הידד לישראל

This program has been the most incredible experience of my life. I have learned so much about myself, history, and the gospel. I am so thankful and blown away by these past 4 months. I just have 4 days left until I return to the states. I can't believe it is over. I'm going to spend my last days here enjoying everything and soaking it in. This will be my last post. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. I can't put any of my feelings to words. Instead, I'll share a few pictures of my beautiful Jerusalem. 

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

West Jerusalem

Garden of Gethsemane

Dome of the Rock

Shops on Christian Quarter Road

Homes in Bethpage

View from the JC

Christian Quarter

In the Old City

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

The Old City from the David Tower Citadel

The Jerusalem Center

I'll never forget this incredible city. The gospel is true! Christ lived here and he lives again. Goodbye Jerusalem--until we meet again. 

להתראות ירושלים

הידד לישראל 

Hurrah For Israel! 

Tallent Show

I participated in the talent show!! I made a stop motion video of my artwork that I've done in Jerusalem while Chaille, McCall, and Tawni danced to it. It was beautiful! I will put the video online once I get home (that's so sad to say). For now, here are the few things I've done. I wish I had done more here, but this is only the beginning. 

The first one was the one was a quick watercolor and pen painting of the city. 

Here is the garden tomb in pen and charcoal. I did this on a sabbath afternoon while sitting at the tomb. 

This is a 15 minute sketch in pen of a boat on the Bosperus. I did this from a picture after coming back from Turkey. 

And finally, my biggest work in progress--the city in watercolor. I've spent many sabbath afternoons on this one. All to be continued!

Dead Sea Field Trip

Today we went to the Dead Sea! Here we are at Qumran--where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found!!

 The city ruins were pretty impressive. See the cave in the picture below? That is one of the many caves that held the scrolls.

Then we went all 18 meters above see level to Masada! After being hundreds of meters below sea level by the Dead Sea, we took a huge cable car to this incredible fortress.

The views overlooking the dead sea and desert below were breath-taking!

The fortress ruins were very well preserved with columns and colorful frescos. I loved it!

We even were allowed to wear shorts for the first time since we were going swimming!

After Masada we swam in the dead sea. It was unreal! We didn't float--we sat on top of the water. It was almost annoying because we couldn't move easily and you feel stuck in the water, but it was so much fun! The amount of salt in that water is hard to comprehend. A tiny bit got in my eye and it was on fire. So, I didn't take any pictures. Not to mention my camera died. But you can look it up and imagine what it was like. I loved it! 

Best day ever? Of course!

Galilee: Part 3

Here are my last few days in Galilee! We explored Caesarea Philippi and an incredible Crusader fort.

Then we went to more trenches from the war.

Here is a gorgeous basalt synagogue.

Here are the ruins of Zippori where we saw a mosiac called the "Mona Lisa of Israel."

In Akko we explored crusader ruins along the Mediterranean.

Our last night we had a bonfire next to Galilee.

On the way home we stopped at Mt. Carmel.

 Here we are at the headquarters of the Bahai religion. It overlooks Haifa.

And finally, Caesarea Maritima.
 This was Herod's port city. It was right on the water. I loved the aqueducts.

That was my experience in Galilee! Now we have 10 days left in Jerusalem!! I can't believe how fast it is going.

Galilee: Part 2

Ok, this trip just keeps getting better!! I'm in paradise--on Thursday we kayaked the Jordan river!

On Friday my sweet little Sophie was baptized in the Jordan River! It was an incredible experience. I watched a precious 8 year old step into the same waters as Christ to follow in his footsteps and be baptized into his church. I loved her excitement and knowledge of the gospel. She couldn't stop smiling--she was so happy! I am extremely proud of her. Here is our primary class--me and Katie and our two kids, David and Sophie. This was taken just after Sophie was baptized. See how happy she is?

On Saturday, the Sabbath, we went to church in Tiberius. They have a small branch in this amazing building overlooking Galilee. This was one of the highlights of my trip so far. The sacrament was blessed in Hebrew and everyone shared their testimonies of the gospel. The spirit was so strong.

Here are my Galilee Roommates and I at Church!

On Sunday we went to Mt. Tabor--one of the possible sights of the transfiguration of Christ. The Father at church there let us in a special door under the church to see ruins.

 Here is an amazing view--Megiddo! Also known as Armageddon.

We also spent a wonderful afternoon in this incredible spring called Gan Ha-Shelosha.

Wednesday was Tel Dan! This was the northernmost border of the kingdom of Israel. A huge alter was once here.

We saw the oldest Arch in the world at the city gate. Abraham passed through here. Again, I loved this place. The scenery felt like Colorado.

There were also old Trenches from a war. I felt so legit going through them!

To be Continued!