Monday, January 27
This was our second field study trip into Jerusalem with Benj. The day began with seeing a portion of the Broad Wall built to prepare for the coming siege from the Assyrians in the time of Hezekiah (about 700 BC). 2 Chronicles 32:5 explains that Hezekiah built up part of the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and added another wall outside of that. We saw part of this wall!
We went to the traditional site for King David's tomb; just outside Zion Gate. This has been the traditional location since the Byzantine period. 1 Kings 2:10 says that David was buried in the City of David, and this site is outside the city, so we know it's not the right place; but it was still interesting to see.
Next, we went upstairs to the traditional location of the Upper Room where Jesus and His disciples celebrated Passover the night before His crucifixion. There is no way to be sure that this is where they had dinner that last night, but this is the oldest tradition and best candidate. We spent time reading through Jesus' commands and encouragements that He gave to His disciples in John 13-17. Even though these words were spoken 2000 years ago, they still hold true for us today. Jesus emphasizes humility and gives an example of that by washing the disciples' feet. He encourages them by saying that even though He will no longer be with them physically, He is sending the Holy Spirit who will be with them (and us!) forever.
On the grounds of Jerusalem University College is a Protestant cemetery. Here we saw the grave of Flinders Petrie who found the Mernepthah Stele which is the first extra-biblical mention of the nation of Israel. He did many excavations in Israel and around the pyramids in Gaza. We also saw the tombstone of Horatio Spafford, the writer of the hymn "It is Well." He wrote this song after his daughters died in a shipwreck on their way to Europe. In the midst of the hardships of life, he knew that God was in control and had a perfect plan even if he didn't understand it. He could honestly say, "when peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul." Then we sang a couple verses of "It Is Well" and rejoiced in the knowledge that we can truly say "it is well with my soul" because God has it all in control.
After having a delicious lunch of non-kosher sandwiches, which we made at the moshav before leaving in the morning, we went to the Catholic cemetery to see the grave of Oskar Schindler. This man saved the lives of about 1200 Jews during the Holocaust and the movie Schindler's List is based off of his life. From the cemetery we were able to look down into the Hinnom Valley. Joshua 15:8 tells us that this valley was the border for the tribal allotment of Judah. It was also here, at the Potsherd Gate, that God commanded Jeremiah to break a pot as a sign for the people. Because of their disobedience, God was preparing to judge them. God hates sin even to His own detriment. Other nations could see this judgement and think that God isn't strong enough to save His people. But God doesn't need the testimony of people. He is the righteous judge and will punish the people from their sins. When His people call on His name and repent, He saves. Ultimately this was done through the death and resurrection of His perfect son Jesus!
Our journey continued in Hezekiah's Tunnel. This tunnel, like the Broad Wall, was built in the time of Hezekiah to prepare for the Assyrian siege. I really enjoyed walking through the shoulder-width tunnel in knee-deep water for all 533 meters. When we emerged back onto the surface, we sat by the Pool of Siloam and read John 9. This tells the story of Jesus healing the blind man by placing mud on his eyes and telling him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. It is good to consider and remember what Jesus told His disciples when they questioned the reason behind the man's blindness; "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might been displayed in him" (verse 3).
Tuesday, January 28
Bible study!! Each Tuesday morning the women gather together in the miklat to study God's word. The professors' wives, Natalie, and a couple other ladies from the community join with us IBEXers and teach us from Hebrews. Last semester the group studied Hebrews 1-7 and this semester we are picking up where they left off. This first week was a basic introduction of ourselves and Hebrews. After a couple songs and teaching, we break off into small prayer groups. These will be the groups for the whole semester. Four IBEXers for each leader. How were these groups chosen? They didn't come with a pre-made list, but rather chose to leave it up to "divine lottery."Leaving it all up to God's sovereignty to decide who will be in each group. Natalie handed around a bag with small slips of paper inside that had a chapter of Hebrews written on it, which corresponds to the lady teaching that chapter. The slip I grabbed said "Hebrews 12." Stephanie, Bill's wife, will be teaching on Hebrews 12 so I get to be in her group with Brooke, Anna, and Krista. Maria, a really sweet woman from Stephanie's church, will be joining our group as well. I am so excited for this semester to be able to learn from these ladies, share prayer requests, and be accountable to them. And an added bones is that for pray group time, we go to Stephanie's house and she always has tea and fruit or goodies for us. Yummy!
