theirs (Sister Galbraith is not a student). Additional considerations included their assessments of the weather, possible reactions of other park patrons and the decisions that other students made on the matter. Hopefully their decisions are never appealed.
The group split into two groups, one of whom played on a small, hilly field adjacent to a street. This field also featured such obstacles as holes in the ground and small children who would occasionally dart into the game. Despite this, the students still managed to play quite competitively. They were careful and none of the children was hurt, though Jessica Bringhurst did manage to find one of the holes and injure herself with it.
That night, some people went to Ophir Yarden’s synagogue. It was the first of many trips. The experience received uniformly positive reviews, though this author did not attend.
The final event of the day was the semester’s second Shalom-Shack-sponsored shindig. The theme was Halloween and all were required to concoct some kind of costume. The level of creativity and ingenuity displayed was quite impressive. The students, faculty and service couples also showed a remarkable spirit of camaraderie as they worked together to produce decent-looking costumes. Remarkably, the level of compliance with the rules was also extremely high (i.e. people wore shoes, modest clothing (no shorts) and didn’t remove any of their bedding from their rooms as far as this author knows). Many dressed in regional garb; while others impersonated other students or faculty members (James H. and Ryan T. impersonated one another with great success). Among this author’s favorite costumes was one that depicted the son of William Tell (Walter) complete with an apple affixed to the top of his head (full disclosure: this costume was produced and worn by the author). Other noticeable costumes were produced almost exclusively by persons whom this author kind-of likes in a way that he cannot express fully until leaving the Jerusalem Center. Practically everyone attended the party and no one reported having failed to have fun.
The party was typical of dance parties in warm rooms in that nearly everyone took occasional breaks from the heavy dance beats and body heat to stop sweating (full disclosure: maybe not everyone does this, but the author sure does). The music was better-played than the first Shalom-Shack Sha-Bang since the students used the Center’s speakers. Other activities for the night included taking pictures, dancing and eating stuff from the Shalom Shack, which provided complimentary bread and chocolate.
An Insight from the Old Testament
That the Old Testament is difficult to understand is quite cliché. The infrequency and superficiality of my study of the OT earlier in my life is such that it required a leap of faith to believe that the OT contained coherent writings at all outside its handful of well-known stories. To accept it as a divinely inspired work that belongs in the canon I relied as much on deductive reasoning and my testimony of modern prophets as I did on an actual belief in its substance. Subsequent failure to understand much of its message resulted in frustration and occasional hostility towards it, punctuated by occasional enlightenment that came as the result of sincere study. I wondered why the Lord, who speaks every language, who reveals things to men in their own tongues so they can understand, would insist that we use (and lug around) an imperfect translation of a book that was revealed to a people whose culture has very little to do with our own. Why burden us with documents we barely understand? Why talk about a legal code that seems so strange when viewed by modern eyes? Why talk of a history where the Lord seems so much meaner than He does in the other standard works? Why emphasize the legacy of a nation that was neither righteous most of the time nor particularly advanced relative to its neighbors in any secular discipline?
Though still much remains to be learned, I feel that I have matured in my view of the OT and have begun to genuinely feel the things that I knew only in an intellectual sense. During this class, it was confirmed to me to a greater extent than before that the Old Testament is consistent with the rest of the gospel and that the same God who dealt with His people in all the true dispensations dealt with the people of the Old Testament. I recall thinking about it one day close to the end of the course and realizing that all the most important aspects of man’s dealings with God are extremely clear in the Old Testament. This realization came like a list of questions: Is there any doubt about the importance of obedience to God? Does the Old Testament equivocate about the necessity of sacrifice? What about the importance of following the Prophet or of obeying the ordinances? Does it leave any doubt about the perils of living an unchaste life? Does it leave uncertainty about whether the Savior will come? Does it fail to delineate the singular role He plays in the plan? Does it deny the love that the Lord has for His people?
