Biggest shock of our lives

It was late at night and Kathleen and I were having a great time chatting away on our twin beds.

Procrastinating everything we thought the only thing that could make this night better is if we ordered pizza. So we call security to ask them for help and they tell us the phone number, we call the phone number, its completely not in English. So we run upstairs to the security office. The security guards are so so nice and really funny and great. They are always completely going above and beyond the call of duty and they don’t just make us safe they do everything for us and are always teasing us. One of them, Murad has a twin who works in an antique shop in the old city. Whenever we see him in the antique shop hes always saying, "I'm not Murad, Im Mustafa" but it only occurred to us this week that he doesn't really have a twin, and he just works two jobs and poses as his twin, and hes really just teasing.

Our favorite security guard Hadar loves snorkeling and is always excited about life. He used to work for the U.N but it was kind of dangerous and he couldn't be with his family, so now he works here.

So we run to security and we say "hey can you order us a pizza?" They just talk on the phone to the pizza place in Hebrew and we simply inject that we want a veggie pizza, since Kathleen and I are both loose vegans. So they said okay it usually takes 20 or 30 minutes. So we hang out for a little while impatiently, then we dash up to pick up our pizza. We talk to security guards a little more. Its 11 30 by the time its arriving. Hadar's the one that opens the gate for us and protects us while we get our pizza. And the pizza arrives on a motor cycle which was really cool.

Building up the suspense. Okay so we get the pizza, it smells awesome by the way. Were offering it to all the security guards "hey do you want a slice?" "Hey want a slice?" Turns out everyones full. So we run downstairs the stairs, say a blessing and fling open the cover..... A corn pizza! A mouthful of corn in every bite, not to mention heavy on the green olives, barely any sauce, strictly corn! Kathleen recounting the experience said, "Never been so surprised in my life."

We managed to get rid of all of it. First we ate one slice each, then asked each other, "hey do you want any more?" I suggested we save it for tomorrow but Kathleen insisted it would not do well in our room which we have been keeping at a comfortable 82 degrees on account of its winter time now. So we decided to just go eat some more. After 3 slices each we discovered its pretty good if you take the corn off. It also had green olives, some mushroom and bell pepper, but mostly corn. Kathleen looking at the box said that every vegetable was pictured but corn-the main ingredient. The crust was great though. And we got 3 other people to eat a slice for us and we were done. Did I mention it was 20$?

Kathleen and I were imagining gourmet pizza with black olives rich with mozzarella cheese. Always ask what toppings your getting, never assume! But in the end it was a great and hilarious experience!

Painting at Yonahs

I met this darling man Yonah one day in the old city. He has this awesome art shop with all these pictures of the old city. He was painting when I first met him so I started asking him about it. Then he asked me if I painted and when I told him yes he invited me to paint in his store. He said that when there are artists painting in the store it brings in more customers. So the next day I came and he was completely darling, he set up a canvas and set out all the paints and brushes all ready to go.

So Ive been going there to paint and he is the nicest man. He just lets me paint for as long as I want and the most interesting workers are there. The first day I met his brother who looks dead on of santa clause. All day he kept slipping us almonds and kept mentioning that I would be perfect for his 33 year old son.

I couldn decide what to paint, but the people here have been what has affected me the most. They always make me happy wherever I go and are always being darling walking hand in hand in the street.

My friends that come with me are all so darling doing their own art or helping model.

My friend Josh was helpful modeling his great smile.

I got the kids finished, but cant decide what to do for the background. I dont want to create a division between them by painting in the Dome of the Rock or Western Wall so its at a stand still for now. One more time and I hopefully will finish!

Dome of the Rock

I have been blessed beyond measure. I know with faith in the Lord, all things are possible and the Lord uses small and simple things to bring about his purposes.

My friend Abdallah, the tallest teenage boy across the street and his family are the most wonderful people. In the Mormon church, we would consider them "ward missionaries". They have taught me so much about Islam.

