Something beautiful

Of all the wonders I've seen today, this little picture is high in the running for most beautiful.

;)

                              To be fully described at a more reasonable hour of the day.

...76

The Garden of Gethsemane

I went to the Garden of Gethsemane today for the very first time. Its a beautiful little place, I was surprised at how small it was, its just a fenced off grove of Olive trees that is really well taken care of. I really like it there. The Church of All Nations is right next door that commemorates the acts of Christ in the garden. A group of us went in and sang hymns in the church, I really loved that. The priest there seemed to really appreciate it, I thought that was really neat. I feel closer to my fellow Christians when I go to places like that beautiful church. I am grateful for all the religions and good people that fill the world.

...77

Its the weekend!

       Yay for Fridays! Except when you have to work on midterm papers. Well at least its interesting and I am continually finding out that I've learned more than I'm aware of sometimes. That's always a fun experience. 

       The very best part of today was the long and fulfilling Skype date with my man Dustin Murdock :D Life is always so much more enjoyable after having a precious conversation with him. He inspires me to do my very best in my classes and gives me the joy and motivation I need to make the very best use of every valuable experience here. 

Thank you for your meaningful support sweetheart. 

...78

A Good Old American Birthday Party

It was Brother Ludlow's son's birthday today and they held a casual party for him with the students. It was somehow quite refreshing to have some regular cake and birthday party, felt a little like home. Accept for the fireworks as candles part, that's not a typical tradition for my family and I just can't figure out why! ;) I think I'll implement the fireworks and cake excitement into all future birthday parties that I have any say in (assuming my Dustin likes the idea as much as I do). It makes for a well deserved and harder earned birthday wish that's for sure. 

I love the people here, its beginning to feel like a family. 

Joe blowing out the 'candles' on his cake

Brother Ludlow and his two adorable daughters

The epic sword fight!

79!!! we're in the seventies now:D

I got an A :)

All this studying and work and I got the A I'd hoped for. And guess what, I have another exam tomorrow. The classes here are going to be the death of me, hey but at least I'll be smarter ;) Unfortunately I must retire with another short and barely satisfactory blog post. They'll get better soon I promise, I'm going snorkeling this weekend in the Red Sea so you can know for sure that there will soon be a day when I have something exciting to report.

..80

Tests part 2 and Birthday Party

Well I think I did really well on my tests today! It was a late night and early morning studying, but I think I pulled it off! I really love this class, it's hard work but I know what's expected of me and I feel like my grades are reflecting that.
The highlight of the day was an invitation extended to celebrate a birthday party with one of the girls here, compliments of her mother back home. We went to West Jerusalem and had scrumptious ice cream (what was the name of that flavor I tried again? It was delicious!)
So it's been a productive and fun day and...Yaaaaaawwwwn...I'm wiped out, mumbling like a sleeptalker. sorry it's another short one but I'd best be off to bed!

This is my professor Brother Huntsman, I love the Jerusalem Center and everyone who makes it what it is.

Awesome Bubble man on the streets of West Jerusalem

Priscilla the Birthday Girl

Exploring the rooftops of the Christian Quarter 

...81

Tests . . .

I've just finished the first half of my Old Testament take home test. I think I did well on that portion but I can't think anymore so I'm off to bed.

...82