Some Wise Words

"Welcome the experiences that make you go beyond yourself and you will grow." 

-Julie Beck, Mormon Conversations, Mormon Channel

Jamie, Keri, me and Tessa making our last walk to the Western Wall. The Church of All Nations and part of the Garden of Gethsemane are in the background on the Mount of Olives, April 2011

Serenity

click to enlarge.

Goodbye's the Saddest Word

Feet are dragging. Tears are merging. Heart is throbbing. I've said goodbye but I can't let go. Just one more day. That's all I ask. Just one more day to breathe the history, the faith, the memory. Time keeps moving. Forward and onward. It's taking me, dragging me, forcing me to release and fly. Though I am homebound, my heart feels confused. This city of white limestone-- is it not the same place I slept, ate, laughed, cried, learned, grew, changed? Is this not home? Alas, my pleas are useless.

"By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy." --Psalms 137

In case you couldn't tell, I have a hard time with goodbyes. I hate them. Yes. I hate them. But then I must remember that "Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ is the "high priest of good things to come."
--Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I pray with all my heart that I will never forget this semester. Never, never.

Tel Aviv airport...here I come!

True Love

It's something I've longed for,
prayed for,
ached for.

After tonight, I finally felt it--that deep, indescribable energy of joy and happiness that leaves your heart swelling and eyes smiling. Nothing can compare to it. And nothing can replace it.

I never, ever want to forget how I felt tonight. My life is forever changed.

Thank you, Jerusalem.
And thank you, JC Family. I love you...truly.

Jerusalem Center, Winter 2011

What I've been up to....

Read THIS post if you're interested in knowing what I'm doing these last 48 hours in a land I love very, very much. 

Self Reliance

Crushed Zatar

"...all people are happier and feel more self-respect when they can provide for themselves and their family and then reach out to take care of others. I have been grateful for those who helped me meet my needs. I have been even more grateful over the years for those who helped me become self-reliant. And then I have been most grateful for those who showed me how to use some of my surplus to help others." 

-Elder Henry B. Eyring, April 2011 General Conference 

Preparing lunch: homemade pita and hand-crushed Zatar

How to eat Zatar: 

step one: crush zatar until it is a fine powder-like texture

step two: combine zatar with salt (and pepper if you prefer...) 

step three: sprinkle zatar on top of pita and olive oil 

Yum! 

By small and simple things

Garden of Gethsemane

 

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sickness of this people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities [...] the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance."

-Alma 7:11-13

A big thanks to this girl for teaching me that sometimes the best way to describe a special experience is through simplicity of (wise) words and (pleasing) aesthetics.

The briefest, yet fullest of nutshells

On the shore of the Sea of Galilee with Mount Arad in the distance.



Let us, then, labor for an inward stillness,--
An inward stillness and an inward healing;

That perfect silence where the lips and heart

Are still, and we no longer entertain

Our own imperfect thoughts and vain opinions,

But God alone speaks in us, and we wait

In singleness of heart, that we may know

His will, and in the silence of our spirits,

That we may do His will, and do that only.

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

More on Galilee coming very soon...

I will make you fishers of men....

In Galilee for the next 11 days

...see you soon :-)

It hurts so good...

Finals. They're over. Ahh. Is it true? Are they really finished?

My tummy hurts. Like, the kind of feeling you get when you're on a roller coaster that's about to plunge a million feet.

I'm excited and happy. But nervous and freaked out at the same time. Did I do OK? Am I gonna pass? Did I excell at anything?

Oh well. The answers to those questions don't even matter. They're outta my life and I'm outta here.

I'll be on the balcony reading New Testament. Peace out.



Strike a Pose

It's finals week! 

Three down, two to go. So many facts. So many details. So little time. Can I do it? 

While Dr. Muhlestein was discussing the geographic advantages of  the City of David, I was eagerly awaiting the upcoming trek through Hezekiah's Tunnel.  

With this pose, no doubt. 

I started studying for my Judaism and Palestinian finals this morning, but was quickly seduced* by a mid-moring nap, followed by 87 minutes of a very inspiring podcast! (check out Julie Beck and her daughters here), and then another nap (don't judge: I shut down when I'm overstressed...). 

I might not know much about the White Papers or the British Mandate or Haganah, but I can tell you all about JB and her vision of motherhood. That's gotta count for something, right? 

OK, ok, okay. It's time to buckle down. 