Clearly, the Old Testament is a book that belongs in the canon. Though my testimony of it is still weaker than that of the other standard works, I see now, more than ever, how the experiences and teachings that were directed to ancient Israel are relevant to me.
Journal Entry 2 November 2007
2 November 2007 was the first full day the students spent at the Center since their trip to Jordan. Some students (including the author) spent their first hours of the day watching movies in the lounge or otherwise goofing off (this lasted until about 2:00am).
Breakfast was served mercifully late, though still too early for some sleepy-heads who managed to either miss it or return back to their beds right afterward. Some groups went to Tel Aviv, but most stayed in the international area of indeterminate status pending the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (at least, that’s what Kyler (the EQP) of the U.S. Consulate told us Jerusalem was).
After lunch about 40 students paid a whopping 14 shekels each for a trip to a park in West Jerusalem. Though the cost was surprisingly high, it managed to engender only mock consternation among the eager group. The plan was to play Ultimate Frisbee.
The issue of whether or not the students were allowed to wear shorts was a tricky one that most resolved by careful consideration of relevant precedents. The statute in question was the one that forbids students from wearing shorts anywhere except the gym (including while jogging). However, it was well-known (or at least widely-accepted) that Sister Galbraith had asked Dr. Kearl if she could wear shorts while playing tennis at the Hebrew U. Dr. Kearl replied that she could as long as she wore pants while travelling to and from the facility. Thus, the students had to decide whether the playing fields were sufficiently similar to the tennis courts at Hebrew U. (and therefore the gym) that the exception to the pants-only rule extended to them for the duration of their athletic activity. They must also have determined whether Sister Galbraith’s case was germane to theirs (Sister Galbraith is not a student). Additional considerations included their assessments of the weather, possible reactions of other park patrons and the decisions that other students made on the matter. Hopefully their decisions are never appealed.
The group split into two groups, one of whom played on a small, hilly field adjacent to a street. This field also featured such obstacles as holes in the ground and small children who would occasionally dart into the game. Despite this, the students still managed to play quite competitively. They were careful and none of the children was hurt, though Jessica Bringhurst did manage to find one of the holes and injure herself with it.
That night, some people went to Ophir Yarden’s synagogue. It was the first of many trips. The experience received uniformly positive reviews, though this author did not attend.
The final event of the day was the semester’s second Shalom-Shack-sponsored shindig. The theme was Halloween and all were required to concoct some kind of costume. The level of creativity and ingenuity displayed was quite impressive. The students, faculty and service couples also showed a remarkable spirit of camaraderie as they worked together to produce decent-looking costumes. Remarkably, the level of compliance with the rules was also extremely high (i.e. people wore shoes, modest clothing (no shorts) and didn’t remove any of their bedding from their rooms as far as this author knows). Many dressed in regional garb; while others impersonated other students or faculty members (James H. and Ryan T. impersonated one another with great success). Among this author’s favorite costumes was one that depicted the son of William Tell (Walter) complete with an apple affixed to the top of his head (full disclosure: this costume was produced and worn by the author). Other noticeable costumes were produced almost exclusively by persons whom this author kind-of likes in a way that he cannot express fully until leaving the Jerusalem Center. Practically everyone attended the party and no one reported having failed to have fun.
The party was typical of dance parties in warm rooms in that nearly everyone took occasional breaks from the heavy dance beats and body heat to stop sweating (full disclosure: maybe not everyone does this, but the author sure does). The music was better-played than the first Shalom-Shack Sha-Bang since the students used the Center’s speakers. Other activities for the night included taking pictures, dancing and eating stuff from the Shalom Shack, which provided complimentary bread and chocolate.