Abdallah invited me to the Al-Aqsa mosque and I said yes but after asking my professors before and the Palestinaian workers I felt a little discouraged. One of the workers in the kitchen Zachie said, "Dont talk and cover everything but your eyes and you might get in". They used to let tourists in but ever since the year 2000, when the second Intifada, the Palestinian uprising happened, they usually only allow Muslim inside.

So that afternoon I was filled with excitment, but tried not to get my hopes up as I came to meet Abdallah, who had full confidence I could go. His darling little sister Zenab began wrapping my head to cover my hair. Even though it was just a piece of fabric, I felt suddenly like I slipped further into their world as I walked down the street looking like a Muslim woman. Even though this look excentuates the roundness of my face I found myself feeling beautiful. I truly feel that the women are glorified and respected here rather than oppressed for their modesty.

When Abdallahs mother, Khadega found out he was taking me, she was incredibly kind and dropped everything to be my escourt. I was relived and so greatful as women pray seperately then men and I wouldn have a clue what to do after I was seperated from the boys. Abdallah's father, Sameer, a kind faced, bearded man who resembles Raffi drove us in his little Van.

The Temple Mount where the Dome of the Rock sits, is perhaps the most highly contested area in Jerusalem, because it is so holy to both Islam and Judaism. Its here that the Jews belive that God gathered dust to create the first man, and where the temple was built in Christs time. its so holy the Jews sont set foot on the Mount.

Since this sight is so sacred to both, it has been a hot spot for violence tourists usually have to pass through 3 security checks to get in. This time we entered a small private gate for Muslims. I felt a little anxious but excited walking arm in arm with Khadega past the guards, they didnt look twice. But as I glanced back at my two friends, Aaron and Brian, they were stopped at the gate, Abdallahs father who knows everyone, was making phone calls trying to see what he could do.

I felt a little nervous being on my own, but I just said a little prayer in my heart and preceeded walking to the Dome with Khadeja. I have been there several times as a tourist with my class, but this time I felt it so different.

Khadega was so beautiful, she told me how good it feels to be a muslim. Closing her eyes and with her hand over her heart she breathed deeply the the crisp air and said, "Beautiful" as if to describe the moment, I felt it too.

When we got up to the Dome of the Rock my heart was pounding. I began to feel nervous and hot under my headscarf. I took off my shoes just like all the women and went inside. When we got inside we immediately joined in the prayers. I tried to follow along quickly with all the motions. I tried to be reverent during the prayer but I was so curious I accidentaly kept peeking.

The women were so beautiful, many of them had their children with them and had just come from shopping. But they are so devoted to prayer. The call to prayer goes off everyday 5 times a day, starting at 4 AM on the big loud speakers all across Jerusalem, reminding everyone to say their prayers.

After prayers we walked around the Dome and there was all this ornate gold writing on the ceiling, very beautifuly decorated, but the most beautiful were all the women who were sitting on the ground studying or praying, no matter their age, showing their respect and love for God.

I know that Heavenly Father is the father to all of us, and that we all pray the same loving Father. Im so greatful for my friend Abdallah and his faith! We truly do need to have childike faith and we can do all things.

There are so much good here, but there are also many problems. People will say that things are impossible, and so they prove to be for that very reason. But I think if we all belive in miracles then perhaps they will have a better chance!

darling neighboors

Yalah! They yelled as I peered between the cold white gate. It was already dark, when our friendship began, so I couldnt come out to the street. I had chicken and fish wrapped up in a paper napkin for the litter of kittys I had come outside seeking. Yet how wonderful it is when things dont go as planned, the unexpected is always so much better. Some of my first friends here were Yusef, Hassan, and Abdallah. They are all compltely darling. The first night we hung out they had to stay on one side of the fence, and we talked through the bars. We played volleyball, and each time I would hit the ball, my terrible aim would have them scrambeling out to the street.


The first thing that both sides of the fence agreed to is that we all loved cats. The language barrier can be annoying at times, as you cannot get to know many details from words. But each detail is like carefully unwrapping another delcisious piece of chocolate. And since then I have loved unwrapping and discovering so much more!

