Holy Land

I made it to Jerusalem late yesterday afternoon. I had hardly any sleep at all but it has already been amazing. I am already known as the engaged girl. Word traveled very very fast and everyone seems to ask me about. It's been fun but most people are shocked that I am doing this and leaving my fiance for so long.

Last night we got to eat dinner and sit on our back porch watching the sun go down on Jerusalem. The call to prayer was going and we all just sat and watched the people going into the streets for Ramadan. Our teacher sat out with us telling us about the buildings and the different churches. It was amazing. My room is surrounded by pomagranet trees and olive trees. I can't believe that I am actually here. We had a long orientation last night and met our teachers and the staff. We got a tour of the building and an introduction to all of our classes. We walked out into the garden and saw the olive press that the school has and that we will get to use later in the year. I know I am going to have a lot of unique opportunities

I have awesome roommates and so many cool people in the program. We just got back from our tour of the old city. It was so amazing to be there and see everything in person. It was very different than what I had always pictured.We walked on stones from the Roman period, which means that Christ could have walked on those same stones. We walked by all the churches and through the streets getting oriented. We walked through Damascus gate and climbed up above the buildings to see the view. It is an amazing city. I have been a lot of places but I have never seen anything like this. We got to walk on the same street that Christ carried the cross and go by the church of the holy seplacur where they think christ was crucified and ressurected. Later in the year we will get to go in.

I am so greatful for this opportunity. I have already learned so much and I can't wait for classes to begin. I miss everyone so much but I am really excited to get to do this. I will update soon.