The "Every Day Loves" of Jerusalem

The Magnificent Sunsets EVERY NIGHT

 

Playing soccer (and other sporting tournaments) out in West Jerusalem

Eating Shabbat Bread from the Suks

 

Open Markets (This is the Suk)

Visiting Glorious Monasteries, Cathedrals, Churches, Synagogues

Learning in the classroom about this land and then immediately walking out the door to personally see it!

Laughing CONSTANTLY (Everyone knows me by my boisterous laughter)

Running through the streets of The Old City exploring

Being Enlightened on Others Religions

Personally discovering the beauties of the world, myself, and the Lord.

 The Doors I Walk Out of Every Day

Living in the bio-dome known as...The JC. 

It is gorgeous.

Noticing the Simple Beauties of the Land

Experiencing a different culture

LOOK AT THESE CHILDREN!  

Beautiful Big Brown Eyes a Thick Head of Hair.

I was invited into this Muslim Family's home to help them write a letter in English and they let me hold their children. The mother is a twin (we bonded) and spoke English.  I was able to see how a family here really lives and ask questions galore. They invited us back to go have a picnic in the park. I love the people here. 

Holding the Stray Cats on the street.

(It was a one-time thing, I prefer not to catch a disease)

Crazy Drivers:Curbs and Side-Walks are Fair Game

The Western Wall

 

Having Lunch and Chilling All Afternoon in The Old City

 

Wonderful Weather

 

Dressing up in the Stores

 

So Many Neat Doors in The Old City

 

My Hysterical Roommates! Jessie.

 

FHE Activities-Playing games with the local boys

 

Buying Botch-Crotch Sweats

 

The People.

The Sun When it Hits The Dome of the Rock

Cultural Nights: Tonight was Arab Night

We had the two men who perform the Call to Prayer 5x a Day come and recite the prayer and demonstrate how they pray. Unbelievable. BYUJ has quite the connections.

 

Here we are with Ayman-our Arabic Teacher

We had yummy Arabic Food and Learned an Arabic Dance in the Gym.

Well it may appear that all we do is play and do not even go to school.....we do. I have a 15 page mid-term paper due in two days so unfortunately I must stop blogging now.  I wish these pictures could more accurately portray what I see and experience on a daily basis but this will have to do. Love Rach.

Neot Kedumim Field

 

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Today the Jerusalem Clan went to Neot Kedumim for a field trip. The land was absolutely beautiful. This field trip was centered around agriculture and the little beauties that make Jerusalem, Jerusalem.

Sheep Herding! 

Secret: The sheep follow the goats,the only problem was getting the goats to follow us. Hysterical. 

The closest thing I got to a kiss on Valentines Day :)

We then went to a well.  This is a well similar to the ones used in the Bible. We talked about Jacob and Rachel and other Bible stories with wells. Due to the fact that my name is Rachel, I got to draw water for the class ;)

We ate fresh date honey from the trees

Jerusalem is known for its Almond Trees

We ground up our own Hysop. This spice is D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S on bread and reknown for its healing powers.

Making Home-Made Pitas.  

Just sprinkle a little hysop or date honey and it's golden.

You bet we made the fire to cook the Pitas. 

There I am with Taylor and Caleb, my little cub scout!

Look at that Log Cabin! :)

Jared caught a Chameleon and let me hold it! 

It really does change colors.

I love my friends!!!

The only Frowny-Faces I could muster out since I have been here; I am living a dream!!!!

We also had the opportunity to run in a water wheel and experience a job that many individuals experienced throughout history in order to sustain life in their communities.

I am not going to lie, that was quite a task; I felt like a dizzy. little hamster.

We had the privilege of hearing a Jewish scribe read from this 200 year-old Torah (the first five books of Moses) and give explanations on these other sacred relics pertaining to the Jewish religion. 

I learned so many neat facts about Judaism.

