Its Crunch Time

Finals week has come around once again. We don't have quite as many tests and papers as last time but I'm still feeling a lot of pressure to try to do somewhat decent in these classes. Sigh* we'll see though, its tough. I just pray that I don't lose my scholarship while I'm here. I knew studying abroad was going to be a lot of work but I was not mentally prepared for everything that would be required, well on the bright side I know that I've learned A TON, so I'm happy about that. I am so grateful that the faculty has scheduled time in Jerusalem after all of our tests are done so that we can enjoy our last days here free from tests and worries. The program here is really excellent, they certainly know how to make the absolute most of the time and money that we have invested in it. Our time here has been so comprehensive and thorough I'm impressed with everything that they arranged for us to see and learn. And yet, despite the massive amounts of things we've experienced here I'm still afraid that I'm missing things. I guess I'll just have to come back with my family someday ;D

...25

Masada+Cave Eleven+Dead Sea= FANTASTIC DAY!

Finally! I have now seen and walked the grounds of Masada. I've been looking forward to that part of the trip for quite some time and it did not disappoint! What a remarkable place with a history that is as dramatically heart wrenching as it is complex and uncertain. I would be interested in learning more about the people involved in the siege of Masada during the First Jewish Revolt, so if any one knows any good books...:D

We got permission to hike to one of the caves that the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in. Cave eleven was the last of the caves that they found scrolls in and I got to walk around in it:) Turns out our professors had done some exploring earlier in the year to try to find out which caves we're which because they are not marked nor are they highly trafficked tourist locations, which made it all the better. Our professors are awesome, just sayin :D

...26

Hezekiah's Tunnel by Candle Light

Today was super fun. We got a small group together to go down Hezekiah's tunnel a second time, but this time we did it by the light of small oil lamps. Way fun:) I didn't expect it to work as well as it did and it was really enjoyable to be in a small group so we could stop and play as we desired. Startling each other in the dark is a truly fantastic means of  entertainment and we discovered that the excellent acoustics make it easy to conjure up creepy voices for all to hear :D After we had our fun in the tunnels we hiked back up the valley and visited the Tomb of the Prophets. We were really fortunate because it turned out that it was supposed to be closed on Sundays but there was a man there that was willing to let us in if we gave him a donation. We were happy to do so and enjoyed exploring the tombs with the candles that he let us use. Today's involved a lot of fire, dark caves and exploring, so definitely a good day in my book!

...27 

A Beautiful Sabbath

I have just had the most lovely Sabbath a soul could ever hope for. It was filled with things that I love most; the gospel, wonderful discussions, and Dustin. I've learned so much today and I can sleep tonight knowing that the time I invested in life today was well spent. Oh for the sweet joy of living.  :D


28 days

The Blog is Back

       Ok I'm back in the mode of Blogging once again. While I was in Galilee it was just simply too much of a fight to get the internet to work in any kind of a constant or convenient manner so I bagged it. BUT never fear I will eventually be posting pictures and stories of all my out-of-Jerusalem travels so that you can be a part of those awesome experiences as well :)

        Speaking of experiences I had a new one today. I was headed into the old city this afternoon when apparently every single Muslim in Jerusalem was trying to leave. I've never experienced a crowd like that before in my life! It was Friday before sunset during the beginning of Ramadan so I suspect that's what caused the crowd. Well at one point me and my two other friends were trying to get through Damascus gate and slowly I found myself sandwiched in between three very sweaty Arab guys and one very Orthodox Jew. Now when I say 'sandwiched' I mean literally squished to the point that I might as well have just been hugging them fiercely like a long lost friend. It was completely nuts and to make it even more uncomfortable I'm pretty sure that the Orthodox man isn't supposed to be in contact with any other woman but his wife and here I was involuntarily smashed against the poor guy. I felt pretty bad, I hope he'll forgive me. Anyhow it was quite the experience, on the upside I certainly feel all the more closely acquainted with the locals now ;)


29 days!
   That's right! TWENTY NINE days until I FINALLY get to marry the man of my dreams! I have been engaged for 202 days...that is way too long, I don't recommend it. Just sayin' :D

The Testimony of an Apostle

Elder Holland has been with us here in the center for a few days! Its been crazy to walk up the stairs or go to get some juice at the oasis and bump into Elder Holland. He spoke today in Sacrament meeting and it was the most beautiful talk ever. I am so very touched with what he had to say to us and I never want to forget it. I have so much respect for the men who guide and direct the Church in the direction that our Lord desires. They do so much for us, I am sure that I will never fully understand but in the meantime I am so very grateful.

42 days!!!

Cyrus the Great

            I have a new historical hero. Cyrus the Great by all appearances seems to be a pretty good guy. He was the king of the humongous Persian Empire and tons of power at his fingertips and yet he allowed the scattered religions to regroup after the terror of Babylonian rule and worship in “the place that makes them happy.” (hehe I like that translation J )In the Old Testament he is praised up and down for not only allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem but also funding the rebuilding of the temple. I’ve been doing some reading about a Persian cylinder found with a decree from Cyrus allowing peoples to return from their exile and also legitimizes his own rule. It’s likely that it was used for propaganda purposes and yet it seems to also have some measure of truth to it because the Jews were able to return to build their temple. I wish I could read a journal written by Cyrus the King of Persia, I wonder if I would find one of the first examples of benevolence alongside extreme wealth and corruption absent from ultimate power. 

LOOK! LOOK! I GOT A LETTER! Plus a picture of my Dustin! :D This has got to be the best letter I've ever read in my entire life.

Whoever that studly man is on my desktop could you please stop distracting me, I'm trying to do my homework ;)