First Weekend in Jerusalem

I just posted about my experience of my first field study through the Old City. It may have been kind of upsetting to you... I'm sorry i don't want to destroy anyones expectations of the holy land. Anyway. In this post i just want to tell you about jerusalem and my college campus.

All the doorways are very small, narrow and short. So i've managed to hit my head a few times now.  I also electrocuted myself while plugging in my charger.  Everything is stone here so i was well grounded, which is bad. lol.  Like i said before, Jerusalem is very hilly. If you want to go anywhere, you most likely will have to walk down and then up.  There aren't much in the valleys besides roads, so no matter where you are going, you have to go down, to go up.

The fruits and vegetables here are spectacular, just as i expected.  The meals are quite tasty too.  I dont always know what i'm eating,and i don't take time to try and figure it out. i just get my portion and eat it or else i'll go hungry.  But really everything has been really good.  There is also a snack bar that is always open.  They have bread, jelly, peanutbutter and nutella...(the chocolate hazlenut spread). Jess - i was making myself a nutella toast and thought of that time when we were eating nutter butters at dads house, and i said i could eat 10 of them. haha. i was laughing out loud to myself.

The New City of Jerusalem is like any other city.  Lots of people, cars, construction, and of course, places to spend money.  It is also, i think, very safe. One difference is,  as you walk around you will encounter squads of Israeli Military Personnel.  THey are all armed with machine guns. You can count on seeing couples of them throughout the city on heavily populated street corners or groups of them just walking around.

The weather is similar to summer weather back in Indiana.  It has been in the high 80s since i got here. But there is one difference, the air isn't hot and sticky and nasty.  There is always a pretty nice breeze and if you are in the shade then you have nothing to worry about. But being in the sun it gets pretty hot.  Its been very sunny these past two days, not a single cloud in the sky.

This college campus is soooo awesome. Instead of describing i'll just post some pictures on facebook. One cool thing is there is a garden right outside my door. I can go and pick grapes and pomegranates whenever i feel like i want one. lol.  And like i said before, the school literally is on Mt. Zion. Not just present day Mt. Zion, but the historical Mt. Zion that you read about in the Bible.  So that is pretty amazing.  If you want, you can search for the word "Hinnom Valley" in the Bible. the school is right above that valley, east of it, and west of the old city wall.

Well that is all i can think of for now...ask questions on the comments section. that'll help me think of more and observe more.

"The Holy Sites"

  I have now gone into the Old City about four times. I've seen the major sites: the western wall, the temple mount, dome of the rock, the holy sepulcher church. Overwhelming is the best word to describe it all.  Today was my first field study into the Old City. So instead of walking around aimlessly and running into "holy sites" i actually followed and listened to a teacher/tour guide, which was very helpful.  But after a few sites and walking around in the blazing hot sun i got tired pretty fast and even starting losing interest.  Honestly it was very frustrating hearing about the church of the holy sepulcher.  This church is believed to be the site of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ... I know it sounds crazy that i describe it as frustrating. You were probably thinking it would be more like an amazing, bring-you-to-your-knees experience.  That wasn't really the case for me, nor did i see anyone else on their knees.  The church has been fought over by four different christian groups. they all have their own little section of the church, and actually have fought over it so much that the key of the building was taken away from them and given to a muslim... I don't know all the details and not really in the mood to talk about it either. lol. sorry. i will when i learn more.

It was just very strange being in there.  There were candles everywhere, and hanging things with candles in them. Pictures, spot lights, glass boxes with i guess, "holy items" in them.  I boxed in rock, which is supposedly the rock where the cross stood... Not to mention the crowds and crowds of people all with their cameras.  There was this giant display of Jesus on the cross. And at the alter you could go up to it and stick your hand down this small opening and touch the rock of golgotha... so. i don't know. Maybe i haven't gotten my head around it all. Being where i am and everything.  I guess i just had a much different idea of everything that i'm seeing.  It just doesn't seem like a place Jesus would even be. Too much relics and strange superstitions i guess is a way to describe it.  I guess i still have a lot to learn though.

First Night in Israel

Hello Everyone,


I landed today in Tel Aviv at about 3pm local time. That's 7am Chicago time, 8am Marion Time. (for Phil and Kim and Pastor Rick and Jane) The trip went well and now feels as though it all went by very quickly. (the 10 hour flight that is)  After landing we took a quick, crazy ride to Jerusalem, where the school is located. Traffic here is similar to Puerto Rico for those that have been there. You just honk your horn and run over anyone that is in your way.  We went through some kind of check point on the highway to Jerusalem.  When the driver stopped and talked to the guy in the booth it turned into some kind of argument. We then pulled off the side of the road, an Israeli soldier with a very intimidating weapon got on the bus, looked at us, and then got off.  To me it was just funny. I doubt that soldier will ever even point that gun at anyone.  So then we were back on our way to the Old City. The school is actually connected to the Old City wall.  Its pretty awesome here. The building is a lot like something you would see in Estonia, for those that are there and have been there. The outside of the buildings would remind you of Puerto Rico. My room reminds me of a castle or something. If you are ever walking around you are probably on some kind of slope. It is very hilly. lol.  Ill show pictures soon.  Its so great to finally be here.  Thanks for the all the prayers and support. and again, if you are reading this i love you so very much.