September 20, 2007
Spencer Kelly
6:30 breakfast came a little too early for most this morning, after yesterday’s fun free day at the beach and the Old City. Jimmy outdid himself in the kitchen again and cooked us up French toast, eggs, and the cinnamon oatmeal, porridge stuff that we all can’t get enough of. 7:30 Old Testament class just could not come quick enough yet, we waited patiently for Bro. Ludlow to begin.
Our discussion revolved mainly around covenants. We learned that the word covenant means to cut a bond, or karat be’rith in Hebrew. A covenant is “a solemn agreement between two or more parties,” “a promise of God to His children,” “a solemn agreement between God and His children containing His promises to us.” Bro. Ludlow spoke of the seven basic elements of a covenant and their possible usefulness on a future quiz namely: introduction, historical context, stipulations, ritual act, rewards and punishments, witnesses, and perpetuation. Covenants can be either vertical or horizontal; vertical meaning between God and His children and horizontal meaning between humans, either as individuals or groups. To our dismay time flew by as usual and before we knew it 8:30 was upon us and it was time to move to the forum for our Judaism class.
Looming uncertainty hung about us on our long walk from classroom 3 to the forum where our first Judaism quiz awaited us. We would be quizzed on material that covered hundreds of pages of reading, which of course, we did long before this day approached. The forum usually frigid as the Siberian tundra, was sweltering with anticipation of what was about to take place. The battle with Jewish history was long and hard but our class came out victorious in end with only a few casualties.
After the battle, separate ways were taken, Hebrew speakers to class and Arabic speakers to bed. Nap time was thoroughly enjoyed and we Arabic speakers came to lunch feeling mabsootin. Overly confident after spending an hour with the legendary Judy Goldman, the Hebrew speakers greeted us with a newly learned song and dance.
Numbering close to 50, we left the Center to see the ever impressive Israel National Museum. Oohs and aahs fell freely, as we went from exhibit to exhibit, from the strange art to the stranger. Cultured and hungry we quickly returned home to the Center and called it a day.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
November 2, 2007
Allie Braby
2 November 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
Today was one of our few completely free days. Breakfast wasn’t even served until 8 am, so it was a glorious morning sleeping in, especially after returning from Jordan. Most people stayed in Jerusalem, going to synagogues or to the zoo. However, I was in the group that went to Tel Aviv for the day. Although the JC group kind of split up and went at different times, it seems that we all had basically the same type of visit. The first few hours were spent on the beach. We incorporated our knowledge of Egyptian coffins when burying Caleb in the sand and there were also opportunities for my roommate and me to bond. The Mediterranean Sea was quite a bit saltier than I expected, but I was so excited that I could float. The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around Tel Aviv, forgetting that everything closed early for Shabbat. It is weird to think that I got a sun-burn in November, and that although it is still so warm here, the sun is setting as it would in November back home. The best part of the trip was eating gelatos and watching the sun set into the Sea before catching our ride home.
We arrived home just in time to attend the Shalom Shack Spookfest 2007. Although the world had already celebrated Halloween, the JC always sets its own timetable and it seems like the world revolves around us. Or, at least, it should. There were a lot of fun and creative costumes. Karey pulled off a pretty stunning rendition of Brother Ludlow, complete with fanny pack and water bottle holder. James and Ryan dressed like each other, straightening and curling hair where needed. It was fun to see that Ryan showed up in khakis and a button up shirt whereas James came in flaming pajama pants and socks. A lot of other people dressed up as each other, but we had a couple of medical personnel, an Ophir look-a-like, and Greek men. Katie and I went as whos from Whoville. Meg was pregnant with the world’s largest set up babies and there were a couple of mermaids as well. I was amazed to see how creative our group was with such limited supplies. The Spookfest was a good way to end the night and the week. After an exciting field trip, we were all able to relax and have fun, though the party did come to a halt at almost exactly 11 pm.