An Insight from the Old Testament
That the Old Testament is difficult to understand is quite cliché. The infrequency and superficiality of my study of the OT earlier in my life is such that it required a leap of faith to believe that the OT contained coherent writings at all outside its handful of well-known stories. To accept it as a divinely inspired work that belongs in the canon I relied as much on deductive reasoning and my testimony of modern prophets as I did on an actual belief in its substance. Subsequent failure to understand much of its message resulted in frustration and occasional hostility towards it, punctuated by occasional enlightenment that came as the result of sincere study. I wondered why the Lord, who speaks every language, who reveals things to men in their own tongues so they can understand, would insist that we use (and lug around) an imperfect translation of a book that was revealed to a people whose culture has very little to do with our own. Why burden us with documents we barely understand? Why talk about a legal code that seems so strange when viewed by modern eyes? Why talk of a history where the Lord seems so much meaner than He does in the other standard works? Why emphasize the legacy of a nation that was neither righteous most of the time nor particularly advanced relative to its neighbors in any secular discipline?
Though still much remains to be learned, I feel that I have matured in my view of the OT and have begun to genuinely feel the things that I knew only in an intellectual sense. During this class, it was confirmed to me to a greater extent than before that the Old Testament is consistent with the rest of the gospel and that the same God who dealt with His people in all the true dispensations dealt with the people of the Old Testament. I recall thinking about it one day close to the end of the course and realizing that all the most important aspects of man’s dealings with God are extremely clear in the Old Testament. This realization came like a list of questions: Is there any doubt about the importance of obedience to God? Does the Old Testament equivocate about the necessity of sacrifice? What about the importance of following the Prophet or of obeying the ordinances? Does it leave any doubt about the perils of living an unchaste life? Does it leave uncertainty about whether the Savior will come? Does it fail to delineate the singular role He plays in the plan? Does it deny the love that the Lord has for His people?
Clearly, the Old Testament is a book that belongs in the canon. Though my testimony of it is still weaker than that of the other standard works, I see now, more than ever, how the experiences and teachings that were directed to ancient Israel are relevant to me.
November 1, 2007
Natasha Antoniak
Brother Ludlow
November 1st, 2007
We woke up early in the morning, anxious for breakfast, and excited for our half day of final outings within our field trip of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. We got on the bus and headed to the Jordan River to take a short tour of where they believe John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ.
It was a really hot day and all of us were so tired from traveling and having to get up so early. However, we had all become so eager to go to this site since the start of the field trip. We walked through a peaceful trail that opened up to a pavilion where we then sang the primary song “Baptism” near the water below. It was somber and reflective. We then walked farther into the trees and came to a church where we sat in the shade and took turns taking pictures of the “River Jordan” sign that led us to an opening right on the water.
The rest of the time in Jordan that afternoon was spent on the bus in an effort to get to the border crossing. While waiting, we ate snacks, sang hymns, listened to Archie’s vocal rendition of “All I Ask of You” (Phantom of the Opera) and sporadically succumbed to the temptation of powernaps equaling about 10 minutes in length. Once we got to customs, we all grabbed our luggage, had our passports in hand, and waited in one long line to each Border-Crossing-Teller. Everything went smoothly and made it to our bus, on the other side, in no time.
We watched the beginning of “Ratatouille” on the way home and arrived at the Jerusalem Center early in the evening. We all rushed to our room to unpack, do laundry, eat dinner, catch up on sleep, homework, emails, and take time to reflect about our trip to Jordan.
My Old Testament Highlight is taken from my journal on September 7, 2007:
“Tonight was incredible. We went to the Western Wall. I was overwhelmed with the love that Heavenly Father has for His children ground and watched in awe of the traditions and dedication of these people. I witnessed generations of tradition, culture, language, and rich spiritual conviction. I was touched and curious…
Afterwards, we walked around Kidron valley and through the City of David and saw some of the 2000+ year old stones left from the temple of David/Solomon. Our teacher (Brother Ludlow) pointed out the tomb where the son of David was buried and showed us where the Mt. of Olives was.
We also walked through the Muslim part of the Old city where Mary Magdalene was apparently buried... It is such a surreal experience to be just miles if not FEET away from these places that I have read about my whole life. I purposely didn't bring my camera because I just wanted to remember the feeling (not the picture)...
