Using my Applied Social Psychology Skills

For the past year I have been a TA for Applied Social Psychology at BYU.  There is one video that I have watched at least 3 times that talks about probability.  They ask the question "What is more likely to happen in the Middle East: a terrorist attack or a car accident."  Usually people answer a terrorist attack because it more readily comes to mind.  But really car accidents are much more likely.
Well today I experienced the truth of this question.  Yep, I was in a car accident.  Lindsay, Koryl, Ben and I got a taxi home from the city so that we didn't have to walk.  As our driver drove around a slow bus another car was making a U-turn in front of us.  As this happened we all saw the accident coming and braced ourselves.  We nailed the side of the BMW.

The injuries to persons were minimal.  My shin had a big bump and bruise for a day, Lindsay's whole leg hurt for a day, Koryl hit her head, and Ben was limping for a day.  After the accident the cars pulled over.  Our taxi drivers car was dented a bit in the front but the other cars driver door wouldn't even close.  The drivers got out, yelled a bit at each other, we gave our driver money and said "we'll walk from here," and then both drivers drove away.

We then walked down the hill wondering if this was real life.

But, after two days I feel great.  The bruise on my leg is not bad at all and the goose egg is basically gone.  I am safe and sound.  Jokes about car accidents are even semi-funny now!

(Dear family that wanted picture, I never took it the first day--semi expecting it to bruise a bit more--but it didn't and I never took a picture.  Terribly sorry!  Also, I don't think I am going to attempt to add pictures for the next two weeks before coming home.  Honestly my computer is too slow to worry about the hassle.  Once I get home I will add pictures of everything!  Very sorry to those who look at blogs for pictures--I usually do that as well.  But come two weeks I will put them all up!)

Christian Church Day

Today was a great day! It was Christian Jerusalem field trip day. We started out by taking vans to new gate and headed into Terrae Sancta. Both of the classes were combined--that is always happy!

Then we split into groups and I headed to St. Mark's church. This church is the first Christian Church in Jerusalem as it was a house belonging to members a really really long time ago. They also believe it is the spot where the Last Supper took place. A really nice lady gave us a tour and talked for a really long time. She told us of different miracles she had witnessed in her 11 years of working there. She then sang to us in Aramaic.

In the "Room of the Last Supper" with Lindsay Hall!

Our next church was Alexander Nevsky's church. It was next to The Church of the Holy Sepulcher and it was a beautiful.

Next we went to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher which was great because I had done my site report for ANE. Lovely.

Finally we went to the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Cloister. It was absolutely beautiful. We sang some hymns there and then we were let free to wander the city.

It was a peachy day.

I thought Dad would enjoy this picture!

Kotel Tunnel

Today I went on a field trip to Kotel Tunnel.  Our tour guide was amazing.  I am pretty sure she is really an actor because she was so dramatic.  It was neat because we realized that we know our material and our history.  We have learned so much during the semester.

My favorite part occurred after an old man walked past our group.  He was a survivor of Auschwitz and had worked his whole life to live in the Holy Land.  Now he works at the Kotel Tunnel on Tuesday's handing out kippah's for the men.

Kotel Tunnel is a tunnel that follows the length of the Western Wall.  It was such a great experience to be able to visit here.

Western Wall rocks!

With the beautiful Koryl!

Dome of the Rock

Today I headed out at 8 to make it onto the Temple Mount.  We got there and explored every inch of it.  At one point we found stairs to walk up on the wall--we were promptly yelled at.

It was great to finally get pictures here!

Then we wandered around, got donuts in the open air market, group hopped, and met up for Leslie's birthday for dessert! Pretty great!

I feel like I have done pretty much everything in the city that I really want to do. So now, we wander around trying to find something new--but it is a hard to do.

Next we came back to the center, I had a fabulous nap, ate some dinner, and did a bit of homework. Then it was time for my basketball game. I was a little worried because my last game didn't go so swell. I really didn't want to play but I did. There were a few seconds left in the game and we were up by one. I ran to get the ball and somehow fouled the other player--apparently it was pretty aggressive of me. Well every foul is a point (I didn't exactly realize that...oops). So then it was tied. We went into a 2 minute overtime and won by three. It was a really fun game though and I enjoyed it much better than my last game. Thank heavens.

