You Can Take the Girl Out of Jerusalem But You Can't Take Jerusalem Out of the Girl

Sabaah ilheer! I apologize for my large lack of blog post these past couple weeks, (although for all I know, no one even noticed). Life here in the Holy City is just so chock full of things to do, places to go, and people to see, and becomes even more and more so as time goes on. This week is actually finals week round one for us weary students. It is a little daunting to have finals so early in the semester, but it is a great thing because after this week, 4 of our 5 classes end, and we start New Testament so we will only have two classes until the end of the semester. They do the program that way so that once we start studying the new testament, we can be more focused on Christ's life and not have so many other classes to worry about.

Anyway, let me recap a little bit on what life has been like since my last post, basically, it's been AWESOME! I love every single thing about being here in Jerusalem and although I miss all my family and friends, I am going to be really sad when I have to go home. I wish I could stay here longer. If they offered me an extension today, like they do for missionaries sometimes, I would take it. Without a doubt. But, there is a time and a season for all things in life and just because I am going to have to leave Jerusalem, doesn't mean that Jerusalem ever has to leave me. This experience has changed me life and will forever be a part of me.

Not only do our experiences have an immense role in shaping our lives, the people we interact with play a very drastic role in that as well. My adventures here in Jerusalem have been so great, and there have been times and places that I will never forget, but I the thing that will stick with me most, is the people I have met along my way. We as students here are always together and get to know each other incredibly well because of that. I do miss my family, and I'm excited to see them again, but I don't feel too bad because we've all created our own little family of sorts here. We have all gotten pretty close and I will miss seeing these people everyday.

Besides the students and faculty here, I have met some pretty amazing people here in the neighborhoods around our home. My roommate, SarahBeth, has a brother who came here 5 years ago. While he was here he met a twelve year old boy named Fadi who he became best friends with. They have stayed in contact via facebook over the years and when SarahBeth found out she was coming here, she got in contact with Fadi as well. They met, and we've been hanging out with him and his friends ever since. They are some of the greatest people I have EVER met, especially Fadi. If you've been to the BYU Jerusalem center and heard Jim Kearl's speech before, you know that he pretty much tries to scare the living daylights out of you and tries to make you think that if you step one toe out of line, the whole world will come crashing down. One of the things he addressed at this semester's orientation was to be wary of the locals here. The way he talked about them made it sound like they were pretty much all bad people who are out to get you which is not hardly the case. The people here are so incredibly friendly and kind and hospitable. One of the first times we met Fadi he invited us to come to his home and meet his family and when we went, they prepared a whole meal for us, and do the same thing last time we visited them as well. We've also been able to meet the family of Fadi's friend Muhamad and the first time we met them, they invited us to come back the next day for dinner, and when we came that night, they didn't want us to ever leave and told us that if for some reason we couldn't get back into the center that we could sleep at their home. Yesterday we visited our friend Regard's house. Regard is an 11 year old girl that we've had the opportunity to get to know as well. She is darling and her family to. They also fed us when we were there and the mother kept saying how she wish she had more for us. They also brought out all this jewelry that the mother makes and told us to take whatever we wanted, to remember them by. They don't have a lot economically, but they have everything as a family. They are incredible people.

Well considering that it's finals week, and I have a test today that I haven't studied for, pretty much at all, I'd better get going on that. But before I go, I've one more piece of news. I leave for Turkey on Sunday! We will be staying there for 7 days. I will miss all my Palestinian friends here, but I am also really excited.

Always remember that God loves you, that it is never too late to change and to become better, and that the atonement works for everyone, including you! I love you all!