Another Saturday!

The Sabbath can be a relaxing day and it can also be a hectic day. Today had a little bit of both mixed together. I started out by going to Sacrament meetings. The first two talks were about being grateful and they were delightful. I don't really remember the third talk but I remember enjoying his stories while he told them--but as to what his theme was, yeah no idea.

Then I went to primary and we just had the one little boy there today. He is such a handful. He really doesn't like to pay attention. We--my team teacher Rebecca and I--started out by running outside to get some energy out of him and then came in to have our lesson on "I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints." It took about 20 minutes for us to have him repeat that. Then we ran around outside a little more before sharing time.

Last week Rebecca let me go to Relief Society so this week it was her term. All I had to do was sit with our sunbeam during sharing time. Doesn't sound like it should be too difficult. Well, he really enjoyed trying to get away from me. I would hold on to his arm so he would sit still and eventually he would sit still. When I let go of him he would act calm for about 30 seconds and then take off into the hall trying to run away from me. He thought it was hilarious. At one point he was under the table with me on one side and a presidency member on the other side trying to get him out. The other teachers thought it was hilarious. Another time as I was holding onto his arm so he wouldn't run away he leaned down and bit me. I looked at him and said "don't bite me" and he said "don't hold onto me." Classy bud, classy. Then he promptly turned around in his chair, leaned over it, and kissed the male leader sitting behind me. Teaching sunbeams is always an adventure.

Then I headed out with Ben, Lindsay, and Koryl to go to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I love catholic churches, I think because they remind me of London which is still magical in my mind. I loved seeing the devotion of so many coming to worship Jesus.

Quite delightful. As I was walking through the city I realized that I have grown a lot since being here. I have developed quite a bit more patience since being here. I am still not that patient but it is getting better. Apparently I even have a "patient smile." Interesting how I never knew that before.

I have also become more observant. I like to walk at the back of the group to make sure I can keep my eyes on everyone. I notice when men on the street are checking out the girls in the group. Some girls don't notice that and it may be a blessing, but I notice everything. It can be quite entertaining.

My yielding skills have significantly increased. (Yielding=giving someone the right of way or moving for them.) I remember taking my Women's Studies class and for a while I wouldn't yield to men because I was mad that women always yield for men and that showed that men have power (this embarrassed Adam quite a bit...sorry about that). Then after someone called me sexist I realized that I was not being reasonable. I decided then to yield to everyone because in a way it was a service I could perform that nobody would notice. Sometimes this puts me behind the group when some lady is trying to walk by, but overall I am glad that this skill has improved.

Once again, I love Jerusalem! I have learned so much being here and I am so grateful for this experience.