I then relaxed to the beginning of a movie and then head to bed!

Walking where Jesus walked.

Usually when we go places we realize that we are walking in Jesus' air space--meaning that the actual city that Jesus lived in is several feet below us.  However, today we were able to be where he was.
We took a half-day field trip and went to the Wohl Museum and then to the Burnt House (again...we had called security the first time to make sure we weren't going to go there on a field trip...oh well).

Next up, the Davidson Archaeological Gardens!  This is where the steps to the temple mount from Jesus' day are.  (If you look at the pictures found in the bible it is picture 10).

On the steps where Jesus walked!

Once again...exact picture in the bible.  Except that I am in it.

As Bro. Huntsmans blog says these are "massive stones toppled off of the mount ins fulfillment of the prophecy of Mark 13:2"

Then Ben, Lindsay, and I headed off to buy some donuts. The carmel filled donuts are probably the yummiest thing found in Jerusalem. We ate those, wandered through the Old City where a guy taught me several ways to tie a scarf, headed to the Garden of Gethsemene to find Lindsay's lost earing (we didn't find it...so sad) and then to Absolom's tomb.

We then came back, watched a movie, ate dinner, and worked on homework all night!  Pretty thrilling!

Primary Program

Well, I am back in the JC now.  On Saturday we had our Primary Program.  As everyone knows the sunbeams are usually the most entertaining part of the program.  Here were some of the highlights from my two sunbeams.

Kaelen usually runs around all the time and so Rebecca (my team teacher) and I prayed that he would be well behaved.  Luckily he was much better than normal.  He doesn't sing much but he wasn't running away which was a blessing.  When we got on stage he asked "Where's Whitey" and I said, "I am right here."  So he gave me a hug.  How adorable.  Later in the program he was blowing spit bubbles and drooling on himself when he leaned over, gave me a hug, and then kissed me on the lips.  So there you have it--I was kissed while I was in Israel.  Aren't I a lucky girl?

Annika is such a sweet little girl.  I would help her stand up and sit down through the whole program.  At one point she looked up at me and said "Am I soo cute?" to which I replied "Yes, you are adorable!"  Then she just looked at me, crinkled up her nose and shook her little head back and forth.  It was super cute!  At the end of the program she had a hard time listening but overall she was amazing!

I am so blessed to have my calling as sunbeams teacher.  It really has helped me work on my patience.  I guess not everyone can be as fun and cute as Belle, Olivia, Platte, and Madi--but every child has an adorable side.

Galilee Day 11--Happy Thanksgiving

We started out by going to a graveyard where some missionaries and members of the church are buried. Because we had missionaries here years ago—and it is documented by their death—it provided a way for the church to be able to build the Jerusalem Center, because we had a presence here. That was pretty cool. Also, apparently the guy that founded Ricks College was a missionary in the Middle East forever ago--cool connection.

Then we went to Mount Carmel where the other class acted out the story of the wicked priests of Baal and Elijah. Pretty entertaining.

Our final stop was Caesarea which King Herod built to impress the Romans. He wanted it to be the main port in the Middle East which didn’t really work but oh well.

With my ice cream.  The best thing I ate all day!

Then we drove back to the JC which was decorated for Christmas! YAY! They had prepared a Thanksgiving feast for us. It wasn’t like being home but it was an adventure. They had turkey, stuffing, pumpkin soup, pita, mashed sweet potatoes, and a two foot fish with eyes looking at you. Ya know, the usual. It was great that they tried, but it sure made me miss being home for the actual meal.

Then I called home and got to talk to several of the buddies! What a delightful way to end my day! Happy Thanksgiving!

Galilee Day 10--Western Galilee Field Trip

We started out at Chorazin which had a synagogue of some sorts. I remember sitting by a beautiful tree and having a great devotional here—but can’t for the life of me remember what it was about. I guess that is what I get for waiting several days to write about it.

Then we went to Sepphoris which is where the Mishna was written down (or something like that). The coolest part about this place for me was that there was a mural on the floor referred to as “The Mona Lisa of the Middle East.”

