Enjoying the Streets of Jerusalem

Today was spent mostly studying and preparing for papers that are due soon ect. So I'll tell you about how awesome yesterday was. We had a free day to study, sooo of course we all went out and spent the day in the city. You see that doughnut? Yep that one that's as big as my head? It was delicious! Freshly made in this little Jewish bakery. "I do not regret doing that" ;)

Ok so that was one cool thing about our city adventures, but do you want to know the BEST part of walking the streets of Jerusalem? Look at the second picture, do you see the little ramps that connect between each set of stairs? Sliding down those slick limestone ramps is very nearly one of the most enjoyable activities I have ever experienced :D hehehe so you just walk down the street and make sure that you hit every slanted stone with solid footing and some traction-less sandals and you'll be sure to get your money's worth out of your trip to Jerusalem:D Its ALMOST as satifying as going out of your way to crunch every brittle leaf on the side walk, or better yet to shatter all the puddles of ice between the  Ricks building and the I-Center.

 Life is splendid :D 

...64

The Church of Mary Magdalene

...65

The Hardest is Past

So my hardest finals are done. Yaaay! I still have much to do but I think I'll be able to handle it more or less without much stress. I've learned so much this semester. I went back through my notes and was astounded at how much material we covered and how well I understand it still. I hope I can retain it, and for the things I don't remember I still have all the class materials saved and organised them so I can reference them. For the first time in my life the possibility of me teaching an Old Testament Class is not so daunting. I feel like I have a scriptural foundation to build doctrine and principles on that I've never had before. I love the Old Testament!

...66

Finals week

Test...I am so done with taking tests!

...67 (I can hardly wait :D ) Remember when we were over 200?

Hezekiah's Tunnel

Hezekiah is my hero, pretty much one of the coolest characters of the Old Testament. And guess what, today I got to walk through the fortifications that he had built in order to protect Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat. Because he was obedient and worked hard to build up the city he was able to save if from destruction. He's pretty awesome, and its really quite remarkable to see real evidences of his greatness.

...68

Jerusalem Bells!

Today I played the bells of Jerusalem for the whole city to hear. From the YMCA tower in West Jerusalem the I had the chance to play the beautiful hymn Near My God to Thee. That was quite the experience! Not a chance you get every day and probably will not ever get again. This day, I am thankful that Mom had me take piano lessons as a little girl.

Alternate Titles to this Blog Post

In the attempt to beat the system, we found out mind-melds don't actually work.

They warned us about the water in Turkey, but I think the parasites out here are far worse.

Mormons don't normally have horns, but they really help with finals.

PFS (Pre-finals stress) really causes your skin to break out. 

Head antenna really help the wireless out here.

Not quite the hundred monkey theory, but the six-freaking-out-students theory has been equally revolutionary.

             -(Suggestions by Luke, not Skywalker, but still a borderline Jedi. Though he prefers ninja)

Ok this is Brianne again, all I have to say about this is that I am thankful for saving powers of Israeli gummies. They are probably the only effective antidote to complete insanity caused by hours upon hours of study.  

...well mostly effective

...SIXTY-nine!!! 

Dominus Flavit

"Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"

Matthew 23:37

This tear shaped church is the traditional place where it is said that Christ looked over Jerusalem and said these words. It is a lovely small place, kind of pulled away from the streets and has a beautiful view of the old city. I really liked it there, I would love to go back sometime and watch the sunset.

..70