Wowzers. Another day flew by without warning. Unfortunately, one-hundred percent of it was spent inside of the Jerusalem Center. I don’t even think I went out onto my balcony. I should work on changing that very soon. I do not enjoy staying inside all day long, but it was kind of necessary if I am going to party the weekend away.
Classes took up over half of the day. Thursdays and Fridays are the worst days; shocking, right? Thursdays and Fridays used to be my favorite days of the week, but then I came to Jerusalem and Mondays and Tuesdays have replaced those former days of glory. As much fun as it is to have class from 8-3, I just don’t enjoy it. I can’t even begin to imagine how I survived high school. Didn’t I have school 6-2 everyday? I guess things change…especially when you are in a city as beautiful of Jerusalem. You don’t want to stay inside; you don’t want to spend all day in class when you could be experiencing the lessons firsthand. Unfortunately, the university insists on a rigorous academic program, and they got what they wanted. It is indeed rigorous. Am I complaining yet? Haha I definitely don’t mean to be. I actually enjoy each and every one of my classes. I just wish I could spend more time walking around with friends, eating gelato and falafel, and getting lost.
Old Testament is as wonderful as ever. Who knew the Old Testament could be so exciting? Brother Muhlestein has to be one of the best religion teachers I have ever had, and when you put together both seminary and university professors, I have had quite a few! The lesson today was on Ruth. I have known this story since I was a little kid. Her husband dies, her father-in-law dies, her brother-in-law dies, so she leaves with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to take care of her. She ends up gleaning wheat and barley in Boaz’s field and ends up marrying him. It’s that simple. However, what I failed to realize was that Ruth is a symbol of the Savior, Jesus Christ. She gave up her own chances for marriage by staying by Naomi’s side; she gave up her chances to be cared for in her own age. She sacrificed herself for the well-being of another. Christ has done the same for each and every one of us. He came to this Earth and gave up His life for me, for us. The Lord did provide a way for Ruth to be married in the end. After all, she was David’s great-grandmother! However, her sacrifice to go with her mother-in-law will never be forgotten. Ruth will forever be a type of Christ. I challenge each of you, including myself, to become a type of Christ like Ruth, to give of yourself and rely that the Lord will provide a way for you. I wish I could say that Judaism and Islam was as amazing as Old Testament was today, but that would be lying. There is just something about the gospel of Jesus Christ that stands out from the rest. It catches my interest and pushes me forward. Read the scriptures. Study them. Know the stories and the principles associated with them. Pray to know they are true. You will be heard. You will be answered.
Classes ended at three o’clock in the afternoon, as I mentioned earlier. I spent the rest of the afternoon prior to dinner writing a letter to Elder Buchkovich, riding a stationary bike, and reading for Old Testament tomorrow. We will be studying the story of Samuel and “King” Saul! Dinner was…interesting. I wouldn’t say it was awful; I just ate something I wasn’t ready for: cow tongue. Yum. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. It has a very odd texture and a very odd flavor. Apparently they are better grilled, but I don’t even want to try them again to find out! I will stick to the rump of the cow if you don’t mind!
Homework and volleyball filled all of my time after dinner. Volleyball was definitely the highlight, however. While I did finish a third of my assignment for Ancient Near Eastern Studies, I had the pleasure of listening to Megan laugh out-loud, of watching Morgan fall on the floor after a ball hit off the backboard of a basketball hoop and into his chest, and of participating in a sport unlike any other. As always, volleyball was the perfect way to make an end to the day.
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