This semester, while studying the Old Testament and living in the Holy Land, I think the more valuable things I learned were not facts about the scriptures. I think that living here and studying the words of God have helped me to learn how to love other people. Many people think that Christ is a loving God in the New Testament, but an angry God of the Old Testament. However, being around his people in this land, especially the tribe of Judah, has helped me to feel how much Heavenly Father really loves his people. In class, we learned that there are three stages to gathering the Jews in the last days: change of attitude, change of knowledge, and change of belief. Being in this land, I think I can see more of how the literal gathering of Israel is happening and I also have an increased desire to participate in the gathering of Israel. My love for this people has grown and I really want them to be able to feel the joy that the gospel brings and do what I can to help prepare this people for the day when the gospel will be taught to them. The biggest thing that I learned this semester was love for God’s children.
2 November 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
Today was one of our few completely free days. Breakfast wasn’t even served until 8 am, so it was a glorious morning sleeping in, especially after returning from Jordan. Most people stayed in Jerusalem, going to synagogues or to the zoo. However, I was in the group that went to Tel Aviv for the day. Although the JC group kind of split up and went at different times, it seems that we all had basically the same type of visit. The first few hours were spent on the beach. We incorporated our knowledge of Egyptian coffins when burying Caleb in the sand and there were also opportunities for my roommate and me to bond. The Mediterranean Sea was quite a bit saltier than I expected, but I was so excited that I could float. The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around Tel Aviv, forgetting that everything closed early for Shabbat. It is weird to think that I got a sun-burn in November, and that although it is still so warm here, the sun is setting as it would in November back home. The best part of the trip was eating gelatos and watching the sun set into the Sea before catching our ride home.
We arrived home just in time to attend the Shalom Shack Spookfest 2007. Although the world had already celebrated Halloween, the JC always sets its own timetable and it seems like the world revolves around us. Or, at least, it should. There were a lot of fun and creative costumes. Karey pulled off a pretty stunning rendition of Brother Ludlow, complete with fanny pack and water bottle holder. James and Ryan dressed like each other, straightening and curling hair where needed. It was fun to see that Ryan showed up in khakis and a button up shirt whereas James came in flaming pajama pants and socks. A lot of other people dressed up as each other, but we had a couple of medical personnel, an Ophir look-a-like, and Greek men. Katie and I went as whos from Whoville. Meg was pregnant with the world’s largest set up babies and there were a couple of mermaids as well. I was amazed to see how creative our group was with such limited supplies. The Spookfest was a good way to end the night and the week. After an exciting field trip, we were all able to relax and have fun, though the party did come to a halt at almost exactly 11 pm.
This semester, while studying the Old Testament and living in the Holy Land, I think the more valuable things I learned were not facts about the scriptures. I think that living here and studying the words of God have helped me to learn how to love other people. Many people think that Christ is a loving God in the New Testament, but an angry God of the Old Testament. However, being around his people in this land, especially the tribe of Judah, has helped me to feel how much Heavenly Father really loves his people. In class, we learned that there are three stages to gathering the Jews in the last days: change of attitude, change of knowledge, and change of belief. Being in this land, I think I can see more of how the literal gathering of Israel is happening and I also have an increased desire to participate in the gathering of Israel. My love for this people has grown and I really want them to be able to feel the joy that the gospel brings and do what I can to help prepare this people for the day when the gospel will be taught to them. The biggest thing that I learned this semester was love for God’s children.
November 29, 2007
Ashley Marie Eskelsen
Religion 311
Journal Entry for November 29, 2007 in Galilee
The alarm started beeping in the early waking hours of the morning. Today was going to be a long day. Luckily, I had already thought of this, so instead of mumbling and grumbling as I crawled out of bed, I was able to be chipper and refreshed because I had gone to bed early the night before. Though it was going to be a long day, still, it would be filled with much excitement and adventure.
It started out by my walking on a brisk, cool morning to the glorious feast that some refer to as breakfast. Although this comes nowhere near being the climax of the day, nonetheless, all you can drink hot chocolate that tastes like a warm fudge sickle is enough to provide one with enough ecstasy for the rest of the day.