You would have loved tonight--walking through the dark, warm streets of Jerusalem, seeing the dark night sky and listening to the history of what we were walking by every 2 feet. It would have strengthened even further your testimony of covenants and the promises of the Lord.”
Brother Ludlow
November 1st, 2007
We woke up early in the morning, anxious for breakfast, and excited for our half day of final outings within our field trip of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. We got on the bus and headed to the Jordan River to take a short tour of where they believe John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ.
It was a really hot day and all of us were so tired from traveling and having to get up so early. However, we had all become so eager to go to this site since the start of the field trip. We walked through a peaceful trail that opened up to a pavilion where we then sang the primary song “Baptism” near the water below. It was somber and reflective. We then walked farther into the trees and came to a church where we sat in the shade and took turns taking pictures of the “River Jordan” sign that led us to an opening right on the water.
The rest of the time in Jordan that afternoon was spent on the bus in an effort to get to the border crossing. While waiting, we ate snacks, sang hymns, listened to Archie’s vocal rendition of “All I Ask of You” (Phantom of the Opera) and sporadically succumbed to the temptation of powernaps equaling about 10 minutes in length. Once we got to customs, we all grabbed our luggage, had our passports in hand, and waited in one long line to each Border-Crossing-Teller. Everything went smoothly and made it to our bus, on the other side, in no time.
We watched the beginning of “Ratatouille” on the way home and arrived at the Jerusalem Center early in the evening. We all rushed to our room to unpack, do laundry, eat dinner, catch up on sleep, homework, emails, and take time to reflect about our trip to Jordan.
My Old Testament Highlight is taken from my journal on September 7, 2007:
“Tonight was incredible. We went to the Western Wall. I was overwhelmed with the love that Heavenly Father has for His children ground and watched in awe of the traditions and dedication of these people. I witnessed generations of tradition, culture, language, and rich spiritual conviction. I was touched and curious…
Afterwards, we walked around Kidron valley and through the City of David and saw some of the 2000+ year old stones left from the temple of David/Solomon. Our teacher (Brother Ludlow) pointed out the tomb where the son of David was buried and showed us where the Mt. of Olives was.
We also walked through the Muslim part of the Old city where Mary Magdalene was apparently buried... It is such a surreal experience to be just miles if not FEET away from these places that I have read about my whole life. I purposely didn't bring my camera because I just wanted to remember the feeling (not the picture)...
You would have loved tonight--walking through the dark, warm streets of Jerusalem, seeing the dark night sky and listening to the history of what we were walking by every 2 feet. It would have strengthened even further your testimony of covenants and the promises of the Lord.”
October 31, 2007
Spencer Kelly A Jordanian Halloween
October 31, 2007
We weren’t able to celebrate Halloween by dressing up and racing door to door for candy today but were able to visit some really neat places. The first place we visited was the city of Jerash which is among the world’s best and most preserved Roman cities. The city ruins were amazing. The city included a Roman cardo, theatre, hippodrome, temple and large plaza.
Although we weren’t able to dress like Romans this Halloween we were able to act like them. We held our own “chariot” races against Brother Draper’s class. From the start of the race it appeared as if Bus 1’s warriors would easily conquer Bus 2’s but at a crucial turning point the race spun upside down, making Bus 2 the victor.
Our second stop of the day was at the Amman Branch building. District President Bradford and Sister Bradford spoke to us about the current situation of the Church in the Middle East area. I was impressed by how much area this district of the Church covers. The area includes Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in which President Bradford spoke briefly about them. He then focused mainly on one or two members of the Church from these places.
After listening to the miraculous stories of these members in how they were led to their membership in the Church, I felt deeply grateful to a Heavenly Father who watches over each one of us. I felt especially grateful that He watches even those in these areas of the world where the activity of the Church is limited. President Bradford emphasized that their assignment as missionaries to this land was not to help the Church grow but to be maintained. This allows a door to remain open so when there is an opportunity for missionaries to begin preaching in this land there will be a solid foundation of members on which it can stand.