"Ten measures of beauty descended to the world, nine were taken by Jerusalem."
-Talmud

(The Talmud is the collection of Jewish law and tradition consisting of Mishnah and the Gemara)

The Spiral Staircase on the Sabbath

Currently I am wrapped up in a white sea of blankets listening to the call to prayer radiate throughout the city.  The sun, a glowing ball of fire, dips slowly behind the black silhouette of the city.  The sunsets in Jerusalem are picturesque.  The wind has picked up since dinner and viciously tears at the windows and doors.  I feel at peace, protected from the storm, in my warm bed.  As I reminisce on today’s adventures, I cannot help but smile, it was a glorious Sabbath.  After a delightful breakfast in the Oasis, I took my book and ventured outside the seventh floor where a beautiful garden, grassy hill and a clear sky awaited me.  All of the students were getting ready for church…I had the whole level to myself.  I thrive in the moments where I can slip out of the hectic itinerary and enjoy an hour solely for myself.  I take the time I have to focus on my goal: to feed my burning desire to know Christ, to learn as much as I can about Him and His life.  As I read Jesus the Christ, I looked out over the Old City to ponder on concepts I read and a deep feeling of gratitude overwhelmed my heart.  The Savior lives.  He will one day return atop Mt. of Olives. The experiences occurring in my life right now are surreal.  I am living a dream.

 

Sacrament meetings here are unbelievable.  A large organ covers the back wall; the ceilings soar over the Forum chairs, reaching up into the heavens.  The walls are all made up of glass windows; natural light illuminates the room.  The acoustics are amazing and make musical numbers unbelievable.  My favorite part is the view we get as we partake of the sacrament and listen to the speakers.  The towering window overlooks the entire city; the speakers have the most incredible back drop imaginable.   Our brilliant professors, some of the most notorious Biblical scholars in the world, teach Sabbath School. 

 

A highlight of Relief Society: when our Relief Society President taught us how to sing

“I Am a Child of God" in Arabic: 

Ana Mawlood ul laah, Arsalani huna

As’tani baytan ardiyan wa usra a’ziza

Imshi janbi wah anni kay uloq Lat tariq

Alimni ma_afa’al kay, Arji’e libayt abi

It does not matter what language, country, or nationality, we are all children on God!

I then jumped into a bus with eight other students and had the opportunity to journey to the Christian Quarter this afternoon to The Elderly Supportive Community Service Society.  This is a charity organization instituted to feed, provide health care, and basically love the elderly neglected in the Old City.  We weaved in and out of the narrow streets of the Old City until we arrived at a small white door.  We were greeted by Raja, the founder.  He invited us in and talked to us for a moment about the history of this organization and why he does what he does.  Raja, previously a hard-core drug addict, changed his direction of life when most of his friends died from overdoses and his life spiraled out of control.  He then led us up a concrete spiral staircase to the top of his humble home where he now lives, eats, and breathes running this charity organization.  He feeds and provides aid for 150 elders around the Old City.  He also facilitates work for young disabled boys by giving them the opportunity to deliver food to the elderly.  It is not uncommon for people with disabilities to be subject to beatings, stoning, and humiliation on the streets of the Old City.  He saves these young boys and gives them a reason to be respected in the Old City.  He began to get emotional as he described these boys.  He said, “They are not crazy, they are simple and good-hearted people.”

His life story emulates how difficult it is to live in the Old City without being affiliated with one of the predominant religions here.  He is a Christian but does not practice any specific denomination.  By using his mother’s name (she is affiliated with the Catholic religion) he is able to stay in the Christian Quarter.  He does not want to be preached to, he lives to love and serve.  One of the most touching things he said: “We have enough pastors here; we need people to testify of Christ through their actions.  Show me who Jesus is by what you do.”  The walls of the home depicted Christ in various art forms.  I began to get teary-eyed, as I wondered around his home.  This man has lived in this extremely modest home, in the nook of the Old City, his whole life.  He does not serve for fame or recognition, he serves because he loves the Lord and he sincerely desires to save lives.  He is the epitome of a charitable Christian.  I feel honored to have met him.  