Promptly following breakfast, we all had the glorious opportunity to attend Brother Ludlow's lecture and class. Though I would have rather been swimming in the Sea of Galilee, I was happy to be able to go to class. However, as we sat through the three hours of class, I realized that I think I do in fact have Attention Deficit Disorder. Though the class was very interesting and informative, I could see my legs were growing more restless and agitated as we sat through the very long class period.
Perhaps this is the reason I enjoyed the hike we took right after class. Not only was it in the Golan Heights which was thrilling enough, but my legs no longer had to sit still in the same seat for three hours. The hike was unlike anything I expected. When we first started hiking, I felt like I was once again in my backyard of Idaho. However, the more we hiked, the more I realized the terrain was exclusive to only this region of the world. We traversed through hills that reminded me of being on the set of the Princess Bride, while also meandering through paths that made one think she was in a tropical rainforest fully equipped with anything from exotic flowers to cascading waterfalls. The first waterfall may have been warm and pleasant, but the second one was the polar opposite. The water was ice-cold, but somehow most all of us still decided to swim. Though those of us who swam couldn't feel any of our extremities after getting out of the pool, yet we felt a sense of exhilaration knowing that we had actually jumped into that frigid, forbidding pool.
After arriving back to Ein Gev, my roommates and I had thirty minutes before we were to depart for dinner at the Ein Gev restaurant. Since it was notorious for the St. Peter's fish, I figured I might as well live a little and go for it. Though it didn't taste bad, I still felt a little leery knowing that the fish still had eyes that were staring at me as I was consuming the helpless mass. I must admit that for a brief second, I sort of felt bad for the poor little fishy…briefly! Nonetheless, the night ended up being one of my favorites among all the others in Galilee. Not only was I able to taste a St. Peter's fish, I was able to have strawberry cheesecake ice cream for dessert. All in all, I think it ended up being a pretty good day!
Favorite Scripture Verse : As I was reading through the gospels in Galilee, I stumbled upon a verse that never hit me so powerfully until now. It was in Luke 4:32 and it read: And they [those in the Synagogue in Nazareth] were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
As I read this, I too felt the power that Jesus had taught with. Even though I had the Holy Ghost to bear further witness of the truth, I can only imagine how incredible it must have been to see the Savior preaching in the Synagogue and say in just a couple versus preceding that statement, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." [1] I know it is only because it was absolute, eternal truth that Jesus testified was He able to teach with such power and authority.
Religion 311
Journal Entry for November 29, 2007 in Galilee
The alarm started beeping in the early waking hours of the morning. Today was going to be a long day. Luckily, I had already thought of this, so instead of mumbling and grumbling as I crawled out of bed, I was able to be chipper and refreshed because I had gone to bed early the night before. Though it was going to be a long day, still, it would be filled with much excitement and adventure.
It started out by my walking on a brisk, cool morning to the glorious feast that some refer to as breakfast. Although this comes nowhere near being the climax of the day, nonetheless, all you can drink hot chocolate that tastes like a warm fudge sickle is enough to provide one with enough ecstasy for the rest of the day.
Promptly following breakfast, we all had the glorious opportunity to attend Brother Ludlow's lecture and class. Though I would have rather been swimming in the Sea of Galilee, I was happy to be able to go to class. However, as we sat through the three hours of class, I realized that I think I do in fact have Attention Deficit Disorder. Though the class was very interesting and informative, I could see my legs were growing more restless and agitated as we sat through the very long class period.
Perhaps this is the reason I enjoyed the hike we took right after class. Not only was it in the Golan Heights which was thrilling enough, but my legs no longer had to sit still in the same seat for three hours. The hike was unlike anything I expected. When we first started hiking, I felt like I was once again in my backyard of Idaho. However, the more we hiked, the more I realized the terrain was exclusive to only this region of the world. We traversed through hills that reminded me of being on the set of the Princess Bride, while also meandering through paths that made one think she was in a tropical rainforest fully equipped with anything from exotic flowers to cascading waterfalls. The first waterfall may have been warm and pleasant, but the second one was the polar opposite. The water was ice-cold, but somehow most all of us still decided to swim. Though those of us who swam couldn't feel any of our extremities after getting out of the pool, yet we felt a sense of exhilaration knowing that we had actually jumped into that frigid, forbidding pool.