Here's the plan: 

gym. study. make flashcards (since we're going to be on a field trip to BETHLEHEM all day tomorrow I need something to study with. Although, who really wants to study when they're in Bethlehem, herding sheep and watching the sunset with 40 awesome people? So excited!). Feast at dinner. study some more. decorate flashcards. study New Testament. sleep. 

Good or not, here goes nothin'! 

Tuesday Afternoon, I await your glorious entry, which will mark the end of all major tests and finals. 

Regards, 

kN

*To lead away from duty (TheFreeDictionary.com)

HELP!

I can't. Stop. Eating. 

Pants are shrinking. Waist is growing. Food continues to taste more delectable by the spoonful. 

dilemma.

My current favorite dish in the Holy Land is Chef Achmed's black bean salad + sweet ravioli + ice cream. Don't even get me started on the pastries. 

Smile

Grafitti in West Jerusalem 

"Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking 

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by 

If you smile through your fear and sorrow 

Smile and maybe tomorrow 

You'll see the sun come shining through for you 

Light up your face with gladness 

Hide every trace of sadness 

Although a tear may be ever so near 

That's the time you must keep on trying 

Smile, what's the use of crying? 

You'll find that life is still worthwhile 

If you just smile 

That's the time you must keep on trying 

Smile, what's the use of crying? 

You'll find that life is still worthwhile 

If you just smile." 

Words by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, and music by Charlie Chaplin \

If you're ever feeling a little down, just picture this happy Jewish boy in his kippah 
:-) 

Bring on the Rain

View from my balcony. 

The rainy season is almost over. This means...

poppies

Galilee

Jordan

skirts

flip flops
New Testament

walks on Ben-Yehuda

sunshine 

Girly Girl

Since being in the Holy Land, I've learned that I kind of enjoy being a girly girl every once in a while.

Super cheap nail polish. Works great! 

I found some nail polish on sale for 2 shekels in the Old City (that's super duper cheap folks). I've never ever been the type of girl who hordes bottles and bottles of the shiny, shimmery liquid; but when you live in a country where you can't wear high-waisted skirts or high heels, smile at strangers, go running by yourself, take a drive through the mountains, or use your straightener because the foreign voltage literally melted it (true story), you find other ways to feel cute and make time for yourself.

At least my hair is naturally straight. So the fact that this baby literally melted the second week of the semester wasn't the worst thing that could happen.

Call me vain, but pampering yourself can be a lot fun! It's not even the pampering that makes the difference. It's the one-on-one time you make for YOU. The time when you do something you actually enjoy because it helps you feel connected to the little girl inside--the one who loved to play in the sandbox at 6 in the morning or deliver bags of groceries and flowers to old ladies in the neighborhood (again, true stories). Below are some thoughts from Elder Uchtdorf: 

"As we evaluate our own lives with a willing mind, we will see where we have drifted from the more excellent way. The eyes of our understanding will be opened, and we will recognize what needs to be done to purify our heart and refocus our life [...] The fourth key relationship is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential."

-Elder Uchtdorf, "Of Things that Matter Most", Oct 2010 General Conference

Exit the world. Shut off the noises. Drop the cell phone, the expectations, the shoulds and should-nots. And just breathe. Pull out the nail polish and just take a few minutes to be with yourself. It works wonders. 

For your viewing pleasure: toes. 

********

Speaking of all things girly, I have to tell you about a woman we met in the Old City a few weeks ago. My roommates and I were shopping around when we got really hungry for some schwarma*. After picking up our food, we wandered through some alleys where we found a quiet place to sit and feast**.  To our left there was a woman standing outside her door enjoying the sunny afternoon. She asked if we'd like our pictures taken, and we agreed. We laughed as she helped us pose in different places. Afterward, she invited us into her home for some tea and coffee***. We hesitated because the Center asks us to be wary of the locals. And since we were all girls we wanted to be especially cautious (sorry, we're trained to be obtuse like that...) But the woman persisted and informed us her home was safe and free of men. "Come, come," she said. "You can meet my nieces who live in the floor above me." 

Eating shwarma on the steps outside Katy's home.

For about 20 minutes we enjoyed eating our lunches in her living room as she told us about her family in Australia and some of the accomplishments she's had in her career. We learned her name is Katy and that she builds her own furniture. I enjoyed being in her home. She was a kind woman with the best intentions. Before we left she told us to come back for a girls night, "We'll make popcorn and watch a movie!" I hope we can take her up on the offer. 

