Yad Veshem

We also visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem. This is something that I was at first a bit anxious to do. But the museum was not what I expected at all. Though it captured the sober feel of the Holocaust, and the terrible events that occurred, and it accomplished its purpose without being an overwhelmingly dark and oppressive visit. I was also surprised by the emphasis that was put on the good people and good deeds done during the Holocaust. The pathways that lead up to the museum were lined with trees, each planted in honor for one of the “righteous among the nations”, or those who chose to aid the victims of the Nazis. There was a part of an exhibit dedicated to these people inside the museum, where stories and pictures were on display, including Schindler’s list. The building itself was really unique. The walls and outer structure were made of unfinished cement slabs, coming together in a triangular shape at the top, giving the feel of a prison. There are glass windows at the top that let in light, and give the entire building a more open feel. It’s the combination of the bleak oppressiveness of the walls combined with the light at the top that truly gives the building a sense of despair and hope at the same time.






**These are not my pictures :) They belong to the Internet

Jericho

The last couple weeks have gone by really fast. We got to visit Jericho, which is called “the oldest city on earth” because of a mud-brick structure that is almost 8,000 years old. This is where the Biblical story of Joshua occurred, when he marched around the city, and his horn calls caused the city walls to crumble. Some pics:

Tower of David Museum

The Tower of David Museum is over by Jaffa Gate, and is a part of the old city wall, and a citadel built in the second century and rebuilt in the 16th century. It was a windy, rainy day, full of fun! We got to see lots of archaeological ruins from all different time periods. What a great day!

Sisters!

Right now I am watching Little Women with Chelsea, and the movie reminded me of my sisters, and how much I miss them. At one part of the movie, Amy asks her older sister if she loves a boy more than her, and Jo replies: "Don't be silly! I could never love anyone more than I love my sisters!" So this is a blog for my sisters, who I love...and Aaron, too, since I would feel bad cropping him out of the photo, and it's the only one I have.




Yeah, we're an odd bunch.

A Blog of Appreciation...

I forgot--the pictures above (and a lot more to come) are not mine. They're Chelsea's. So this is a thank-you blog, to Chelsea, for aiding the handicapped picture takers of the world.

So I realized I haven't mentioned some very basic things about my stay here in Jerusalem. In an effort to improve my blogging skills, I have put together a photo guided tour of what living in Jerusalem is like (for me, at least!):





These are my roommates, Carly, Chelsea and Lauren, on our first Sunday here.


Chelsea and me, very happy about dinner in Egypt.


Carly, Chelsea and Lauren




Me eating at the Oasis, our cafeteria. The food is great!



And this is what I get to wake up to every morning! :)

So as you all have probably figured out, I'm not the best blogger. I'm also not the best at taking pictures. But for now, this is all I have to offer—I’m trying to improve! I'm having a wonderful time, and I can't wait to share my pictures and experiences with you all when I get back!

Scrabble Sabbath

Today is Shabbat, and it has been a great day! It has been raining pretty hard here, and the wind has been blowing all night. Today during church, there was a huge storm, which we watched through the windows in the chapel. The thunder and lightning was pretty intense, and I loved it! Later, we (my friends Nycole and Jacob, and my roommate Lauren) played Scrabble, which is our new tradition, “Scrabble Sabbath”. I lost. :) All in all—it’s been a good day!

V-Day

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. This is a great opportunity to let everyone in my life know how much I appreciate and love them. I am so grateful for you all! I think Valentine's Day is also a good time to reflect on how much love can make a difference in a world of war and hatred. Tolerance and love have healing power, so take advantage of it, and love your family, friends, neighbors, and all your fellow human beings. I hope you all have a wonderful day, full of love! Shalom!

Exodus to Egypt

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Okay, our first day on the road. We stopped a few times on the way to the border, and then stayed the night at a kibbutz, which is a small community out in the middle of the desert, who support each other solely within the community.

Some pictures of our stops:

The Wilderness of Zin, where the host of Israel wandered for 40 years

A Nabataean trading post, where the remains of Byzantine church also lay.

More to come--promise!

More Egypt Pictures

Sorry I haven't posted more details!! Tomorrow is Shabbot, and I will have lots of time to update. For now, here are more pictures (start from the bottom)! 1) A statue of Ramses in Luxor 2) and 3)Temple of Ramses 4) a boat on the Nile 5)Karnak 6) the Mohammad Ali mosque.

Egypt

Okay everyone, I am sorry for not updating my blog--I've been in Egypt for the last 8 days, with no computers or phones. There will be extensive blogging about my trip, I promise, but for now, here's some pictures!!

Contact Info

My email address, for those who do not know it (cough, cough...Amy...) is:

shampooster@gmail.com

Shalom!