A Galilean Journey

This blog post is going up for a few reasons. One, to update the world and record my journey. Two, to let my family and friends know what is going on. 

On the 27^th, we departed for Galilee. We had some stops throughout the day, but arrived at En Gev, which lies on the shore of Galilee, just before sunset. We are staying here for a total of ten days, returning back to Jerusalem on the 6^th of April. I already have many experiences I wish to share. Unfortunately, that will not be the case.

This is what I have for you now, though. I had a goal in mind the day before leaving for Galilee. I wasn’t really committed. At our first stop, on our way here, I found my own little secluded space and took a video. There, I committed to this goal, not fully understanding what I was committing myself to.  Now, I’m not sharing what it is I have come here to achieve. But because of this goal, I will essentially be cutting myself off from the world while I am here so I can put my entire being into reaching my goal. I was going to keep up emailing, but the first morning here, I opened an email that managed to set me back on my goal. I’m on track now and cannot wait to share my experiences when it is all over. I’m writing every night in my journal, so don’t worry, I won’t forget them. But until then, no emails, no internet and social media, no phone calls. For the next seven days, I am in my own world!

Not a Normal Pool

On our trip into Bethlehem, we first stopped at the Herodian. Built by Herod and the site of his tomb. It was neat to travel through it all and see the remains of the great architecture.

Before leaving the site, we stopped by Herod's pool. As we were all running down, our teacher said you can't appreciate the size of it until you are in it. He was right.

In our group, we have a guy who is 6 foot 6. The walls reached well above his head. In the center there was an island, or other pool, that they
would take boats to.

One of the biggest things that got me about this pool was this: the biggest commodity in ancient times was water. To be able to control that much water, and for leisure purposes, just tells of the power Herod had. 

Away From the World

Today my class got to journey past our normal "safe zone" boundaries into the city of Bethlehem. We stopped by many sites throughout the day, that I will hopefully get to in another post. But at the end of the day we went to a place we like to call the "Shepard's Field".

Pretty much we found our own space in Bethlehem to talk about the the biblical story of Christ's birth. We arrived as the sun was going down and walked to our own little spot in the field. It was at that time that my teacher gave us all the time to wander alone and find our own little space to do with what we pleased.

I started walking; down the rocks, across the grass. I wasn't going anywhere in particular, just away. Away from people, away from the world. My legs carried my where my heart told them, not bogged down with the handicap of logical thinking that normally drives my every day.

That is where I found my spot. Surrounded by green, a nice rock bed. With a view of the fields all around me.

I sat on the ground and looked out over the field and just took it all in. Sitting there, I reflected on my time in Jerusalem, my time spent in Bethlehem. Then I looked out at the scene before me and began to pray, thanking my God for the experiences I've had hear and the opportunities and people I've come to know.

I wanted to take the time to read my scriptures during this alone time as well, but I couldn't without letting my Heavenly Father know how much I appreciate Him and His hand in my life. As I continued in my prayer of gratitude, tears fell from my eyes. Again, this is a rare occurrence for me. I felt an immense love for and from my Heavenly Father. Needless to say my alone time was well spent.

After the appropriate amount of time I headed back to the spot of my class. We sat around, sky now dark and began to sing Christmas hymns. In Luke 2 we read the story of Christ's birth. Verse 13 tells tale of a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God. During our songs I began to wonder if this wasn't the first time I sang in Bethlehem.

After our songs, my teacher shared some of his thoughts and insights. He talked about the value of our alone time and asked us to have some time of communal silence. I looked at the stars and thought about the universe and the great gospel knowledge I've been blessed with. When my teacher broke the silence he said, "Let's go back to the world." Without even thinking I whispered, "I don't want to go back to the world."

Knee Deep

On the 10th of February, my class and I headed to the City of David. Very cool. Not a lot to say. The adventure, though, took place below the city. We all geared up with our water shoes and headlamps and began our journey underground.

I stepped down and my shoes filled with water. I took another step and the water rose. A few more steps in and the chill of the water began to register. It became that moment when you step into a pool or a lake and you dive under instead of easing yourself in. Only, I couldn't do that here. When I stepped to the deepest point the water rose above my knees and then it backed off.

Then tunnel went on for ages, laughter echoed through it and the splashing of our feet never ended. The ceiling was low and the walls narrow. Then, all in turn, we turned off our headlamps and traveled through in complete darkness. The ceiling rose, the light filtered in, and that was Hezekiah's Tunnel.

Really, it was a fun little adventure. I wish it lasted longer. Not the most exciting thing unless you were there. I tried to spin the story in a more exciting way since I have nothing profound to say about this experience. The video I took isn't the best, but feel free to check it out.