We had a great long bus ride to Akko where we actually got to mingle with the other class. What a shocker. I am pretty sure it is a major port in Israel but other than that I actually don’t know why we went to it. Not everything in Israel that is cool is in the scriptures but when places we go aren’t in the scriptures I always wonder why I am there. It was a fun field trip though and we walked through sewer tunnels in a castle and such. After that we had a long bus ride back.

That night we had class and then segregated class bonfires. Coming up to it I wasn’t very excited because I like being with some people in the other class, but it turned out great. We had a small testimony meeting around a bonfire on the beach of the Sea of Galilee. As I sat there I wondered “can life get any better?” It was beautiful. Going into it I wasn’t planning on sharing anything, but then I felt like I should and so I did. It was pretty amazing to be able to bear my testimony in a place where Jesus had performed so many miracles.

Turns out I had a positively fantastic night!

Galilee Day 9--Upper Galilee Field Trip

Today was a pretty great day! We started out by going to Tel Hazor which is one of the largest Tel’s in Israel. It was cool. I am getting pretty spoiled…the ruins just don’t impress me as much as they used to. Hazor is named in the bible several times so that’s good. During this part Professor Kearl was with us—we tried to be on our best behavior but when he left we were all relieved. I was worried because my collar bone was showing—something that he said is unacceptable—but the thing was, I was wearing a hoodie! Anyways, we all passed and no one was sent home.

Then we went to Dan which was beautiful. Dan is one of the places where the Jordan River starts. We talked about living water there and it was beautiful. While we were here my friend Caleb couldn’t believe that I don’t take a million pictures everyday and so he decided to be my paparazzi photographer for the day. He took 322 pictures during the day. (He also really prefers candid shots and so he tried really hard to do candid shots of me. Turns out I can feel when a picture is about to be taken and I pose for them. What can I say? It is a sixth sense.)

Most of the pictures Caleb took of me during the day.

Hey look its Lebanon!

Then we stopped to look at a beautiful waterfall.

One of the few pictures I actually took today.

Up next, Caesarea Philippi where Peter made his declaration that Jesus is the Christ.

Then we went to a crusader castle which was a great picture spot.

With my photographer.

At night we had a combined class bonfire where we sang songs and just had fun.

Galilee Day 8--Test Time and Computer Problems

Because I went to bed so early last night and yet I still needed to study I woke up early to come to the lobby and study.  I got here early, sent an email to Mom, and started studying.  My internet and computer were being so dumb.  Dad got on to g-chat with me and my computer just wouldn't stay connected and let me talk.  I tried sending emails to say I was sorry it wasn't working and it would literally take 10 minutes to send the email.  I was so frustrated.  There were about 4 other people in the lobby VIDEO CHATTING with their family and I couldn't even send an email to mom and dad.  I was super sad/mad, and tears started coming.  Why couldn't I just say hi and get boosted up by them?  I don't know, but I wasn't all that happy about it.

So then I went to breakfast, class, studied for my test, went to lunch, studied some more, took the test, and went back to the lobby to check email and blog.  I tried turning my computer on.  I am not exaggerating here, it took my computer 50 minutes to work.  I turned it on the first time and it had some pop up come on and then it froze.  So I shut it down and tried again.  This time it came up with "dirty files" it needed to check.  That took forever.  Then when that finished and it got up my computer just turned off.  Then I tried one last time giving it a few more minutes to turn on.  Finally it came up.  But in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am thankful that I have a computer to use and that it occasionally works.  I am thankful that I have the technology to stay in touch with my family and friends.

But on the bright side I felt really great about my test.  I knew what I was talking about and felt really glad when it was over!  Now I can have some fun!

Well, that takes us up to right now!

Tonight we are having a lecture about the Kibbutz which should be great and then we have a bonfire.  It will be super lovely!

Galilee Day 7--Field Trip Day

Today was pretty great.  We started out by going to Mount Tabor which is the traditional site of the Transfiguration.  The bus couldn't make it up the hill so we were put in vans and taken up.  My bus driver had the ends of his mustache about 3 inches and would turn around, look at me, and wiggle the mustache.  It was pretty funny even though I don't like mustaches at all.

