02 May 2011

It continually amazes me what damage the sun can do. I currently have a 1-1/2 inch red stripe going down each of my arms. My nose, big shock, also carries its own small, red stripe. Fortunately, I brought aloe lotion in addition to the sunscreen that I didn't use. It sounds like such a simple solution to put sunscreen on every morning. However, I also had no idea that I would be in the sun for over six hours today.

Field trips (academically referred to as "field studies") contribute largely to our learning in Jerusalem. Each field trip adds information to what we are learning in our classes. We began our series of field studies today with a overview of the Holy Land's geography. Visiting such sites as Nabi Samwil, Deir Mar Elyas, Hass Promenade Overlook, Augusta Victoria Tower, Seven Arches Hotel Overlook, and Gibeah, we were able to look out from the highest points of Jerusalem and see as far as the Dead Sea, Jericho, Bethany, and more. At each site, we were given a brief history as well as the significance in relation to biblical stories and its geographical landscape.

The Seven Arches Hotel is located on the Mt. of Olives. At the base of this hotel is a large Jewish cemetery. The cemetery contains both new and old tombs. It is interesting to note that many of the tombs are covered with rocks. Just as we would cover the tombstones of our loved ones with flowers, the Jewish people place rocks on the tombs of friends and loved ones as a sign of respect and love. Looking west over Jerusalem, the City of David and the Old City, surrounded by its Ottoman wall, dominates the landscape with its Dome of the Rock and Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Augusta Victoria Tower is located at the Mt. of Olives' highest point, standing another 140ft. In the late 19th century, the Augusta Victoria complex was begun by Germany's Emperor Wilhelm II, who named it after his wife, August Victoria. The Complex was completed in 1910 and includes a hospital, the Lutheran Church of Ascension, and a pilgrim's hospice. From the top of the tower (220 steps to the top) one can see the Judean Wilderness, the Dead Sea, and the Jordan Valley to the east; the towns of Bethphage and Bethany, Herodion - Herod's fortress, and the hills of Bethlehem to the south; the Kidron Valley, the Old City, and the Temple Mount to the west; and the city of Bethel - marking the beginning of Ephraim - to the north.

At the Haas Promenade Overlook, you received a vista of Jerusalem from the south, seeing such sights as the Mount of Olives, the village of Bethany, the Garden of Gethsemane, and more.

The Deir Mar Elyas, or Elias Monastery was originally established in 460 AD as a monastic complex for months. From this point, one looks west toward Bethlehem, taking in the spire of the Church of the Nativity. In the distance lays the Jordan River and the city of Jericho.

The Nabi Samwil is traditionally believed to be the birth and burial place of the prophet, Samuel. At this location, located on top of Mount Joy, stands a Crusader church that was replaced in 1911 by the present mosque. Within the basement of the mosque, synagogue was placed along with a Jewish Cenotaph for Samuel. Visitors and conquerors of this site including King Richard the Lionhearted. From this point, one can see Gibeon, from Jerusalem to Bethel, and more.

Lastly, at the site of 'Gibeah', we visited an unfinished soon-to-be palace. This abandoned concrete structure is located on the site of a fortress of Saul. At this site, Saul fell to the Philistines, David escapes death from Saul, and one can see the hilltop between Bethel and Ai believed to be where Abraham built his altar and where Jacob had his vision of the Lord. From this site, one looks out over Bethel, Ai, and more. In addition, one can see the Dead Sea and the wall of separation from the Palestinian West Bank.

As noted, this field trip was an opportunity for an academic experience. While much of geography and location of cities, rivers, and important landmarks is still unknown to me without a map, the field trip was enriching. It is amazing how close everything. Bethlehem is just on the other side of a hill. Bethany, the home of Mary and Martha, can be seen from the old city.

An experience I enjoyed was looking out over Bethlehem and discussing the occurrences there. When we came to the birth of the Savior and the possibility of standing where the shepherds watched over their flocks, a peaceful feeling came over each of us as we realized the importance of the lands all around us. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, was born in this very land. He walked the very streets that we have walked. He taught and healed the sick and downhearted. He atoned for our sins. He was lifted up on the cross as a sacrifice for the world. He was risen from the dead after a three day period. All of this happened here. I am in His home. I can feel His spirit. With this realization in mind, we sang Silent Night and left with the confirmation of the Holy Spirit that He is our Savior and Redeemer of the world, that He lives.

We returned to the J.C. near 4:30p in the afternoon. Most of us worked on homework, ate dinner, and then worked on homework again. However, I joined my friends for an hour of volleyball in the gym. It was a blast. The only hard part was the ball hitting my sunburned arms; oh, but it was worth it. Homework is a necessity but sometimes you just have to get out there and have fun with your friends. It's always worth it.