It's not about the place, It's about the person.

Throughout the day we were able to wander the city for the first time on our own! We first went to the Western (Wailing) Wall. What a different culture. For the first time today I was able to accept other cultures. I began to feel and accept the gestures and worships that other religions participate in. I am still learning of course. We had some time left before we had to head back so a friend lead us to the Garden Tomb.You walk up a little hill to the entrance and they guide you around to Galgotha and then to the tomb.He described at Galgotha how he sacrificed and lifted a barrier from us and put it on himself so now we can be in connection with God and there is nothing blocking us. It was incredible to feel such piece in a wild and loud and crazy city. It is so cool to see the Savior present. You could feel your heart pouring out in gratefulness towards him for his sacrifice, for the resurrection. Seeing this was not what I expected at all, but even better and more unique that I had imagined.

I am HERE! In the HOLY LAND!

Well we made it safely here after all that yummy kosher food and little sleep on the plane rides! I feel like this is a fairytale I have heard all my life and I am just now living it. Being in the "castles" and right next to the characters. It is so so very outstanding. Today we just got picked up from the airport and toured the center, ate dinner and met some professors. They are all so great. Intense, but I can tell I am going to come home with information I couldn't get from anyone else. It has been a bit awkward all day just meeting people that you know will become your brothers and sisters by the end of the trip basically. Not sure why, but just is. Funny line of the day. This kid sits down to eat dinner on the patio and he's like, "oh just another walk in the park today, ya know, just enjoying my gooloudge* (ill get the spelling of that one down later) as I look at the sun setting into the city where Christ lived, no big deal." Such great people here.

It's Just the Beginning

There is an endless list of things I am grateful for in life, however one particularly sticks out right now. I have the opportunity to go study in Jerusalem for four months. I will be studying the history and culture of the people in the middle east and most importantly Christ's Life. Not many people in the world receive this opportunity, so I feel an obligation to share what I have been blessed with to others. I hope something I leave you with here touch's your heart and I hope you enjoy reading on!