After Bible study I had a couple classes then spent much of the afternoon reading in a hammock. Homework is mainly reading so far, the weather has been beautiful, and the miklat has hammocks that we can borrow and set up in the tree; sounds like the perfect setting for a peaceful afternoon. I just have to make sure I don't fall asleep. But I must say, that is probably my favorite spot for doing homework!
Wednesday, January 29
Another field study day into Jerusalem! The day began at the Israel Museum to see a huge model of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea Scrolls. After being in the city a couple times and learning so much about what Jerusalem looks like now and how it has changed from the past, it was helpful to see this huge model. The model is based off of Josephus' descriptions of what Jerusalem looked like in 60 AD. We could see the Temple Mount, the gates into the city, the walls, the hill where Jesus was probably crucified, and so much more!
We left the model and went inside to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. Sadly, we weren't allowed to take pictures, but it was still really cool to be able to see them! These were discovered in 1947 in caves near Qumran by the Dead Sea. They date from 250 BC to 68 AD. Over 800 scrolls (or fragments from scrolls) were found. These have been so helpful in understanding what was important to the Jews and what it meant to be Jewish at this time. Another thing that is amazing to see is how God has preserved His Word. Prior to this discovery, the oldest biblical manuscript was from 1000 AD. The Dead Sea Scrolls are 1000 years older than those. And they're the same! After centuries of hand copying the Scriptures, there are only a few minor spelling or punctuation errors. We can have confidence that the Bible we read today contains the same message that was read by people 2000 years ago. Despite all the attempts to destroy God's word, He has been faithful to preserve it.
Next we went up to the Augusta Victoria hospital on the Mount of Olives to look east into Bethany. Many important events have happened here and will happen. This was the hometown of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. Jesus also stayed here during the last week before His death. He traveled from here, over the mountain, into Jerusalem each day during Passover week. The most significant event was Jesus' ascension into heaven. After rising from the dead, Jesus appeared to His disciples and many others for 40 days. When that time was completed, He went up to the Mount of Olives and ascended into heaven. What's even more amazing is to think that this is the place where He will return to in the future. I think I've mentioned this before, but I love it, so I'll say it again. Zechariah 14 describes the second coming of Christ and how He will return on the Mount of Olives! I look forward to that day! Lord come quickly!
Then we celebrated Hump Day in the best possible way...by riding a camel! As we were on our way down the mountain, we stopped at a great spot to overlook Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. There was a man standing nearby selling camel rides. Rachel P and I rode the camel together around the little parking lot. A few others also took a turn on the camel and then Devon and Rachel H kissed the camel! I had really been looking forward to riding a camel at some point during our time here.
Well that about sums up the day! Thanks for putting up with another long, and past-due post. Have a great rest of your week!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
The First Weekend
I haven't been as consistent with blogging as I had hoped to be, but here is what happened during our first weekend in Israel.
Thursday, January 23
On a typical day, we begin with breakfast between 7-8. I have really enjoyed the food here so far! I usually fix myself a delicious parfait with yogurt, fruit, and granola then have a hard boiled egg or single-serving quiche. Classes usually begin at 8. I am taking four classes (of six offered) and it's nice that since three (Jewish Thought and Culture hasn't started yet) are Bible classes, the information overlaps and works together! Even though the classes focus on different sections of the Bible, we can see the continuity of God. We worship the same God today that Abraham worshipped 4000 years ago! Seeing His faithfulness throughout all time is incredible!
