At the Jerusalem center, where Kara is studying, they worship the Sabbath on Saturday, the way the Jews and Muslims do. We were able to spend the sabbath with Kara. We attended church and we just "hung out with her and her friends". It was so fun to get a feel for where she is and who her friends are. We loved it. We were all being a little silly. A guy friend of Kara's told her, "your parents are like kids." I don't know if that is good or bad. Oh well, we had fun!
The next day Kara was able to join our tour and see some sites. Kara loved having us there to buy all the treasures she has seen. Above is a beautiful blanket that we bought her.
This is Reed, Kara and I in front of what is left of the temple. They have done an amazing job restoring it. Also, I have to add that the last three days in Jerusalem were so cold. We were freezing. All we brought were light jackets and it was cold and rainy all those days. We heard from Kara that a few days later it was sunny and warm. Bummer!
This is Reed and I in front of a typical cave that shepherds keep their sheep in. Brother Rona said that this would have been a typical site that Jesus may have been born in.
This is in front of the Western Wall or (the wailing wall). There were many boys getting their
barmitsfa's. The Jews consider this very sacred. It is the only wall left of the temple. It was all very interesting. There was a section for women and a section for men. They wear a prayer shawl that they change from one shoulder to the other.
One of the most amazing parts of our trip was being taught about the Jewish culture and religion. It truly helped deepen my understanding of the scriptures and the Savior. It helps you to see that our church is not new, it is restored. There are so many similarities in the Jewish faith and our faith.
Our last day in Jerusalem was spent going through the last week of the savior's life. We were able to go to the Orson Hyde Park, the Garden of Gethsemane, see the Gate Beautiful (where the triumphal entry was), the location of the house of Ciaphus, Golgatha, and the Garden Tomb.
I felt the spirit so strongly in the Garden of Gethsemane and the Garden Tomb. I never realized how close the tomb was to Golgotha and the Old City. It was all very close. The garden had an unbelievable lightness and peacefulness. The closest thing I can compare it to is being in the temple. Brother Rona said that Jewish people and Muslims come and pray here. When we were there, there was a group from Africa who were singing and praying. I also saw a group from India. It was amazing to see people from all over the world worshiping.
There was a profound sense of knowing that God knows and loves all of us. We are all unique and different. It was very sweet. This was an unbelievable trip and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to truly walk where Jesus walked.
I took pictures of Heather's three good friends: Jessica, Janet, and Sarah. These three have been great friends to Heather, and she is going to be sad next year when they head off to college. I totally love these girls also. One of the best parts of my calling is working with the seniors in our stake. It has been an amazing year getting to know these girls better. They are truly the best! I mostly took close ups, because we were taking senior pictures. Of course we had to take advantage of the beautiful blossoms.
This is Sarah Barlocker!
Don't you love the yellow sweater? They all decided to borrow Sarah's sweater for some shots by the brick wall.
This is Jessica Farley.
This is Janet Reynders!