I felt that each of us left the meeting with the spirit of missionary work and a greater appreciation for all the faithful members that live their lives in accordance to gospel principles amidst so much opposition.
One of my most memorable experiences during this Old Testament class was our trip to the Western Wall our first week here in Jerusalem. Not yet being accustomed to the culture and having very little knowledge about Judaism, it was culturally “eye opening” as well as spiritually enlightening getting to observe the Jews welcome the Sabbath in. I was surprised at the contrast between all the worshippers that came to the wall. For example, a group of youth came singing and dancing as to celebrate. This greatly differed from the many orthodox Jews who looked as if they were mourning a great loss and who stood piously at the wall.
As I observed the many different types of worship around me, I began to see how culturally diverse this group of people was-- yet, they were all united because of their faith. I thought about my own ways of worship and how they are similar to the many different types of worship I saw that night at the wall. Sometimes I enjoy dancing and singing for joy because of my many blessings. Whereas, other times, I am more contemplative and reverent when I am seeking comfort in times of personal difficulty. I learned from my experience at the Western Wall that although I might come from a much religiously different background than the Jewish people in this land, I can understand in a small way their need for spiritual enlightenment as well as their cultural ties which bring them close as a people.
October 31, 2007
We weren’t able to celebrate Halloween by dressing up and racing door to door for candy today but were able to visit some really neat places. The first place we visited was the city of Jerash which is among the world’s best and most preserved Roman cities. The city ruins were amazing. The city included a Roman cardo, theatre, hippodrome, temple and large plaza.
Although we weren’t able to dress like Romans this Halloween we were able to act like them. We held our own “chariot” races against Brother Draper’s class. From the start of the race it appeared as if Bus 1’s warriors would easily conquer Bus 2’s but at a crucial turning point the race spun upside down, making Bus 2 the victor.
Our second stop of the day was at the Amman Branch building. District President Bradford and Sister Bradford spoke to us about the current situation of the Church in the Middle East area. I was impressed by how much area this district of the Church covers. The area includes Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in which President Bradford spoke briefly about them. He then focused mainly on one or two members of the Church from these places.
After listening to the miraculous stories of these members in how they were led to their membership in the Church, I felt deeply grateful to a Heavenly Father who watches over each one of us. I felt especially grateful that He watches even those in these areas of the world where the activity of the Church is limited. President Bradford emphasized that their assignment as missionaries to this land was not to help the Church grow but to be maintained. This allows a door to remain open so when there is an opportunity for missionaries to begin preaching in this land there will be a solid foundation of members on which it can stand.
I felt that each of us left the meeting with the spirit of missionary work and a greater appreciation for all the faithful members that live their lives in accordance to gospel principles amidst so much opposition.
One of my most memorable experiences during this Old Testament class was our trip to the Western Wall our first week here in Jerusalem. Not yet being accustomed to the culture and having very little knowledge about Judaism, it was culturally “eye opening” as well as spiritually enlightening getting to observe the Jews welcome the Sabbath in. I was surprised at the contrast between all the worshippers that came to the wall. For example, a group of youth came singing and dancing as to celebrate. This greatly differed from the many orthodox Jews who looked as if they were mourning a great loss and who stood piously at the wall.
As I observed the many different types of worship around me, I began to see how culturally diverse this group of people was-- yet, they were all united because of their faith. I thought about my own ways of worship and how they are similar to the many different types of worship I saw that night at the wall. Sometimes I enjoy dancing and singing for joy because of my many blessings. Whereas, other times, I am more contemplative and reverent when I am seeking comfort in times of personal difficulty. I learned from my experience at the Western Wall that although I might come from a much religiously different background than the Jewish people in this land, I can understand in a small way their need for spiritual enlightenment as well as their cultural ties which bring them close as a people.