After a couple classes in the morning, we had lunch, then Natalie took us on a hike to Newe Ilan, another neighboring city. She showed us the store where we can get snacks or almost anything that we might need, and then bought us Magnum Bars! It was delicious! The ice cream and chocolate coating was excellent! Someone said that we have these in the states, but that they're better here. So good! The reception at the moshav has them too...I'll have to control myself and not buy them all the time. We finished our ice cream and went to the top of a hill to overlook Tel Aviv. It was a beautiful view! On the way back I got to visit with Stephanie (Bill's wife) and get to know her a little. She is so sweet and full of wisdom. I am so excited to get to know her more throughout the semester!
Friday, January 24
We had classes in the morning, a free afternoon, then in the evening was Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming of the Sabbath). The Sabbath is the day of rest when we take time to stop and focus upon the Lord. To "welcome" the Sabbath, we get together for a nicer dinner than normal and even dress up. Someone from the group gives a little devotional before we eat and we pray together as a group.
After dinner we have chapel in the miklat. It is so sweet to gather together to worship through song and hear teaching from the Word. It is encouraging to see my fellow IBEXers using their God-given musical talents to lead our group in worship.
Saturday, January 25
Sabbath! Our day starts a little later on Saturdays. We leave for church at 9:45, which leaves the morning free to sleep in a bit, or skype family and friends from home! I love catching up with friends and this is a great time for me! (If you ever want to skype, let me know!) For church, we go to Jerusalem Assembly. I love going to church and gathering with believers from different cultures and backgrounds! We may speak different languages, but we worship the same God! To sing in English while others are singing in Hebrew makes me think about what heaven might be like one day. I don't know what language(s) will be spoken for eternity, but it will be incredible. Songs were in Hebrew (with Hebrew transliteration and English translation) and the message was translated.
When church was finished, the vans picked us up and took us to the Old City where we spent the afternoon. We were able to eat lunch and explore as we desired until the vans picked us up again at 5. A few of us (Rachel P, Jackie, Camille, Lana, Cody, and N'Gai) went to Damascus Gate and bought falafel or schwarma for lunch then explored through the city. We ended up overlooking the Western Wall for a bit. Cody came to Israel last summer with a tour group and knew of a nice spot to overlook the Garden of Gethsemane so we decided to go there. To make a long story a little shorter, we ended up actually crossing the Kidron Valley and going to the Garden of Gethsemane. We found some cool looking monuments to take pictures with (found out later that it was Absolum's tomb and the tomb of Pharaoh's daughter) then continued to the church. The Church of All Nations is built on part of the garden which could be the location where Jesus went to pray the night before He was crucified. There is a garden around the church filled with olive trees. We went into the church, took a few pictures, then realized that it was time to head back to Jaffa Gate to be picked up.
We had dinner at the moshav then got together for SNL (Saturday Night Live). Each Saturday we have a time of games with the whole IBEX family; students, professors, and their families. We played a couple get-to-know-you games and a few other games as well. It was also Krista's birthday, so Natalie made a cake and we sang and celebrated with Krista.
Sunday, January 26
Sundays are our free day. We can go hiking, go into Jerusalem, explore nearby cities, stay at the moshav, or find other interesting things to do. This Sunday, I just did homework between breakfast and lunch. After lunch, a group of us took the bus into Jerusalem to go to an amazing coffee shop called Aroma. Our excuse for going was to celebrate Krista's birthday. I got a chai latte which was delicious and those who got coffee said it was fantastic. We spent some time looking in the stores in the mall and just spent time together. And we made it back to the moshav in time for dinner. Our first time finding public transportation was a success.
