last day

First thing in the morning we had class picture time. It was just the saddest thing. The night before we had our memories night. We watched the best video and heard a few speeches. It was wonderful! I love these people!!!

We then went out to the city as fast as we could because we needed to be back at 3. It was so surreal being in the city for the last time.

One thing about this country, and the Temple Mount especially, is that they take modesty VERY seriously. You can't even wear short sleeves. It was a good reminder about how we should view our bodies and how we take care of them.

We randomly found this couch in the middle of the street. It was a day of lasts so we thought, why not?? take a picture on it haha!

This is Rita and Shaban in front of Shaban's shop. We spent a lot of time in this shop. He has it all and he is so kind to us. Rita is a jeweler and he made my Hebrew ring. That are fabulous!

This is Dr. Muhlestein, my New Testament teacher. He's a lot of fun! And he has a lot of experience in this country. I'm so grateful for his testimony and for all the memories we shared!

This is his little boy Jacob. He is getting baptized this month in the Jordan River. So cool!

These are the Jones. They are the music couple here at the center. I loved learning from them! They are so incredibly talented and so good at what they do! It was so fun to work with them this semester on so many fun music projects. 

These are the Chadwicks. They are the cutest couple you'll ever meet. They are perfect for each other. I'm so grateful we got to meet them and learn from them this semester, especially because it was their last one here! We lucked out big time. 

I realized as we were loading the buses that I had never taken a picture in front of this sign. Better late than never even though it was in the dark haha!

This is our apartment! Obviously it's a mess because we were packing and cleaning and scrambling to get ready. I'm going to miss it so much! These girls included!

Mary and the Blake's. Heading back to the 253. We LOVE Seattle and living in the Pacific Northwest. We had such a fun flight together.

I can't believe it's over. It was a whirlwind of a semester. I hope I was able to record enough that others are able to catch a glimpse of what it was like. I couldn't have asked for a better 3 1/2 months of my life.

The Last Week pt. 2

We started this field trip by walking to the Orson Hyde Memorial Garden. Orson Hyde traveled as a missionary to the Holy Land in October of 1841. He saw the exact site he had seen 6 years before in a vision. "In the early part of March ast, I retired to my bed one evening as usual, and while contemplating and enquiring out, in my own mind, the field of my ministerial for the then coming season, the vision of the Lord, like clouds of lights, burst upon my view. the cities of London, Amsterdam, Constantinople, and Jerusalem all appeared in succession before me; and the Spirit said into me, 'Here are many of the children of Abraham whom I will gather to the land that I gave to their fathers, and here also is the field of your labours."

 “On the top of Mount Olives I erected a pile of stones as a witness according to ancient custom. On what was anciently called Mount Zion, [Moriah?] where the Temple stood, I erected another, and used the rod according to the prediction upon my head.”

He then dedicated the land for future missionary work. The park was dedicated by President Kimball in 1979. Who knows what other sacred events have happened here. 

We do know of one event that happened in this general area. And that is the suffering of our Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane.

GETHSEMANE
comes from two Hebrew words:
gath - press
shemen - oil

This is both a literal and a figurative title. There were olive trees and presses on the mount, but our Savior also acted as if He were the olive being pressed as He bled from every pore and suffered for the sins of the entire world. 

Although I had visited the garden before, today was a bit more special. It was a beautiful morning and it was the day before we left. We were all feeling a bit somber, but even more so concerning the subject matter. We were placed in our own private part of the garden and we spent quite a bit of time there. I'll share some of my notes.

We talked about the betrayal first. There is nothing so painful than to have someone who you have done so much for and trusted so much betray you. NEVER BETRAY THE SAVIOR.

He had the ability to live past what a normal human body could handle. His spirit didn't leave until He willed it to, until the work was finished. He had never done anything to withdraw from the Father, or deserve the absence of the spirit, but He had to be left utterly alone. And because of that WE ARE NEVER ALONE. He is the only one that experienced that without doing it himself.

Don't discount what He did here. he can exalt you. You just have to come to him.  

I also thought a lot about the character of Christ. The whole time He was suffering, he was looking out for others. Some examples are His disciples when He goes to check on them and make sure they're awake. He heals the soldier who gets his ear cut off. He tells one of his disciples to look out for his mother. He talks to and promises blessings to the thieves on the cross with him.

Isaiah 63:3-5
3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore in own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.

I had the opportunity to sing with some of my friends there. Here's the song:

We then had a conversation about the things we'll miss about being here. One of the girls said, "I'm going to miss being close to the Savior." That really struck me and I thought about how I can maintain that when I go home. It's not necessarily the places themselves that make Jerusalem so meaningful, but just learning of the Savior and being close to the spirit. It changes your life. It teaches you of humility and submission. it teaches you of repentance and becoming. It teaches you of mercy and about becoming one with the Father. So it's just maintaining those good habits that we have been keeping here and consistently learning of the Savior that will allow us to have these feelings with us always.

