Arriving in Jerusalem

I have lost all sense of time.  Right now at home it is only 11:00am, but here in Jerusalem it is 6:00pm.  It feels like ages ago that I was sitting in BGC 130 taking my final, and yet I’m still wearing the same clothes.  This is the most extreme time change I have ever experienced, and I hope to recover from the jet lag soon.  That is my biggest prayer request right now.

 

It has been adventure so far!  We left for the airport and arrived at O’hare with no troubles despite the concern about the NATO meeting.  That was a praise.  On the plane we were spread out, and the movies did not start until a few hours into the flight.  It was very long, and I had trouble sleeping.   Those were the bummers, but the dinner was very good.  They served gnocchi and fish which was delicious.  However, it was so funny because after a short time of “night” they proceeded to serve us breakfast on Italian time.  That meant after eating dinner at 5:30p.m., I was eating breakfast at midnight.  The next flight from Rome to Tel Aviv they served lunch at around 3a.m. CT.   To say the least, I didn’t feel so great eating in a state of exhaustion, and my tummy is still a little queasy.  Upon arriving in Tel Aviv the real adventures began.  One of our classmates was detained for questioning, and another’s luggage was left in Rome.   However, Dr. Lee just arrived from the airport with them, so once more our whole group is back together, safe, sound, and whole, another answer to prayer.

When we left the airport in Tel Aviv, we took a bus to Jerusalem.  Today was a celebration of the Israeli victory during the six day war in 1967.  As a result, the city was packed with pedestrians and cars.  We had to do a lot of detours and sit in traffic before the driver was able to get us close enough to walk to Jerusalem University College’s campus.  By that point, all of us were ready to get out and do some walking after so many hours of sitting.

I did not know what to expect Jerusalem University College to be like, but it is beautiful and old.  I have fallen in love with this place already.  The building in which we are staying was built in the mid-1800s and was constructed on the wall of old Jerusalem.  There are beautiful arched door frames and windows.  The walls are plaster and the floors are large cobblestone.  The guys are on the first floor while we girls are on top on the fourth floor.  With no elevator and steep, winding staircase, the thought of lugging our suitcases all the way up was daunting.  But just as we were about to head down to get them, the guys surprised us by carrying them all up for us.  It was such a kind act and really appreciated. 

Tomorrow morning we head out to walk around Old Jerusalem when I will begin to see the land of the Bible.   Though tired, I am excited.