After arriving back to Ein Gev, my roommates and I had thirty minutes before we were to depart for dinner at the Ein Gev restaurant. Since it was notorious for the St. Peter's fish, I figured I might as well live a little and go for it. Though it didn't taste bad, I still felt a little leery knowing that the fish still had eyes that were staring at me as I was consuming the helpless mass. I must admit that for a brief second, I sort of felt bad for the poor little fishy…briefly! Nonetheless, the night ended up being one of my favorites among all the others in Galilee. Not only was I able to taste a St. Peter's fish, I was able to have strawberry cheesecake ice cream for dessert. All in all, I think it ended up being a pretty good day!
Favorite Scripture Verse : As I was reading through the gospels in Galilee, I stumbled upon a verse that never hit me so powerfully until now. It was in Luke 4:32 and it read: And they [those in the Synagogue in Nazareth] were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
As I read this, I too felt the power that Jesus had taught with. Even though I had the Holy Ghost to bear further witness of the truth, I can only imagine how incredible it must have been to see the Savior preaching in the Synagogue and say in just a couple versus preceding that statement, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." [1] I know it is only because it was absolute, eternal truth that Jesus testified was He able to teach with such power and authority.
November 29, 2007
Daniel Sorenson
Religion 311 Bro. Ludlow
11-29-07
On this day our class stayed at Ein Gev while the other class was on their fieldtrip to Gamla and Qatzrin. Our class that day discussed some things that I really needed to hear at the time. One of the first stories that we discussed was the sinner woman who washed the feet of Jesus and anointed them. The lesson that I really learned from this is that when we go to Christ he can change our lives tremendously through the sacrifice that he made for each of us. The other thing that really struck me was the lesson on how if an evil spirit leaves the person and they do not fill that space somehow then it will come back with seven "friends". I realized that our souls are never in a static place, instead they are either growing or dying, and that we need to be constantly filling our minds and hearts with good positive influences.
Later that day most of our class went on a hike through the Golan Heights. I did not imagine that I would be seeing that sort of scenery in the Galilee region, but was truly amazed to see jungles of bamboo and vines mixed with the more plants in the region. We finally got to the place where we could swim, which many of us did. The water was frigid, but that didn't really stop us from going in. It was an invigorating experience, and although I was cold for a long time after that it was well worth it.
After that I was in the group that went to the Fish Restaurant and to Tiberias. It was a really fun night and having a whole fish presented on a plate was an interesting experience. It was really good fish, and honestly more fun to eat than normal. We then went to a store and then went for ice cream and walked around a flea market for a while. After that it was back to the kibbutz where we relaxed along the beach, doing a number of activities including talking, games, and walking along the beach. On the whole it was a great day in the Galilee and one that I will surely remember for the rest of my life.
Religion 311 Bro. Ludlow
11-29-07
On this day our class stayed at Ein Gev while the other class was on their fieldtrip to Gamla and Qatzrin. Our class that day discussed some things that I really needed to hear at the time. One of the first stories that we discussed was the sinner woman who washed the feet of Jesus and anointed them. The lesson that I really learned from this is that when we go to Christ he can change our lives tremendously through the sacrifice that he made for each of us. The other thing that really struck me was the lesson on how if an evil spirit leaves the person and they do not fill that space somehow then it will come back with seven "friends". I realized that our souls are never in a static place, instead they are either growing or dying, and that we need to be constantly filling our minds and hearts with good positive influences.
Later that day most of our class went on a hike through the Golan Heights. I did not imagine that I would be seeing that sort of scenery in the Galilee region, but was truly amazed to see jungles of bamboo and vines mixed with the more plants in the region. We finally got to the place where we could swim, which many of us did. The water was frigid, but that didn't really stop us from going in. It was an invigorating experience, and although I was cold for a long time after that it was well worth it.