Inside Katy's home. Notice how she's utilized the stone walls with wood furniture and pictures. The stone walls have been around for hundreds of years.

There are a lot of good things in this world. And one of them is a girls' night with food + chickflicks. 

*Shwarma= mouth watering meat + onions + pickled veggies + tasty white sauce + pita

**Yes. Feast. That's basically all I do here. More about the food coming soon...

***For those who were concerned: no, we did not drink the tea or coffee. We enjoyed a lovely bottle of water. 

I've been enlightened...

Current topic of interest

discipline vs. passion

How are they different? How are they similar? How do they work together? And, how do they work against you?

It all started at 4 'o clock this afternoon

...and 8 hours later, I finally finished my OT paper.

An assignment that should have taken 45 minutes, maybe 90 minutes tops, ended up consuming my evening (give or take some time for dinner + forum + gchat quality time + blog stalking).

But I couldn't help it. The le bible is just too good! Ever heard of Hezekiah? Yeah, he's pretty boss.

Ok. On to finishing the last section of my Islam midterm. In just under 48 hours I will solve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in two pages, single spaced.

Yup. My life is that awesome.

P.S.

At Tel-Lachich in the Sphelah

Spring is officially around the corner...

At the Valley Elah where David defeated Goliath.  

My impersonation of David as he is about to fight Goliath. I'm almost positive this was his stance.*

*Angela, thank you for reminding me of our unforgettably epic conversation about how David actually used his slingshot.

Arabs say it best...

Happy Valentines Day from the Old City to you! 

The Hike of Lifetime.

Mt. Sinai

Life is most clear when I'm on top of a mountain, after I've felt a burn in my legs, an ache in my stomach, and a sweat on my brow.* If you're ever feeling confused, frustrated, or you find yourself full of unanswered questions, I suggest a hike. It will do you wonders.

Think about it. While you're hiking your main objective is to reach the top, alive and well. All the while your body is screaming at you to stop the pain. But you keep going. You move ahead. You press harder against the temptation to stop. And then, before you know it, you've reached the peak. You're at the top, and you can see for miles in all directions. You'll look back at your progress and shout for joy because, yes...you did it! And even though you realize you still have to hike back down and face other trails, you'll never forget each time you did make it to the top. The feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment is unforgettable. That's the feeling you'll remember when things get tough again. That's the hope you'll cling to when you feel like giving up and falling prey to complacency.




*Caleb, Josh, Candace, Buttons, and Gardners: I dedicate this hike to you--to remember all those good hikes we've had in the past. Thanks for the many, many good memories on top of Camelback, Windcaves, and Squa Peak. 

Midterms and other randomness...

Egypt 2011

This week has been a disappointing one, academically speaking. People warned me about the difficult curriculum, but I hoped I might be an exception. My Old Testament and Judaism exams proved otherwise. Granted, I know I didn't study as diligently as I should have--heaven knows I'm not here to be a straight-A student. But I still feel slightly shafted whenever I don't perform to my potential. It reminds me of the times when I'd go to my violin lessons, expecting to sound great even though I'd only practiced once during the week. I always seem to forget that great results require hard work. 

But all grades aside, I can confirm that I am learning--a lot. I might not have every verse of the OT memorized, but I am a lot more capable of reading a story, connecting the dots, and applying the concepts to my life. You could even say the doctrine is finally connecting with my heart. 

I'm sad about my scores, but I'm happy about the long-term results. 

And I've decided that sometimes, I just have to laugh...

like when I study all night for an Old Testament midterm and still forget how Saul became king. 

Or when I get called to be the primary pianist, and even though I've had years of professional lessons, I still can't sightread Scripture Power. Instead, I end up fumbling all over the keyboard while the little kids scream at the top of their lungs. What a blessing--their vigor drowns my sad, sad attempts :-) 

Or when my friends and I run all the way to the Jewish Quarter with high hopes of tasting the delicious Shabbat bread and miss the last loaf by literally 2 minutes!

Or when I look at my Islam midterm and realize I have to write a 20-page paper, single spaced in one week. Excellent.  Not to mention all the rest of my homework...

I'm not complaining. I swear! Remember...this is all very funny :-)

Now that I'm writing it all down, I realize how much there is to look forward to. If you don't hear from me for the next few days it's most likely because I've locked myself away in the library. I'll see you on the other side!