Jan 11-15

Jan 11

Three classes were supposed to start today but my Hebrew professor was sick so only two did. The two that did are my modern near east classes. I am so excited to learn! Both cover the history of the same area-one from the Jewish/Israeli perspective, the other from the Muslim/Palestinian perspective. There is no fence-sitting in the political conflict over here so finding a local who can objectively teach both sides is impossible. The solution is to give us two classes with opposite view points and let us develop our own opinions! Should be fascinating! The Jewish professor, Dr. Yarden, is easy to understand and I like him a lot. Dr. Musallam has a much heavier accent which will supposedly become easier to understand with time. He is from Bethlehem.

Jan 12

Today was the famous under-the-center tour J We got to go under the building where we live. I was surprised at how much space there is down there! Some places we had to duck but others were quite open. The space allows them to update technology and wiring and store coolers and water heaters so that they don’t detract from the aesthetics of the building. It also gives them more flexibility with expansion. We had to wear safety hats which were great protection in the spaces where we did have to duck. I was grateful I was wearing the hat more than once! I enjoyed seeing the water heaters and pumps the best. I like those things a lot because they work fantastically well! I got to write my name in chalk.

We had our first forum speaker. As with the modern near east classes, the objective of the weekly forums are to give us wide-ranging and contradictory views of current events so that we will be able to make our own fair assessment of the situation. The speaker tonight was a Palestinian Christian.

Jan 13

I skipped lunch at the JC today to go out with a group between classes. We toured Zedekiah’s Cave which is an ancient stone quarry/cave that extends under the Old City. It was very dusty, huge, and a neat experience. We met a group from a Messiah university (in Pennsylvania?). We helped them spell “Messiah” with our shadows on the cave wall. I got some cool pictures! Our group also ended up being the only tour group at the bottom so we sang some hymns.

We bought shawarmas for lunch. They are pitas with spicy, roasted chicken and fries in them. I liked it.

More on food at the JC: breakfast includes tons of fruit! Mostly kinds we have and deliciously ripe and fresh! Lunch and dinner are heavy on fried foods, spices, and vegetables. Believe it or not I do eat vegetables. All meals end up being quite colorful and exciting!

Jan 14

We went to the Western Wall tonight to join the Jews in welcoming in the Sabbath. Amazing cultural experience! It was a combination of a worship and party! There was a huge diversity among the people who were there. Some Jews were traditionally dressed and studying their Torah’s. Some were up at the wall, putting papers in the cracks and saying prayers. Some were strait up partying (in a good way)! Most of the “partiers” looked to be about my age. There was a mix of traditionally dressed up, casually dressed, and military girls forming circles and singing songs. The songs were joyful praises. It kind of reminded me of girl’s camp in some ways but no actions- they just clapped, wrapped their arms around each other’s shoulders and jumped sometimes. We weren’t allowed to take our cameras because it would have been disrespectful but picture an animated circle of shining faces—good people my age. Some wore full length coverings, some dressed like conservative westerners, some were in green military uniforms with machine guns on their backs. All were joyfully singing and dancing and welcoming in the Sabbath—singing Shabbat Shalom! and a lot of other beautiful words that I wished I could sing along to. They let us join their circles and welcomed us in. There was a great feeling of peace and happiness among the crowd. I loved being there! The guy’s side looked the same except most were traditionally dressed and more were dancing and singing.

After we watched the first half of The Ten Commandments to prep for Egypt!

Jan 15

My branch calling is in the nursery. It will be an experience… I never dreamed I would be teaching nursery at this point in my life but I guess I never dreamed I would actually be in Jerusalem either.

After the block we all went to Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. Dr. Chadwick assured us that due to archeological evidence he no longer is convinced that this is the actual Tomb. Still, I felt it was a special place. The idea stressed was that the important fact isn’t whether or not this is the Tomb, it is that THE Tomb, wherever it is, is empty, just like this one. Christ is risen. He has conquered death and made it possible for us to break the bands of death also and return to live with our Father in Heaven. I went in the tomb which kind of felt very touristy to me, especially taking pictures, but I could feel the sacredness of what this spot represents. I will definitely be spending some more time here at some point (when it gets warmer!)