He then took us to three homes he visits regularly.  The first home belonged to a widow and her son.  A smile remained on this widow’s face from the moment we arrived until the moment we departed.  She has lived in the Old City for 80 years.  She repeatedly told us that she is always happy and loves living.  Her son was born in the room next to where we were sitting.  Her son had a long gray pony-tail, black shirt, and faded-fitted jeans; it was to no surprise when he told us he works for National Geographic and recently won a prize from France for his documentary film.  We sang a few hymns for them and listened intently while the woman spoke in her broken English about her life as her son lovingly watched her.  The second home we went to was an ex-pastor.  Many years ago, he had a stroke while he was giving a sermon.  This left him speechless and in a wheelchair.  We walked in to him smoking from his hookah in the kitchen, smiling.  I won’t lie, we could not help but laugh as he and Raja had a little bonding moment smoking.  He was so excited to see Raja and plastered multiple kisses on his cheek while we were there.  It was extremely apparent that they have cultivated a pure friendship over the years.  The third home was owned by a short, elderly woman wearing a hot pink Mumu.  She resembled the old woman off The Sword and the Stone.  She had a total of three teeth and a heart of gold.  She has lived in this one room apartment her whole entire life. As part of the culture, it is only appropriate to offer food and a beverage to guests.  We munched on some candy, talked with her, and sang hymns for her.  “I am a Child of God” was her favorite.  It was an incredible afternoon.  I saw, firsthand, the life of a few remarkable individuals.  

The Lord lives and His love can be found in the charitable brown eyes of Raja, the smile of the widow, or the candy of Miss Mumu.  A year ago today, I was a freshman in college most likely sitting in the library studying.  I would never, in a million years, have imagined myself learning about charity and the pure love of Christ from individuals in the deep-crevices of the Old City.  I am constantly enlightened every day, for this world has so much to offer.  I have one life to live…how am I going to live it?  I hope to continue progressing upward on my own “Spiritual Spiral Staircase” as I come unto Christ and live a life that fully enables His power to take me up into His arms.  He lives.

20 Reasons I Loved Having My 20th Birthday in Jerusalem

My 20th Birthday in Jerusalem

In no particular order:

 1. I woke up around 5:30 am to study for midterms. Due to my mom's perfectly planned delivery on the 9th, I got a bonus point on my exam.

2.  Jessie (my roommate) pounced on me while whispering/singing "Hap py Birthday" to me while I crouched in my prayer position at 5:30 am. However, she was so excited, she might possibly have failed to brush her teeth;)

3. Every time we walked into the Oasis or class, everyone sang to Chels and I at least twice

4. Aladdin, the money changer, let Chels and I go back behind his desk and hold thousands of dollars. (Due to the fact of being a twin, I think we are easily rememberd.  He always asks, "How are the beautiful mormon twins?" He is one of my favorite people I have befriended here.

5. I went shopping with my girls

6. Our friends surprised us and took us to a cute little pizza shop in the Old City for Lunch

 

7. We went to the Austrian Hospice and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in the Garden

8. The Girls surprised us with gifts: earrings, chocolate, and ADAPTERS (Golden b/c the one Chels and I were sharing disappeared)

9. We played Catch Phrase and laughed like hooligans

10. I received emails from people I love with ALL of my heart and sadly have not heard from in forever. My Provo clan sent Chels and I videos celebrating our birthdays, friends created blog posts dedicated to us, and I was able to contact loved ones!!!
11. I received more chocolate then I know what to do with
12. The Muhlestein's secretly invited Chels and I over to their house after dinner to enjoy muffins they made for us. We each had a candle in our cupcakes.  Sabrina pretends she is our triplet so she had a candle as well! (Sabrina and Jacob below) I love this family; they are my family away from home. So Pure.

13. I got to talk to my Mommy on the phone!!! I LOvE, LoVe, LOVE to talk to my Mom!! I also had the opportunity to laugh with my sisters the next morning! My Dad is happy. They are all doing so well....That is the best birthday gift I could ask for in itself!!!
14. The children of the center gave us letters and pictures they created at Breakfast
15. Paul sent me a song he sang for me and almost brought me to tears in the lounge
16. I am NO LONGER A TEENAGER!!! I already feel older, wiser, and more mature :)
17. Chels and I were studying Judaism up in the "temple room" late tonight, when all of the students in the center came charging in the room belting "Happy Birthday," carrying two cakes they searched for in the Old City. Cameron dedicated a speech to us and they lit the candles. I felt SO loved!!!! I love these students SO MUCH!!!!