After that I was in the group that went to the Fish Restaurant and to Tiberias. It was a really fun night and having a whole fish presented on a plate was an interesting experience. It was really good fish, and honestly more fun to eat than normal. We then went to a store and then went for ice cream and walked around a flea market for a while. After that it was back to the kibbutz where we relaxed along the beach, doing a number of activities including talking, games, and walking along the beach. On the whole it was a great day in the Galilee and one that I will surely remember for the rest of my life.
November 19, 2007
Bailey Porter
November 19, 2007
Brother Ludlow/ New Testament
Journal: November 16, 2007
Today most people were trying to study for the Palestinian and Jewish finals. Most people didn't though, everyone was watching movies and playing games, I think we are coming experts at procrastinating studying for finals.
Later in the day people got ready to go to the synagogue. I crossed my name off the list because Arab classes were going to be going to Ayman's house. I got ready and headed up to the eighth floor when somebody said that they met at 4:30 instead of 5:00 and that they had already left. Sooo…I hear it was pretty fun. I heard good and bad comments about the food, but overall everyone really enjoyed meeting Ayman's family and seeing where he lives. While we were sitting at dinner in the center our table decided that we should prank people before everyone got back, but we couldn't think of anything fast enough with our limited resources and without getting Sister Lee mad at us.
The thing that I am expecting and looking forward to most from our New Testament course is coming closer to Christ. Not only having a closer relationship with Him, but knowing who He is and His character. Through learning more about the Savior's life, I hope to develop these charactersitics and attributes.
November 19, 2007
Brother Ludlow/ New Testament
Journal: November 16, 2007
Today most people were trying to study for the Palestinian and Jewish finals. Most people didn't though, everyone was watching movies and playing games, I think we are coming experts at procrastinating studying for finals.
Later in the day people got ready to go to the synagogue. I crossed my name off the list because Arab classes were going to be going to Ayman's house. I got ready and headed up to the eighth floor when somebody said that they met at 4:30 instead of 5:00 and that they had already left. Sooo…I hear it was pretty fun. I heard good and bad comments about the food, but overall everyone really enjoyed meeting Ayman's family and seeing where he lives. While we were sitting at dinner in the center our table decided that we should prank people before everyone got back, but we couldn't think of anything fast enough with our limited resources and without getting Sister Lee mad at us.
The thing that I am expecting and looking forward to most from our New Testament course is coming closer to Christ. Not only having a closer relationship with Him, but knowing who He is and His character. Through learning more about the Savior's life, I hope to develop these charactersitics and attributes.
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.
October 23, 2007
Ashley Eskelsen
Religion 303
Journal Write: October 23, 2007
Though today was just going to be the normal, hum-drum Monday morning, I soon knew that today was going to be a day unlike any other. As I woke up and ate my breakfast, I quickly went down to the computer lab to check my email. While doing so, I was given a lovely surprise of receiving an email from an old friend, Marvin Goldstein informing me that he was taking a tour with a group from Utah and Haiifa; pretty strange combo, eh? The traveling group was going all throughout Israel, and their last stop would be in Jerusalem and would be in the Jerusalem Center that morning. Receiving that email made my day. I was so excited. However, I soon became disheartened when I realized that I probably wouldn't be able to see him since we had class all day until lunch that day.
While sitting throughout all my classes, all I could think about was being able to see Marvin. Luckily Brother Huntington let us out of class early, and we were able to have about twenty minutes to spare before we had the weekly announcements. My heart skipped as I speedily ran up to the eighth floor just hoping and praying that I would be able to meet him. To my joy and somewhat surprise he actually was still there. I was able to talk to him and tell his entire tour group about how amazing the Jerusalem Center truly is. I was thoroughly delighted to have been able to see and meet all these new people.
