05 May 2011

Each day brings new reason to find excitement, to find enthusiasm. The rush of the city, of the culture brings new winds of change into the mind and into the heart. It’s a change that broadens the horizons of ideas and beliefs and increases the understanding of an unknown world and of an unknown people. It’s a change that has the power to alter a person dramatically in innumerable ways.

The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies holds an advanced student work load, faculty members expecting each student to put forth his or her best effort and succeed in the program. It’s grueling and demanding but completely worthwhile. By the 8^th of August, I will have written over ten papers, half of which are at least seven pages in length; I will have taken seven finals and at least five midterm exams. I will have spent at least two hours daily reading materials ranging from scriptures to essays, from journals to textbooks. And still I look forward to every class, every class period with an eagerness to learn and a willingness to study and put forth my best effort. Our first class period of Islam begin this afternoon. After two hours of instruction, most of the students – including myself – were reeling from the information that was provided. Very few of us held any prior knowledge to Palestinian government or, more significantly, Palestinian nationalism. It will be interesting to see how, exactly, this class unfolds and the information that will be passed on to us. I look forward to learning more about this people, this culture and the effect they have on the Holy Land, the Middle East, and the World.

Hebrew U has been deemed the place to go for any needed items, whether they be academic, personal, or pleasure. Little more needs to be said on the subject, except for the fact that I found a post office within the university. It was a worthy feat.

I wish I was sorry to report that a day never goes by that I don’t leave the Center. I can say that I have tried. I have put forth effort to remain in the J.C. and study vigorously, but the call of the city is stronger. It pulls me into its realms with little effort. (But don’t worry, my homework always gets done before the night ends, and I am in bed with my eyes closed before midnight!) This evening, I wandered into the city near 5:00p for dinner with a group of five people: Ashley, Justin, Elise, Holly, and Kerri Allison. We set off in search of Brother Chadwick’s favorite place to eat in all of Old Jerusalem: Jacob’s Pizza. Located inside the Jaffa Gate, we chose to walk through the city with the public population in order to reach our destination. Upon our entrance into Jacob’s quaint pizza café, we immediately announced that we were, indeed, students at the “Mormon University.” With a smile on his face, Jacob announced a special discount and a free 2 liter drink with any pizza purchased. For under $5, each of us enjoyed two huge slices of pizza (think NYC style) and soda. It was amazing. (Dad, I think it even challenges Ray’s Pizza.)

On the way out of the city, we ran into Nassar, a well-known shopkeeper by the students, and then headed to a candy store to get gummies. Gummi worms, gummi bear, gummi fried eggs, gummi pizzas, gummi colas: this store has anything your heart desires. For 5 shekels, I happily carried away .25 kilos worth of gummies – of which were shared and devoured by those I was studying with. I guess I’ll just have to go back tomorrow… What a drag!

My return to the J.C. was greeted with a massive package completely wrapped in masking tape from my dear parents and little Goober. Filled with oreos, poptarts, a Frisbee, bouncy balls, an Ace bandage, and more, the package immediately brought a sense of joy to my life. Am I the luckiest girl in the world? I have no doubts. With the best parents in the world and spending the next few months in Jerusalem, I have a lot to be thankful for. Thank you to all those who made this trip possible: parents, siblings, grandparents, and more. I wouldn’t be here without you.

Once again, the evening came to an end with volleyball. It was a popular event tonight. It was the first time we have had to play with substitutes, but it was a blast. The bruises along my wrist have returned again, but that doesn’t stop me. The game will go on. And I will also continue walking around the city for hours on end in the most uncomfortable sandals in the world. And do you know why? Because I am having the experience of a lifetime, and I won’t let anything stand in the way.

Oh, and before I forget. Happy Cinco de Mayo. Eat tacos for me!