18. All the students decorated my door with balloons and kind notes

19. I AM IN JERUSALEM

20. I get to share the day with my BEST FRIEND!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHELS-I LOVE YOU!

Shephelah Field Trip

Monday: 12 hour Field Trips (This week we had the opportunity to travel to various Tels around Israel and the Valley of Elah.)

 

The Flowers are Blossoming

 

Chadwick (our Brilliant Professor) showing us his Archeological Project in Gath

 

Israel is absolutely breathtaking this time of year; it is as if someone painted the rolling fields with vibrant green paint.

This is Tel Lachish-My favorite Tel.  We learned of our Israelite ancestors. This is the site of an ancient battle where our ancestors desperately fought for their lives against the Assyrians. My Old Testament teacher started to get emotional as he depicted the history.  The Old Testament is coming alive to me. We are of the House of Israel!!!!

One of my favorite places we visited: Vally of Elah aka where the righteous, young David defeated Goliath! I sat in awe...I have heard this notorious story countless times and I AM HERE! I looked out to the field and tried to put myself in David's shoes...I could not breath for a moment. He is such an incredible example of faith.  I know that when we put our faith and trust in the Lord, we will not fail.  A reenactment of the story took place, as seen by the towering Brock of 6'5 and little Sabrina, Brother Muhlestein's daughter. They were fabulous actors.

 

We had the opportunity to learn how to use the slings

 

The Bell Caves. Light poured in through the holes in the ceilings. Bats dangled from the cave walls. We sang hymns in here and the acoustics were glorious!

Marisa. Due to the Israelites' need to fertilize the land, offer sacrifices, and eat, this place was home to thousands of birds.

My Favorite Professor (Brother Muhlestein) and I at an original olive-press, used in the time of Christ.

We arrived home after 12 hours, exhausted, muddy, and starving!

Silence in the Storm

A storm consumed the entire sky today in Jerusalem.  We stayed caged up in the Center studying and attending classes.  I am now alone in this white spacious room at the top of the Jerusalem Center tonight.  Everyone is sleeping.  One light illuminates the hallway, causing shadows to dance down the corridor.  This is a celebrated sight, for this is the first time I have been entirely alone since being here.  The silence is golden.  As I part the white curtains at the end of the corridor, I look out at the Old City.  I watch the rain run down the window pane.  The gold of the dome is smudged through the droplet trails.  This is my life right now.  The whole world around me seems to be spinning out of my control and the only thing I can see clearly is right in front of me.  I cannot take the pains from my family, I cannot help my best friend with her wedding, and I cannot see my loved ones.  This chapter taking place in my life right now is solely about me.  I know I will never have a chapter like this again in my book.  I have the privilege to really focus on molding myself into the woman Heavenly Father wants me to become, to expand my knowledge of the world, and most importantly to strengthen my testimony of Christ as I learn of Him and His life.  Today, I put aside a couple homework hours in attempts to soak in all that I can about the Savior, His atonement and His sinless life.  I want to know more.  I know it has been merely a scratch on the surface but I implore with everything that I am to know more.  I am learning to wrestle with the innermost thoughts of my heart.  I want to know the Savior.  I want to know Him so badly.  I want to know Him as I do my closest friend.  I see millions of others devoutly worshiping, giving up their entire identities and souls for a particular religion.  Learning and becoming fully immersed in various cultures causes me to reflect on my own faith and testimony.  Why do I believe and live the way in which I do?  Millions of people that currently surround me are Muslims.  According to the Islamic religion, Jesus Christ is a prophet of Allah.  What about the Atonement or Crucifixion?  According to Holland, “Indeed the Atonement of the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh is the crucial foundation upon which all Christian doctrine rests and the greatest expression of divine love this world has ever been given. And having already offered the Atonement in our behalf, Christ has done His part to make that longing a reality. The rest will depend entirely upon ourselves.”   Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, the Redeemer and Savior of the human race, the Creator of the World, The Messiah, the Rock of My Salvation, the way in which we can live again with God.  “He suffered the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.  He experienced temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great [was] his anguish” (Holland).  Why would we not go unto Him? He knows us! My goal since being here: to know Christ more personally.  How am I so blessed to have the fullness, the truth?