Time is money, and I absolutely hate and despise wasting time on leaving everyone meaningless emails or facebook posts. I've decided that I can do that anytime when I'm in Utah or Idaho. But being in Jerusalem is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so why waste it in the computer lab? At any rate, as I was checking my email (I had allowed myself no more than five minutes to do so), my friend from Paris, who worked with me while I was living in New York, left me an email informing me that he was in Jerusalem for the week, and he left me a number to his hotel. He told me that today and tomorrow he had a free day and would like to spend it with me. As soon as I received this email, I quickly called him to ask if he wanted to meet in the old city. To my relief, a couple people wanted to go to The King David Museum for the day. So, I decided to call him again and ask him if that would be a good location to meet. He ageed and we both arranged to meet each other there in a little less than an hour from the time of that phone call.
As I finally approached the museum, I saw and greeted him. A flood of nostalgia for New York overcame me as I gave him a big hug. I figured it was alright to give him a hug since he isn't in the program with me, right? I realized that although New York wasn't my ideal place to live, I know that the people and relationships that one develops over the course of traveling to new places is what makes living in unique places worth it.
From meeting with Marvin and my Parisian friend, I finally understood how important keeping and maintaining relationships is. Truly, the Old Testament has taught me how meaningful relationships really are. From the relationships of Jonathan and David, or Elijah and Elisha, each has motivated me to keep and maintain better relationships with fellow associates. As I met with both my friends, a flood of immense joy and love swept through my body and I realized that this truly is what life is about; receiving a brotherly love for those around you. Perhaps this is how one achieves true happiness. Indeed, I agree with the phrase, "All you need is love!"
Religion 303
Journal Write: October 23, 2007
Though today was just going to be the normal, hum-drum Monday morning, I soon knew that today was going to be a day unlike any other. As I woke up and ate my breakfast, I quickly went down to the computer lab to check my email. While doing so, I was given a lovely surprise of receiving an email from an old friend, Marvin Goldstein informing me that he was taking a tour with a group from Utah and Haiifa; pretty strange combo, eh? The traveling group was going all throughout Israel, and their last stop would be in Jerusalem and would be in the Jerusalem Center that morning. Receiving that email made my day. I was so excited. However, I soon became disheartened when I realized that I probably wouldn't be able to see him since we had class all day until lunch that day.
While sitting throughout all my classes, all I could think about was being able to see Marvin. Luckily Brother Huntington let us out of class early, and we were able to have about twenty minutes to spare before we had the weekly announcements. My heart skipped as I speedily ran up to the eighth floor just hoping and praying that I would be able to meet him. To my joy and somewhat surprise he actually was still there. I was able to talk to him and tell his entire tour group about how amazing the Jerusalem Center truly is. I was thoroughly delighted to have been able to see and meet all these new people.
Time is money, and I absolutely hate and despise wasting time on leaving everyone meaningless emails or facebook posts. I've decided that I can do that anytime when I'm in Utah or Idaho. But being in Jerusalem is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so why waste it in the computer lab? At any rate, as I was checking my email (I had allowed myself no more than five minutes to do so), my friend from Paris, who worked with me while I was living in New York, left me an email informing me that he was in Jerusalem for the week, and he left me a number to his hotel. He told me that today and tomorrow he had a free day and would like to spend it with me. As soon as I received this email, I quickly called him to ask if he wanted to meet in the old city. To my relief, a couple people wanted to go to The King David Museum for the day. So, I decided to call him again and ask him if that would be a good location to meet. He ageed and we both arranged to meet each other there in a little less than an hour from the time of that phone call.
As I finally approached the museum, I saw and greeted him. A flood of nostalgia for New York overcame me as I gave him a big hug. I figured it was alright to give him a hug since he isn't in the program with me, right? I realized that although New York wasn't my ideal place to live, I know that the people and relationships that one develops over the course of traveling to new places is what makes living in unique places worth it.
From meeting with Marvin and my Parisian friend, I finally understood how important keeping and maintaining relationships is. Truly, the Old Testament has taught me how meaningful relationships really are. From the relationships of Jonathan and David, or Elijah and Elisha, each has motivated me to keep and maintain better relationships with fellow associates. As I met with both my friends, a flood of immense joy and love swept through my body and I realized that this truly is what life is about; receiving a brotherly love for those around you. Perhaps this is how one achieves true happiness. Indeed, I agree with the phrase, "All you need is love!"
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