Definitly my favorite part of the Holy land is the people. They are so warm and inviting, and full of love. When I first told the kids across the street I liked to draw and paint, one of them ran immediatly into the house and came out with a big sketch pad and another one brought this chair ourside and exclaimed "welcome to the chair!" Thats one of the things that can bridge any language barrier-their inviting attitudes and pure love!


This little boy Saef will always want to curl up on your lap. He doesnt say much but looks at you with these big brown eyes and you are in love with him.
Aseal and Nagam are wonderful artists! There is so much to learn everyday- new names, and new words. So something thats been very helpful is to carry a little pocketbook around to jot things down in. These sweet little girls are always filling the pages with little pictures to help me remember all the new vocab.

Even though Aseal is only 6 she still has the spirit of giving like many people here. You kind of have to be careful, if you comment on something you like, they sometimes take if off and give it too you. Kelsey accidentally inherited these Hello Kitty hair clips from Aseal. Very darling!
One night we babysat four kids for a little bit while it was one of their fathers birthdays. It reminded me so much of home. I must give off the vibe to all kids to be buck wild when their parents leave or its universal that kids must get out of control the minute their parents walk out the door. I was fine but my friend Aaron came home battered and bruised.
Abdallah recently broke his hand during football, but we taught him how to play Spoons the other night! Thanks for the idea Monique! They loved it! His sister is this cute little girl Zenab, she always tries to speak to me in Arabic, and when I dont understand she just speaks louder. I love her so much! She always kisses her hand and then makes it burst in my direction, perhaps like the Italians might do when something is delicious.

The neighborhood boys love to play "football" and we all love them so much. Kathleen said that she thinks that everyone who lives here were "choice" spirits, chosen specialy to live here, and I have to agree! They will all say that they love their country and "Welcome anytime" "Feel at home" and I do!

Days with Aya

Hearing the chirp chirping of crickets at night reminds me of summer nights in Japan, but the Middle East also resembles Japan in that people are so quick to be hospitable. My Arabic teacher told us to be careful about saying things like "I like your..." or the person we are talking to could possibly take off the complimented item to you as a gift.

There is something incredibly magic about this land, especially the people. Something that cannot be put into words.

Before I left for Jordan I met this girl Aya on my way home. She invited me over to meet her family but unfortunately because of some riots that happened in the old city we couldn’t leave the center so I had to cancel. So this week one afternoon I made arrangements to visit her.

As we walked up to their neighborhood, children all around started to gather. And when I saw Aya again for the first time she greeted us with hugs and kisses on each cheek, just like the French. Oh I just felt so much love. It is so wonderful how they treat one another. Aya has this beautiful long black hair, and just like any 13 year old in America she loves Hannah Montana, dancing and shopping.

Walking up the hill all the neighborhood kids and some of her cousins all rushed around us and took our hands leading the way to their home. They were all so excited to show us their home, I was too!

As soon as we came in the very hospitable host Aya told us to sit down and she ran off somewhere and brought back with her a gold ray carefully carrying plastic cups full of apple juice. She served the three “guests” first and ten the 4 other little girls and herself last. I was blown away by how much the kids take care of each other.




Noha their mother is the most beautiful woman. She greeted us with so much love tons of hugs and kisses. Makes me miss my mommy! I feel that Noha has such a powerful heart. The first day we hung out with them they showed us pictures of their family and Noha told us how her and her husband met. We drew pictures and learned some Arabic phrases.

The next day they invited us over again to go shopping. Their kindness is so genuine and so beautiful to me. I want to adopt such kindness! Its instant and doesnt ask for anything in return.
Noha and Aya showed us some beautiful dance moves which Ive already forgotten. They do beautiful things with their hips, popping them in and out and shaking them. They were very graceful meanwhile I was trying hard to keep up.

After talking and shimmying and drinking we took the little girls out shopping. Aya took my hand and didnt let go of it until we said goodbye. I thought that was so beautiful. In the U.S. 13 is such a tender age, kids are sometimes embarresed to have someone hold their hand but here I felt she was so content with us. She said while we were walking “I can’t stop smiling. Im so happy to be with you”.





