week 1

oh wow!!!! I just don't even know where to begin. I have officially been in Jerusalem for 1 week as of tonight and it was been crazy. School has begun and the reading has been piled on! That is a little strange for me since I haven't been in college for the past 2 years but I'm learning so much. I'm realizing how little I actually know about this area of the world and so I am so excited to learn everything I can about the country, people, cultures, languages, history, etc.!
Just so you know....the classes I'm taking are Old Testament, Hebrew, Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Arab&Islamic Civilization, Jewish Civilization and in a few weeks we will begin New Testament!


Even though the school load has been a bit overwhelming, I have had the chance to get out and explore the city a bit. Sunday we had a "free day". Meaning we literally had all day to go out and see what we wanted to see. I went with a group to the Israel Museum. This was an assignment for a class but also something I wanted to go and see. It gave me an awesome overview of the region in which I now live. We were given a list by Dr. Seely of specific things to see, mainly in the archaeology section of the museum. I also got to see the Dead Sea Scrolls!!! That was amazing.

Where they house the Dead Sea Scrolls

Model of Jerusalem

Afterwards we headed into the Old City to visit the Temple Institute. This was another suggestion of Dr. Seely. About half the students on the program ended up being there as well. We had an amazing tour and it was so fascinating. I literally knew nothing about the situation before the tour so I'll give you a brief (VERY brief, water downed) summary (according to my understanding). On Mount Moriah is where the Temple of Solomon stood and then Herod's Temple in ancient. It is where God told his chosen people they should build a temple. Over time these were destroyed and now this is the location of the Dome of the Rock (The Muslim shrine to Muhammad). The Jews believe that one day they will and must have a temple again on the Temple Mount of Mount Moriah. The Temple Institute Museum gives a tour and gives the history of everything. They are also preparing themselves for when the mount becomes "available" so they have the different objects prepared and ready for the temple. It was sooooo fascinating!!!!!!

A picture depicting the wash basin for Solomon's Temple. 12 oxen... look familiar to anyone...?!

Model of Herod's Temple

What the High Priest would/will wear

Ark of the Covenant

I just thought this was funny :) 

 Monday we had our first field trip day! I love going on field trips. This week our field trip was all about Jerusalem overlooks. We pretty much just went to a bunch of places around the city that gave us overlooking views of the city! We went to the Seven Arches Hotel Overlook, Augusta Victoria Tower, Nabi Samuel, and a Bethlehem Overlook.

View of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives

Augusta Victoria Church

Fleur de lis :) Even in Jerusalem I can find things that remind me of Louisiana! 

View from the top of the tower

Monday was Israel's Memorial day. At 11 am a siren was rung throughout the city for a moment of silence and traffic stopped. 

Me with the view of Jerusalem from Nabi Samuel

Alyssa and I at Nabi Samuel

My roommates and I at the Bethlehem overlook

Bethlehem overlook

Today between classes I headed into the city for a bit with a group. We went to see Zedekiah's Cave :)

Kyle, Alyssa, Dan, Jenni and me!

Jesus

Damascus Gate! 

I just love the old city and all the architecture!!! Something beautiful around every corner. 

I am loving the city and am looking to forward to all the many adventures that are sure to come! stay tuned :)

Let me know if you have any questions or anything you want to know!!
-Kim