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.