We then had some time to reflect and ponder on our own. The first thing I thought of was this video.

We then went across the street to the Church of All Nations. This is my favorite church in Jerusalem. 

The crazy thing is, when you squeeze these olives, the juice actually comes out red...

In front of the church are the four evangelists. Dr. Muhlestein brought to my attention that the only way we know about the Savior is from these four writers. They recorded his life and teachings and they were eye witnesses. How grateful I am for them!

 The church is left intentionally dark, imitating the dark hours of Gethsemane.

This grotto is another place that is recognized as the spot of Gethsemane.

ST. PETER IN GALLICANTU

 First we took a look at this overview. You can see all three of the valleys that run through this area. They are all talked about in the scriptures as well. This is the southeast corner of Jerusalem. Pretty huh.

This church is known for the trial of Christ by Caiaphas and the triple denial by Peter. As you can see in the picture below, there are remains of a mansion from the time period. Inside the church are chambers and it's possible that the Savior could have been imprisoned in one of these pits in the dungeon. There are pillars that people thought were used to tie up those who were scourged, just like the Savior. It was quite awful to think about really. I mean, after he had already suffered in the garden, he is then arrested and sent here where he is unfairly tried and beat.

Matthew 26:57-68

57 ¶ And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none.  At the last came two false witnesses,

61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing?  what is it which these witness against thee?

63 But Jesus held his peace.  And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses?  behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

66 What think ye?  They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

 These are the exact steps the Savior would have walked down from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane. They were common steps the people used in the 1st century. It's amazing how much history they hold.

 Luke 22:54-62

54 ¶ Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house.  And Peter followed afar off.

55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them.  And Peter said, Man, I am not.

59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilæan.

60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest.  And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

   

CHURCH OF ST. ANNE/POOL OF BETHESDA
This doesn't really have any significance with the last week but it was definitely one of my favorite sites.

This church is the longest standing church in the Old City. It is named after Mary's mother, Anne.

The Father here told us about this statue. It is of Anne and Mary. It is nicknamed the Grandparent's Church. Anne is teaching Mary the scriptures. Most important to the Jews is Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the lord they God with all thine heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy might.

Mary then taught the Savior these same things. So here we commemorate parents and grandparents and the things they teach us. Especially the gospel and living the ways of the Lord.

We got to sing in there for an whole HOUR! It was glorious. It had the best acoustics. There were people that even sang some of our favorite solos from the semester and it was gorgeous. People suggested hymns and they shared why it was important to them. The spirit was so strong. 

This is one of my favorites. 

We then went outside to the Pool of Bethesda. This is the site of one of my favorite scripture stories. And also one of the Savior's most famous miracles.

bethesda = house of mercy

John 5:1-9

1 AFTER this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

CHURCH OF THE FLAGELLATION AND THE CONDEMNATION

Ok, this probably isn't the most accurate site but it is remembered for the Savior's trial under Pilate. It also has the Ecce Homo arch which means "behold the man" which is what Pilate declared to the Jewish mob.

John 18:28-19:12

28 ¶ Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law.  The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:

32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew?  Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then?  Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king.  To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.  Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?  And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas.  Now Barabbas was a robber.

1 THEN Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.

2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,

3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews!  and they smote him with their hands.

4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe.  And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.  Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.

7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

8 ¶ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;

9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou?  But Jesus gave him no answer.

10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me?  knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Cæsar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar.

I thought this ceiling was so intricate, especially with the crown of thorns.

A courtyard like this would be similar to the one where the Jewish mob stood and cried out, "Crucify him"

We then walked along the Via Dolorosa, the road that has the stations of the cross and outlines where the Savior would have walked to get to Calvary. It's not a long walk but imagining everything that the Savior went through and then having to carry the cross, it would have been excruciating. 

We arrived at the GARDEN TOMB.

This is a place that I wish I would have visited more often. It has such a special spirit and is so peaceful and quiet even though there is hustle and bustle right outside it.

There is a green hill far away near by without a city wall

where our dear Lord was crucified

who died to save us all

look carefully and you can see the skull in the rock. Unknown to some is that the Romans liked to crucify people right on the road, where everyone could see them. So it was right outside the city walls of Jerusalem and it possibly could've been in front of this hill, Golgotha, that looks like a skull.

I know that my Redeemer lives!

What comfort this sweet sentence is. 

He lives, He lives who once was dead

He lives my everliving head.

He lives to bless me with his love.

He lives to plead for me above.

He lives my hungry soul to feed.

He lives to bless in time of need.

That was it. Our last time together as a class. Our last learning experience together. The last time our testimonies were shared together. And almost the last time we would walk up the hill to our home from the streets of Old Jerusalem. I can't say enough how grateful I am for my Savior and for the knowledge we have of Him. My testimony has been strengthened immensely and I wouldn't have wanted to experience it with anyone other than these great people I've been surrounded with for the past 4 months. This truly has been an unforgettable experience that will change our lives forever.