Jerusalem is amazing. And that is maybe the only simple thing about it. Classes loaded us with lots of reading this week and I feel like I have information overload right now. We are beginning to learn about Judaism, Palestinians and Muslims, the Old Testament, and the land surrounding us. Everything is so complicated because each story is built upon another that happened thousands of years ago. So as I'm learning more, it is fun to then walk around the city and notice things that we learn from our reading.
Tonight we went to the Western Wall to watch the Jews celebrate the beginning of the Sabbath. People were dancing, singing, praying, swaying, and sincerely pressed up against the wall praying. They will stay out all night doing this, we only stayed 2 hours. During that time a shooting happened right outside the gate in the City of David. 2 men were shot, 16 and 40. None of the students knew about this until we gathered to go home. Instead of the 20 minute walk back to the Center, they escorted us to a bus in the opposite direction with all security personnel lining the streets, following us in vans, and running up and down the line of students. When we got on they realized we were missing one student. So the guards became more frantic, grabbed a student who could recognize him, jumped in a van, and drove off. Brian had gone to the bathroom, and when he came out, we were all gone so he took a taxi home and beat us. So he was fine. It was a crazy though.
Everyday is like a new adventure, and even though things are planned, we never know what exactly will happen. Today Lauren stepped in human feces, I bet she didn't plan on that when she woke up. We also sat in King David's Hotel for a minimum of 30 minutes, thinking how nice and modern it was. We looked at the pool, looked at shops, and then asked for directions to the Dormition of Abby. "Oh just go to King David's Hotel and it's around the corner..." Oh, so that means just around the corner then? Taylor asked. "No, you have to pass a gas station, a store, then you'll pass King David's Hotel, and it's behind that." Hmm... No wonder the hotel looked so modern, it was the wrong one.
I had a Solero today and instantly thought of my whole family in Europe! I can remember everyone saying Solero over and over, and I always felt so left out, until I learned what it meant! Ha, so rediculous, but I'm glad I had you guys watching out for me, haha. It was delicious though.
Here's some pictures thus far...
Tonight we went to the Western Wall to watch the Jews celebrate the beginning of the Sabbath. People were dancing, singing, praying, swaying, and sincerely pressed up against the wall praying. They will stay out all night doing this, we only stayed 2 hours. During that time a shooting happened right outside the gate in the City of David. 2 men were shot, 16 and 40. None of the students knew about this until we gathered to go home. Instead of the 20 minute walk back to the Center, they escorted us to a bus in the opposite direction with all security personnel lining the streets, following us in vans, and running up and down the line of students. When we got on they realized we were missing one student. So the guards became more frantic, grabbed a student who could recognize him, jumped in a van, and drove off. Brian had gone to the bathroom, and when he came out, we were all gone so he took a taxi home and beat us. So he was fine. It was a crazy though.
Everyday is like a new adventure, and even though things are planned, we never know what exactly will happen. Today Lauren stepped in human feces, I bet she didn't plan on that when she woke up. We also sat in King David's Hotel for a minimum of 30 minutes, thinking how nice and modern it was. We looked at the pool, looked at shops, and then asked for directions to the Dormition of Abby. "Oh just go to King David's Hotel and it's around the corner..." Oh, so that means just around the corner then? Taylor asked. "No, you have to pass a gas station, a store, then you'll pass King David's Hotel, and it's behind that." Hmm... No wonder the hotel looked so modern, it was the wrong one.
I had a Solero today and instantly thought of my whole family in Europe! I can remember everyone saying Solero over and over, and I always felt so left out, until I learned what it meant! Ha, so rediculous, but I'm glad I had you guys watching out for me, haha. It was delicious though.
Here's some pictures thus far...
After getting crushed in Damascus Gate
Haredi Jews (ultra-orthodox)
Western Wall
Jerusalem at sunset from BYU Jeru
Orson Hyde Garden
The street up to the Center
St. Augusta Tower (church)
Looking over Bethlehem
Underneath the BYU Jerusalem Center
Written on the walls
The REAL King David Hotel
The Dormition of Abby
Mary's Tomb
Damascus Gate on Friday afternoon...and Amy
The streets of the Old City 
4 comments:
Thanks for posting. Seeing you in Jerusalem astounds me. You really are there, and not just in Provo pretending. You look beautiful, no surprise there,and happy.
I taught Sunbeams today, and JJ calls me Jane Nelson. "Jane Nelson, look here" "Jane Nelson, help me color"
I loved it and I love you.
Momma
Janeo! You're the best!! What an incredible experience you're having. Keep the posts coming. We all miss you. Be safe, keep your sugars in control!
Love ya,
Mike
What an experience! You look Beautiful! Um...be careful, Please don't get shot. Thanks!
Oh, have fun and dont forget to miss me too!
Loves!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
holy cow- I can't believe you are actually there. I am so jealous and happy for you. You are the best and I miss you. Love the pictures. I remember so well that road that goes up to the center. There was a little convienience store on that road that had the most delicious little candies. love you.
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