Like a Lamb

With all the joy and happiness that comes with finals week, I have been so overwhelmed with the crazy amounts of fun involved that I've neglected to update those of you who find it worth your time to read my simple stories. With that said, I hope you enjoy the update.

On the 24th of February we took a trip to Neot Kedumim. Essentially, it is a biblical landscape reserve. We talked about some of the things found in the bible like the importance of the almond blossom and we even ground our own hyssop. When lunch time came around we got to help make our own pita, tea,  and "stew". It was quite the adventure.

I really enjoyed this field trip because it was super hands on compared to some of the other things we do. Plus, making lunch and everything reminded me of camping. We had a fire and everything. It's something my family has always done, so it was nice to have that familiarity.

The best part of the day, though, was sheep herding. We got to go down to a field, and as a group round up the goats and sheep. Then, as instructed by our guide, we proceeded to move the sheep from circle to circle, holding them there before going to the next.

It was amazing to me how simple it was to guide them. There was some resistance at the beginning, but it was like they wanted to be led; they wanted direction.  The other thing that caught my attention was when the baby goats were being picked up, they freaked out. But as soon as they were being held, they calmed down and were content. Isn't this how we are? We not only need, but desire direction in our life. When we are lost and aren't sure what's going one, we tend to freak out. But when we have that direction, when we feel safe, we simply follow.  Okay, really, we tend to rebel and realize that we should follow. This is why we need to be like sheep.

 

I made friends with this sweet goat!

Dead Sea

As I'm sure you've figured out by now, I'm really bad at posting as things happen.Though I may not finish this tonight, I wanted to start writing about my latest adventure now.  So, here goes:

Today was our free day. About half the students piled on buses to go to the Dead Sea and En Gedi National Park. It was a fun bus ride full of music, laughter, and a little karaoke. We then proceeded to hike around En Gedi. Our first little endeavor was to the "hidden waterfall". But really, it can't be hidden if you mark a path to get to it. The way there was absolutely beautiful. And of course, who can resist standing underneath pounding water. Just like a shower, right?

After lunch and some group split offs, we made our way to some other springs. Let me tell you, it was a tiring hike. It was steep enough that part way up I thought I was crazy for doing it. When we reached the top, one of the guys turned to me and said "sometimes you wonder why you're hiking up, but when you get to the top, it's always worth it". Let me tell you, it was worth it.

My pictures can't even begin to capture how incredible the view truly was. Let's be honest though, pictures can hardly capture a fraction of the magnificence of most things. The trek down the other side to the springs was also a steep little en-devour. But it was still neat to see even more water!

Better yet, after this tiring adventure, we made our way to the Dead Sea. We were all anxious with anticipation. The water was absolutely inviting! It was a brilliant blue and clear as day. I quickly stripped down to my swimsuit and ran out to the water. About waist deep, I finally took the plunge. All I can say is your center of gravity is very off when all you do is float!

 

And then of course, you have to get yourself nice and covered in the Dead Sea mud. It was one of the most enjoyable days I've had here. I can't wait to go back!

Facing my Goliath

This is a blog post I have been struggling to write for a few weeks. I thought time and space would make it easier, it hasn’t. It’s also more of a personal experience. I have no issues sharing my experiences, but when it’s something that close to me, I get iffy. I hardly talk about stuff like this to people, let alone post it. But hopefully you can find strength in my moment of weakness.

About three weeks ago my class went on a field trip to several places. Among them was the site where David faced Goliath. I had had a pretty hard night before and wasn’t able to sleep it off like I normally can. I was a wreck most of the day. I took pictures at all the sights, but never with me in them. I wanted to remember the places, but not the day I was faced with such opposition.

When we arrived in the valley of Elah, one of my roommates asked me if I wanted my picture. I quickly declined and she came to realize something was wrong. She hugged me asked again if I was sure I didn’t want my picture. This time I thought about it and consented.

I am so grateful for my experience. When I get home I plan to print out this picture and put it with the story of David. I got to go to the place where he faced Goliath on the day I was facing one of my Goliaths; the day I had made one of the hardest decisions of my life. We all have our Goliaths. But just like David, we can overcome them. Hopefully they’re not Bathsheba’s because he didn’t handle that one well.

Looking back, you’d think that after three weeks, it would be easier. It has only gotten harder. But, because of the choice that was so hard for me to make, I have been prepared to face the challenges that have come with. If I had not faced my Goliath when I did, it very well could have turned into a Bathsheba. More importantly I am grateful for my trials and this opportunity to become stronger and grow. I consider myself a God fearing woman and He is my greatest source of strength in times of trial like this. If there is nothing else you learn from me, remember it is my testimony that you are never alone.