Thursday, January 23
On a typical day, we begin with breakfast between 7-8. I have really enjoyed the food here so far! I usually fix myself a delicious parfait with yogurt, fruit, and granola then have a hard boiled egg or single-serving quiche. Classes usually begin at 8. I am taking four classes (of six offered) and it's nice that since three (Jewish Thought and Culture hasn't started yet) are Bible classes, the information overlaps and works together! Even though the classes focus on different sections of the Bible, we can see the continuity of God. We worship the same God today that Abraham worshipped 4000 years ago! Seeing His faithfulness throughout all time is incredible!
After a couple classes in the morning, we had lunch, then Natalie took us on a hike to Newe Ilan, another neighboring city. She showed us the store where we can get snacks or almost anything that we might need, and then bought us Magnum Bars! It was delicious! The ice cream and chocolate coating was excellent! Someone said that we have these in the states, but that they're better here. So good! The reception at the moshav has them too...I'll have to control myself and not buy them all the time. We finished our ice cream and went to the top of a hill to overlook Tel Aviv. It was a beautiful view! On the way back I got to visit with Stephanie (Bill's wife) and get to know her a little. She is so sweet and full of wisdom. I am so excited to get to know her more throughout the semester!
Friday, January 24
We had classes in the morning, a free afternoon, then in the evening was Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming of the Sabbath). The Sabbath is the day of rest when we take time to stop and focus upon the Lord. To "welcome" the Sabbath, we get together for a nicer dinner than normal and even dress up. Someone from the group gives a little devotional before we eat and we pray together as a group.
After dinner we have chapel in the miklat. It is so sweet to gather together to worship through song and hear teaching from the Word. It is encouraging to see my fellow IBEXers using their God-given musical talents to lead our group in worship.
Saturday, January 25
Sabbath! Our day starts a little later on Saturdays. We leave for church at 9:45, which leaves the morning free to sleep in a bit, or skype family and friends from home! I love catching up with friends and this is a great time for me! (If you ever want to skype, let me know!) For church, we go to Jerusalem Assembly. I love going to church and gathering with believers from different cultures and backgrounds! We may speak different languages, but we worship the same God! To sing in English while others are singing in Hebrew makes me think about what heaven might be like one day. I don't know what language(s) will be spoken for eternity, but it will be incredible. Songs were in Hebrew (with Hebrew transliteration and English translation) and the message was translated.
When church was finished, the vans picked us up and took us to the Old City where we spent the afternoon. We were able to eat lunch and explore as we desired until the vans picked us up again at 5. A few of us (Rachel P, Jackie, Camille, Lana, Cody, and N'Gai) went to Damascus Gate and bought falafel or schwarma for lunch then explored through the city. We ended up overlooking the Western Wall for a bit. Cody came to Israel last summer with a tour group and knew of a nice spot to overlook the Garden of Gethsemane so we decided to go there. To make a long story a little shorter, we ended up actually crossing the Kidron Valley and going to the Garden of Gethsemane. We found some cool looking monuments to take pictures with (found out later that it was Absolum's tomb and the tomb of Pharaoh's daughter) then continued to the church. The Church of All Nations is built on part of the garden which could be the location where Jesus went to pray the night before He was crucified. There is a garden around the church filled with olive trees. We went into the church, took a few pictures, then realized that it was time to head back to Jaffa Gate to be picked up.
We had dinner at the moshav then got together for SNL (Saturday Night Live). Each Saturday we have a time of games with the whole IBEX family; students, professors, and their families. We played a couple get-to-know-you games and a few other games as well. It was also Krista's birthday, so Natalie made a cake and we sang and celebrated with Krista.
Sunday, January 26
Sundays are our free day. We can go hiking, go into Jerusalem, explore nearby cities, stay at the moshav, or find other interesting things to do. This Sunday, I just did homework between breakfast and lunch. After lunch, a group of us took the bus into Jerusalem to go to an amazing coffee shop called Aroma. Our excuse for going was to celebrate Krista's birthday. I got a chai latte which was delicious and those who got coffee said it was fantastic. We spent some time looking in the stores in the mall and just spent time together. And we made it back to the moshav in time for dinner. Our first time finding public transportation was a success.
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