Tel Aviv

On today's free day we took a day trip to Israel's capital city--Tel Aviv. Situated right on the coast, it's a fun mix between old Arabic roots and modern Israel. We saw an old church, darling neighborhoods, flea markets (emphasis on the flea), docks, ships, sky scrapers, and the Mediterranean! We got on our feet wet in the waves, felt the sand between our toes, and the ocean breeze in our faces. Riding bikes down the board walk was pure bliss. Add great friends and delicious donuts to palm trees and beach and you get a day to remember!

Jenessa believes in the power of making wishes in fountains so we stopped to throw in some spare agorats 
(Can't tell you what I wished for or it might not come true)

Mid Week Break

On Thursday we got out of class at 9 so a group of 30 of us ran over to the other side of the Mount of Olives to the two Russian Orthodox churches that have crazy weird hours. The first church, the Church of the Ascension. The grounds were filled with beautiful flowers and the grounds were very peaceful.

By the time we left we split into smaller groups and we went to the Mary Magdalene (or as I like to call it, the Golden Onion Church). I loved the Russian styles domes- they were great!

After we took lots if pictures we went to Aladdin's, Omar's, and Jimmy's.  Today I bought the first magnum bar of the trip! Swirled ice cream dipped in milk and white chocolate- best magnum bar ever!

It was fun to get out in the city and out of the center!

Sunday Freeday!

I LOVE Sundays but I always come home exhausted! Lexie, David, Jen, Taylor, and I set off after breakfast for our day of adventures. We started off at the western wall to see some Torah readings and bar mitzvahs and honestly, it wasn't too much different than other times (other than Sabbath Eve). One girl described it as going back in time because most people there are in traditional garb and they are speaking the old language if the Torah.

On our way out we found an underground tour of the western wall.  Then we wandered around the old city, stopped in a few churches, went shopping, and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine! We accidentally wandered into the Jewish quarter (my fave!) and I bought some pastries for lunch. Then we went to Dormition Abbey (the big church on a hill that's behind the Dome of the Rock. It was really pretty! We sang here and it was beautiful!

We followed a tour group into what is traditionally where Christ had the last supper. The group we were with sang a song that was more on the gospelly side. It was neat to see their devotion in a way that's different than ours. As they were on their way out we sang a sacrament hymn and it was nice.

Our last stop St. Peter's church. On our way there we ran into some friends and frolicked in some flowers (no wonder people think Mormons are weird). The church was beautiful but by the time we got home we were beat! But beat from a long day I'd grand adventures :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

I had a wonderful day today! I felt so much love from so many people.

*My old roommates sent me cards and personalized conversation hearts

*My current roommates Nikki and Kari cleaned our room for cleaning check while Jen and I were out on a run

*All the shop owners loved our bright red and pink shirts while we were shopping in the old city

*My family sent me a package filled with my favorite things (gold fish, sweet mint orbitz gum, Cath Kidston stationary, friendship bracelet string, conversation hearts, buttons, and a giant chocolate kiss)

*The valentines from all the students here at the center

Top it off with a jazz concert, a dance, and some strawberry cake: it was a great day!

The Flower Shop

Every girl loves chocolate and flowers, so Jen and I decided to run to the flower shop in the city and get flowers for our visiting teachees (and each other) some daisies for Valentine's Day.  Flowers make everything so cheerful!

Best Two Days Ever!

I woke up today feeling very happy about life: yesterday I got a letter from my sweet roommates in Provo and got to call my best friend from the 7th grade Danie Fairbanks for the last time before she leaves on her mission tomorrow! We talked for over an hour about everything; I love the way she helps me see the world. I'm going to miss her! It was a sad, but happy good bye :)

I woke up very excited for her upcoming experiences and happy that I talked to her and then I got another valentine in the firm of a 37 second video from my roommates! Jen, my current roommate, made my bed and gave me my favorite flavor dum-dum, I went on a run for the first time in months in perfect weather with fun company, and came home to find a chocolate bar from Home Evening group leader McCall.

I'm so grateful for wonderful people who bless my life in so many ways! Thanks for all your love!

P.S. I'm throwing reason to the wind and running the Jerusalem half in two and a half weeks! Wish me luck- I'll need it!

Shphelah Field Trip

The low hills between the coast and the Judaen Hills (where Jerusalem is) is called the Shpailah. We went to some few places and including the valley where David slayed Goliath, some chalk caves with awesome acoustics, and an ancient site with a cool olive press. It was a beautiful day!

Look at those poppies!  I love them! 

Hezekiah's Tunnel

Back in the days of the Bible, Hezekiah was preparing for an attack from an outside city so he built a tunnel to redirect the water source and keep it protected.  The tunnel was discovered about 150 years ago (very rough approximation) and we got to crawl through it!  It was a little bit tight at times, but lots of fun!

Wandering Through the City

Some of the best adventures happen when we just wander around--there is so much to see and do here!

Erika and I enjoying fresh pomegranate juice and pomegranate seeds at the Jewish open air market called the Shuk 

I found my favorite place in the city: the Jewish quarter! 

Where else can I eat mouthwatering delicious pastries with ancient pillars?

Nothing says American Tourists like McDonald's--we felt very at home
(don't worry, we just stopped for the picture, not the food)

Joys of Relief Society

Only in Relief Society do we get to make sugar cookies and decorate them after Church to celebrate Valentine's Day :)  One guy said as he walked passed, "No one ever makes us cookies in Elder's Quorum..." I have missed cooking and enjoyed spending a little bit of time in the kitchen again!

Arab Culture Night!

Tonight we all got dressed up and enjoyed a delicious night of traditional Arab food, a live call to prayer from Shakes from the Al asqua mosque, the most prominent mosque in Jerusalem, and some traditional dancing. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun!

Me and the roomies (and a few other guests....)

All dressed up for dinner