I Made It

View from the airplane right after landing in Tel Aviv

Hello Lovely People, 

I just wanted to give you a brief update: I've made it safely and soundly to the Holy Land. The Jerusalem Center is beautiful--I feel like I get to stay in a five-star hotel for the next several months. Everything is made of white stone, and the architecture is simply stunning. 

This evening we had another orientation where we got to meet our professors. They all seem like very knowledgeable, kind people, and I am eager to learn from them. During one of the sessions, my professor asked a potent question; and have been pondering it all night. He asked us why we came here. "Why did you come to Jerusalem?" The question puzzled me because when I was completely honest with myself, I didn't have an answer. I can only trace back in time to one or two moments when I felt a strong urge to apply to the program. Through divine intervention I was accepted, and now I find myself sitting on the 4th floor of the Jerusalem Center, emailing friends and family from half-way around the world. It feels surreal, to say the least. But I also feel curious. I am eager to discover why exactly Heavenly Father has blessed me with this opportunity. There are a lot of possible reasons...but I'm curious to know what my story is. In the mean time, I will continue to adjust, all the while looking for ways to serve those around me and be a help to the faculty and staff. And of course, I will be taking advantage of every learning experience available. 

At the beginning of orientation we met in a large auditorium that overlooks the Old City. The view was stunning to see the least. The Dome of the Rock was starring right back at me with its golden roof. We sang "Redeemer of Israel" to start the proceedings and I couldn't help by feel goosebumps. As I mentioned before, I don't know exactly why I'm here...but I during the opening song I felt just the smallest blanket of peace assure me that a great experience is up ahead, if I am willing to embrace it.  

Tomorrow we will be taking a walking tour of the city. We have been encouraged to pack light and bring lots of waters as we're expected to walk about five miles. Afterward, we will come back, meet with different service committees we've been assigned to (I am the chair of the Memory Committee...more details pending), and eat lunch. I'm not sure what happens after that. Classes begin Friday at 8 am starting with Old Testament followed by Near Eastern studies. And that's all I'm aware of at this point. 

Overall, I feel good. I have been seriously blessed with minimal Jet Lag (I slept during BOTH flights.....yes, the entire flight! Niquil works people! I never, ever sleep while traveling, but the pills knocked me right out!), and my curiosity has been sparked (as previously mentioned). 

I will continue to update. Thanks for all your love and support. If you need any information from me just holler. 

peace&blessings, 
Katie 

PS. The food here is fantastic: bright, delicious vegetables all dressed in spices and olive oil. I don't think I'll have any problems in this department. Will you guys still love me if I come home a little hefty? :-) 

Entrance to the JC at night