When we got to the top we went to the look out which was beautiful.  Then we went and sat down and learned more about the Transfiguration.  Even though it was freezing, it was delightful.  There are some differences between the Mark, Matthew, and Luke accounts of the transfiguration.

In Mark (Chapter 9) we learn that Elias and Moses appear, God says "This is my beloved Son: hear him" and when Peter, James, and John look they only see Jesus.  This is showing the hand off of the Old Testament power to the New Testament power.  We go from the Law and the Prophets to the Savior.  We are now to look to the Savior.  Furthermore, the apostles hear God's testimony of His Son.

Matthew adds a bit to the account (Chapter 16 and 17).  He adds to Peter's declaration that Peter says that Christ is the son of God.  He also adds that Peter gets priesthood keys.  Pretty awesome.

Then Luke (Chapter 9) gives us some great treasures.  First Jesus goes up to pray, to talk to his father, and then he is transfigured.  Elias and Moses come to talk to him about "his decrease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem."  They come to give him a pep talk.  And while that happens Peter, James, and John, fall asleep.  One can't help but think of the similarities between this and the Garden of Gethsemane. 

I absolutely loved going to Mount Tabor.  What an amazing experience.

Then we went to Nain which is where Jesus healed the widows son.  It was great.  We talked about loss and the pain of it.  Brother Huntsman gave a really spiritual devotional about losing his father.  We talked about the comfort that Jesus can provide for us.  Come to find out after that the prayer call from the minaret outside was taking longer than usual because a Muslim funeral was going on.  It was a really touching place and I absolutely loved the spirit that I could feel there.

Next up: Megiddo also known as Armageddon.  I feel like this place will best be explained by pictures so when I get back to Jerusalem to add all my pictures to the blog this one will be great!

Who do you think will win this battle?  Me, obviously!

What a manger looks like--so I obviously had to get in it :).

It was absolutely stunning!

Then we went to some nature reserve.  There was a "hot spring" there.  It was pouring when we got there but since we had heard it was "quite warm" I was all for it.  I put my swimming suit on, ran through the rain, and got in the water.  The water was not warm, but it was warmer than the rain.  It was such an interesting experience trying to swim with water pouring down.  I couldn't see in the water because it was so dirty, and I had a hard time keeping my eyes open with the rain, but trying to tread with my eyes closed was too hard.  The stairs to get into the pool had turned into a waterfall.  It was pretty crazy and semi miserable yet super fun!  The thunder then started and even though it would be sort of cool to get struck by lightning I didn't think that today was the day.  So I got out and go dressed.

Back to the Kibbutz.  Dinner and then class--on a Sunday night--from 7:15-9:15.  Very joyful!  Then I went and tried to check my email, but my computer was slow, so I borrowed Ben's computer for a bit and then headed to bed.  I was locked out.  So I waited a bit and finally a roommate came.  What a delightful ending to my day!

Galilee Day 6--Going to Jesus' home branch

Sabbath day on Saturday is really just pretty weird.  I love it.  But, it still is a bit odd.  I woke up and went to breakfast and then studied the New Testament for my test coming up.  Usually I feel guilty studying on Sundays the Sabbath, but studying the scriptures in Galilee just felt great.

Then at 2 we headed to Tiberius to go to church.  Apparently one apostle said that this would be Jesus' home branch...pretty legit.  It was a small little room that could only hold about 50 of us.  When we walked in I could smell homemade rolls.  I was secretly hoping all through church that somehow I would get fresh warm bread.  I didn't, but the smell was great.  Maybe that's as close to the smell of Thanksgiving I will get.  But, it smelled so good!

The meeting was great and then we went out on the balcony and looked out onto the Sea of Galilee.  Seriously, it is so beautiful!

Then we went to the Jordan River where Professor Ludlow got baptized.  Oh, and its also a traditional spot people get baptized and perhaps where Jesus was baptized.  It got dark pretty quick so we had to come home but it was pretty fun.

Dinner was pretty normal and then I watched a movie and went to bed (pretty early once again--my biological clock tells me that at 7 it is midnight...its been weird).
Yay for being in Galilee!