October 30, 2007
October 30th, 2007 Bryan Perry
Petra
When we awoke early in the morning after a not-so-good night sleep at the world renowned Petra Palace I don’t think any of us quite understood what we were about to get ourselves into. After picking up our water and other needful items like whips and cowboy hats, we took off down the road towards the entrance to the canyon.
We entered the Siq, and those of us who were familiar with any part of Southern Utah began to feel at home. The sandstone walls towering around us, the desert environs encompassing, and searing hot sun rising over the seemingly lifeless desertscape teases us of a land once known but now foreign to our feeble minds.
As we ventured through the canyon, the light from the fore boding sun was blocked by the cliffs on either side of us and we were engulfed in dark and hellish hues (see D&C) of souls searching for the light of day. Suddenly, the morning breaks and the shadows flee, lo the sight the treasury is unfurled. As we run out of the canyon and bask in the majesty of all its glory, we are reminded of a much younger Harrison Ford and less-wise Sean Connery and some Nazis in their quest for the Grail of grails, the Cup of cups, the Tangent of tangents, the Mug of mugs, the Chalis aka the Holy Grail (see also Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, 1984). Ancient lore holds that this Grail was the cup used at the Last Supper.
After a near death experience of donkey riding up to the monastery, and a not-so-satisfying lunch we begin to make the trek back out of this ancient Wonder of wonders, Architectural Masterpiece of architectural masterpieces, and Gem of gems. In conclusion, Petra was grand for all those who partook of its bountiful and Jordiscious (notice the play on words: Jordan + delicious=Jordiscious) pleasantries.
Old Testament
My experience in this Old Testament course has been one of great worth to me. As I have gone through, I have noticed more and more how all things point to Christ (Alma 30:33). Even the most abstract and seemingly uneventful stories can be found to contain some valuable symbolism into the life of the Savior and his glorious Gospel. The Law of Moses was designed to point or souls to Christ, and the more I understand it, the more I understand Him.
Petra
When we awoke early in the morning after a not-so-good night sleep at the world renowned Petra Palace I don’t think any of us quite understood what we were about to get ourselves into. After picking up our water and other needful items like whips and cowboy hats, we took off down the road towards the entrance to the canyon.
We entered the Siq, and those of us who were familiar with any part of Southern Utah began to feel at home. The sandstone walls towering around us, the desert environs encompassing, and searing hot sun rising over the seemingly lifeless desertscape teases us of a land once known but now foreign to our feeble minds.
As we ventured through the canyon, the light from the fore boding sun was blocked by the cliffs on either side of us and we were engulfed in dark and hellish hues (see D&C) of souls searching for the light of day. Suddenly, the morning breaks and the shadows flee, lo the sight the treasury is unfurled. As we run out of the canyon and bask in the majesty of all its glory, we are reminded of a much younger Harrison Ford and less-wise Sean Connery and some Nazis in their quest for the Grail of grails, the Cup of cups, the Tangent of tangents, the Mug of mugs, the Chalis aka the Holy Grail (see also Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, 1984). Ancient lore holds that this Grail was the cup used at the Last Supper.
After a near death experience of donkey riding up to the monastery, and a not-so-satisfying lunch we begin to make the trek back out of this ancient Wonder of wonders, Architectural Masterpiece of architectural masterpieces, and Gem of gems. In conclusion, Petra was grand for all those who partook of its bountiful and Jordiscious (notice the play on words: Jordan + delicious=Jordiscious) pleasantries.
Old Testament
My experience in this Old Testament course has been one of great worth to me. As I have gone through, I have noticed more and more how all things point to Christ (Alma 30:33). Even the most abstract and seemingly uneventful stories can be found to contain some valuable symbolism into the life of the Savior and his glorious Gospel. The Law of Moses was designed to point or souls to Christ, and the more I understand it, the more I understand Him.
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