Aya was so darling we stopped at a dollar store and she got presents for her mother and bought her sister Aseal stickers and candy. Aya bought chili flavored potato chills and when I asked for a sample she said, “Of course” and pushed the bag towards my hand. This "go ahead" attitude is in everything. I love them!


When we got to the street I felt many eyes on us, but greater I felt such love from Aya and her sister. A man came up to Aya and asked how she knew us and she told him we were her family. What a privilege and blessing to walk hand in hand with this special girl. I feel she will do many great things. Her family too, they are all musicians!



When we got back to her house her mom, Noha had made us a chocolate cake from scratch. It was deilicious! I know that this life is a spec in the span of eternity, but I hope that this spec that is my life is as vibrant and beautiful as these girls. There is so much good in the world and so many people to share it with!

Jordan!

Jordan was such a beauiful country! Everyone is extremely friendly and you can feel more peace between people. Petra, the ancient city built entirely out of rock was beautiful! Conditions were very dusty though, some people who were wearing white shirts in the morning, came home with brown ones. While at Petra I thought by looking at the explosions of color on the stone, “how could there not be a divine creator?”

You can see Heavenly Fathers artistic style, in the rolling mountains, crashing waves, in the rocks, and even looking into the brown eyes of a camel, what a wonderful creature!





This was carved I think in 100 BC out of the mountain! So incredible!





We met many Bedouin people who used to live in the caves at Petra (some were told to move out I think to make way for tourists. A little rude!) I secretly want to be a bedouin!


This darling little boy was selling rocks and hes only 3! I was sad for him when I first saw him, but he totally made my day as I got to play with him for a little while. He was so precious.

Walking through I kept thinking of all the people who have walked the same road. The rock was red, purple, yellow; Oats asked me if I thought the desert was Heavenly Fathers favorite landscape since he made Utah mountainous and dry as well. Im not sure but its an interesting thought.


I missed my wonderful family in Jordan. As I grow up I try to miss people less and less and try to savour the moment but I couldn’t help it. All our bus drivers, cab drivers, police officers, all the small talk I make with them is always asking about their families. I usually share to everyone that Momi is a regular Martha Stewart, incredibly kind and supportive, Monica is so social, very sweet, Maya is artistic and very caring, and my parents are super darling. This trip has felt like one big family vacation, but makes me want to plan some with my own family!

The value of seeing how others live is so immeasurable. I want to be like Middle Eastern people incredibly welcoming, generous, friendly, kind, happy, they all seem to be in good spirits.

In Amman we went to this place called Jerash-an odd phenomenon being in Jordan, in a Roman amphitheater, listening to bagpipes. I asked the bagpipe players how their national song was played with bagpipes and they told me it was because the British had ruled them. Then we watched all these men reinact what it was like during the ruling of the Romans. I could have never lived back then when fighting was entertainment.
This little darling was taking a nap in the resturant, I decided to join in.


On our last day in Jordan we went to a Mosque where all of the girls had to wear black cloaks that looked like Snape from Harry Potter. It was pretty cool. I really love and respect the Muslim people. They pray 5 times a day and are just so wonderful!

happy halloween!

What a blustery few days it has been! The wind has literally been howling. Flinging doors open and sweeping dried leaves to and fro, throughout the building. Though I dont like the cold, being there is something so wonderful about the cold air, it always seems to whisper, “Christmas time is here!” under its breath.



The holidays were kicked off to a great start! I didn’t know what to do as supplies are limited here for Halloween costumes. I was rummaging through the recycling bins, and borrowing things here and there to try to put my costume together.


I thought this was unique to the season!
Cultural misunderstandings were definitely flying through the air as I tried to explain to the custodians that I was going to “BE” the dome of the rock. I struggled as they said, “yes you want to go there? You have to put like this.” motioning that I had to cover my shoulders to my wrists. It was very confusing. But it was so much fun and everyone had the most creative costumes.

Kathleen was a genious comming as a mummified pharo. Her facial expressions were spot on.