Monastery

tour guide Muhammad

Update

I'm down to my final days and final exams. The past few weeks I have been snorkeling in the Red Sea, visiting museums, crossing the Jordan River, jumping countries, exploring Petra, climbing ruins, descending into cisterns like always, seeing the caves of Qumran, floating the Dead Sea, reflecting in Gethsemane, being confused for an Arab, wondering new streets, and enjoying every minute of it. Life is atypical but typical Jerusalem. Everyday brings new adventures and surprises. I love the experiences and the people with whom I share them.
   

Jerusalem's First Marathon and mine

Better Pictures to Come

Galilee: where I found peace in the middle east.

En Gev Resort

hike to city set on a hill

mount of beatitudes

called the mona lisa of the mideast

Oh little town

University of Bethlehem Friends

Herod's Palace and Tomb

a city behind a wall

our professor's neighborhood

Roman Catholic Church of the Nativity

Sabbath Study in Gethsemane

walking home

Midway in the Mideast Semester

Days here are like weeks and the weeks are like days. Between class, meals, the city, the sights, homework, and socializing, I find myself overwhelmed with things to write and record, but no energy to actually compose my thoughts.

I have seen where David slew Goliath. I have herded sheep. I have gone to synagogues, churches, and museums. I have eaten too much pita and nutella. I have written a 20 page paper on Palestine. I have walked through waist deep water in an ancient tunnel built by Hezekiah. I have wondered streets in Arab neighborhoods. I have sung hymns at the Garden Tomb. I have celebrated Passover. I have danced like an Israeli. I have learned both sides of the conflict. I have painted a mural in a school. I have loved and still love living here.