We are here, we are here, we are here!!!!!
(Horton Hears a Who reference for anyone who knows Dr. Suess)
Well, well well, I've had quite the adventure already and it's only Day 2. On Tuesday morning, our group of 80 students started off on the great journey to Israel. We flew to New York for a 6-hour layover and sang Empire State of Mind the entire wait. Haaaaahah. Just kidding...but Wesley and I did hum it as we stepped off the plane. The flight to Tel Aviv was great. Our plane entirely full and it was interesting to me to already see such a cultural dfference before we even stepped foot in Middle East. I slept for 6 of the 10 hours and felt proud. Being able to sleep on planes is something to brag about. They ran out of 'normal' dinner...so my meal was all Kosher. Made me feel "legit"...which when I googled Kosher to make sure I spelled it right..I learned that people sometimes use the word "kosher" as a synonym for legit or genuine. Cool! Heeehe. I got this paragraph from a friend who went to Jerusalem last semester but I love how he worded it:
The whole plane was literally ultra-orthodox jews (with the kipa, hat and side curls) and Mormon BYU students. I sat next to a Jewish guy who lives in Jerusalem. They all were speaking Hebrew to eachother, and being really loud and super restless. I got the feeling they all knew eachother, or perhaps not… When sun rose, all the men got out their robes and hats, stood up in the aisles, and prayed and chanted and read from their scriptures, then sat back down when they were done after about 5 minutes. I was really humbled to see a people so dedicated to their religion that they would do something like that. And to think I feel sheepish about saying a silent prayer over my food in public.
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Enough about the plane... we landed, went through security and customs and our Old Testament professors were at the gate to greet us in the Holy Land! I stood in the back and walked alone through the airport....just trying to take it all in. I kept thinking "I am in Israel. This is Israel." The Jerusalem Center is located about 45 minutes from the airport and the drive there was an absolute delight. One thing I love about Israel so far, is all of the white. White is my favorite color and nearly every building here is cream-colored. That first moment when we came in sight of the Jerusalem Center, the Dome of the Rock, and every other building I recognized from pictures...it hit me that I was really here! Here in this place known as the Holy Land by so many. We reached the Center, and it just as stunning as everyone says it is. It's beautiful, peaceful, clean. The senior couples volunteering here are gems. Our professors are assigned to stay and teach here for one year. They bring their families and live in the Center. One of professor's sons was just baptized last week in the Jordan River. Can you believe it!?
Today we took a walking tour of the city. We weren't allowed to bring cameras today because they wanted us to just absorb without trying to capture every moment with a photo. Within the 5 minutes of leaving the Center, we were walking down the Kidron Valley. This place is mentioned in the Bible, and Jesus crossed it many times, including the Thursday evening when He went with his disciples to Gethsemane. Incredible to think about!
Jerusalem is divided into 3 parts. East Jerusalem, West Jerusalem, and Old City. East Jerusalem and the Old City reminded me a lot much of Mexico. It felt like only the language, the terrain, and smells were different. Dad always tells me to remember the smells. Smells can't be documented by a photo. West Jerusalem is very different. I once heard it described as a ultra modern mix of Europe and Southern California. Haha.
I'm so happy I am here. Everyone in my group is so kind. I am surrounded by such good people. It's been fun making new friends. The only drag thus far has been the homework. Time to get to work! Fam & friends, I miss you all! I can't check facebook so email me:) jenniferriding@gmail.com
xo
