Memphis and Saqqaura

The top two pictures are at Saqqaura...the very first pyramid built in Egypt. It is a step pyramid and it is extremely old. Every pyramid has a temple attached somewhere nearby so the top picture is of some columns in the temple next to the pyramid. It is amazing how beautiful and well preserved these ruins are. They are thousands and thousands of years old and they are still around for us to see. It is amazing to be in a place with so much rich history. The bottom picture is in Memphis. The first capitol of the United Kingdoms. It is near present day Cairo...there were a ton of cool artifacts including a GIANT Ramses statue. It was really fun to look at all of the cool things they have found in the area.

The Sphinx

So...we saw the Sphinx. It was really awesome, and the lucky guy got a kiss from me :)

The Pyramids!

So the picture on the right is from when a group of us went to the Red Sea right before we went into Egypt. We had a lot of fun in Eliat...it was a total beach town just like LA...it really actually reminded me of Honolulu. It was really fun...And the picture on the left is me on the GREAT pyramid with Mason and Callie. Yeah...I pretty much went in the pyramids. How fun is that?! The picture on the top left is a pic on the smallest pyramid and the picture on the top right is a picture with the middle pyramid in the background. Going to see the pyramids was one of the funnest experiences on the trip. To see these great tombs that were built for the Pharoh's was such an amazing experience. My favorite part was probably getting to go inside the Great Pyramid... climbing up the shaft and into the burial chamber was SO cool. We sang High on A Mountain Top while in the chamber and it was a really special experience. It is amazing to stand next to these massive structures that have been around for thousands and thousands of years. They have truly stood the test of time. I am fascinated with the ancient Egyptians obsession with the afterlife. They built these amazing tombs to connect their Pharoh's with the gods so they could make it to the afterlife. Their civilization is one that I want to continue to learn about because of their amazing foresight.

Egypt!

So...At the beginning of the trip to Egypt we did a full day of field trips to different places around Israel. One of the coolest places we visited was Beer Sheeba.... These are some of my bus buddies..Lisa, Heather, and Ashley. We had some good times on the bus :) The column picture is a girl group picture at a place with ancient Roman ruins...

Bethesda

Last Wednesday I got to go to the ruins of the pools of Bethesda. They were beautiful ruins with flowers growing out of the rock. Even though it was pretty hot it was still wonderful. There were not many people there so we got to explore and enjoy the ruins pretty much to ourselves. There is the church of St. Anne adjacent to the ruins. It has a reverbiration time of like 7 seconds so it's really cool to sing in there. It was a really awesome place to spend an afternoon.

Ein Kerim

So...last Sunday I had the opportunity to go to En Kerim the place where they believe John the Baptist was born. It was a beautiful little city just outside of Jerusalem. It was kinda more in the wilderness and there were lots of trees and such. We went to a couple of churches in the area...both claim to be where John the Baptist was born. The church of Visitation was beautiful and we had fun taking pictures. Then we went for a little adventure out into the wilderness of Judea...It was pretty cool :). Then we got yummy gelato and went and found the Chagall stain glassed windows in the hospital. They were located in a synagouge right in the middle of the hospital. They were absolutely beautiful! Oh, and the Pope has been my next door neighbor for the past week...literally. His picture is on all the churches all over Jerusalem so that was the closest I ever got to seeing him. Except in a car...but it wasn't that exciting.

Garden Tomb

So....I've been slacking on this whole blog thing the past few days. Just a quick update. Last Shabbot we had the opportunity to go to the Garden Tomb. It was a beautiful and peaceful place in comparision to the hustle and bustle and craziness of East Jerusalem. As soon as I walked in the gates I felt a sense of relief and profound peace. The gardens are beautiful and well kept and it is similar to what I picture the Garden Tomb looking like. It is a very speical place. I got to walk into the tomb where some believe Christ was laid after his crucifixion and death. On the door is a sign that says "He is not here for He is Risen". It was an amazing place to sit and meditate and reflect on the atonement and resurrection of the Savior. It was a very neat experience. We sang a few hymns about the resurrection and Jesus Christ. I really loved it there and hope to be able to go back many more times.

Western Wall

Last night I had the opportunity to go to the Western Wall and celebrate the start of Shabbot with the Jewish people. It was a really special experience to be able to go up to the wall and see these wonderful women sobbing at the wall. It was a humbling experience and it really touched me. The Western Wall is such a sacred and speical place and it is all they have left of their temple. The Jewish people are so friendly and welcoming. I was able to talk to a couple of girls around my age who shared with us some of their beliefs and customs. I love learning about all the different religions and their similarities to my own religion. The girls were so kind and good about explaining reasons for doing things and the symbolism that was behind what was taking place. I even got to join in on a dance with them to welcome in the Sabbath. It was really cool! Words can't explain how amazing this experience was. To see the sorrow at the loss of the temple but also the tremendous joy that they have was incredible. It was one of my favorite experiences here so far. :)

Week 1

Shalom! So i'm still getting used to this blog thing but I just wanted to update everyone on my trip and what I've been up to the last week and a half. After a full day of flying we finally made it to Israel. I live in one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. The building is so big and open and looks out over the Old City of Jerusalem. It really doesn't get much better than that. I have really just gone out and explored the Old City this week. It's a lot of fun to explore all the different shops and markets that they have here. I have gone to the Church of the Holy Seplecure and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. I went to a service at the Lutheran Church that was really good. I love learning about all the different religions and cultures here. There are seriously people from all over the world and it is so fun to talk to them. I love the Old City and the beautiful people that are there...even though it is dirty and smells funny sometimes I love walking around and taking in everything. Last Shabbot (Saturday) I had the opportunity to go to the Garden of Gethsemene. It was not what I was really expecting but nonetheless there is still a special spirit. Even though it may not be the exact spot it was good to be able to sit there and contemplate the atonement and think about the Savior. Being in this beautiful and historical city is such a great blessing. Jerusalem is truly a special place :)

Hello! I am currently in the Holy Land stuyding with BYU for a semester.