Monday, August 16, 2010

Good Bye Jerusalem

Going...
Going...

Gone!!
Good Bye Jerusalem--It has been an adventure. We enjoyed our last sunset, our last walk in the Old City, our last Arabic meal of pita, hummus and salads, our last fresh squeezed orange juice, our last bargaining deal, and our last visit to the Garden Tomb. We have seen the beauty of this land through all seasons. We have had a year of climbs, both spiritually and physically. We have "seized the day" and "embraced the sweat." We have had tears and laughs, up's and down's. We have learned to appreciate the "Call to Prayer" at 4:00 a.m. We have made many new friends--work colleages, students, Branch members, and locals. We have learned to love the people--Arabs and Israeli's, Jewish and Muslims. We have become more knowledgeable about their beliefs, customs, and circumstances. We have come to understand their aggressiveness and passion. We have walked where Jesus walked and come to know Him intimately and have felt deeply of His sacrifice for us. It has been a year that has changed us, and we will remember it for the rest of our lives. Jerulalem will be in our hearts forever. Now--homeward bound to see the family we love and have missed dearly. Good Bye Jerusalem--until next time.

4 comments:

Talai said...

I wish your home was in Virginia and you were coming here! Soon enough I guess, right? This will be such a great memory and you will now be able to laugh at the frsturating things and remember the good times forever!

JEsse said...

Nice Mom! I miss Jerusalem too. It sure was a grand experience. Onward and Upward!

Jami Jackson said...

Awww! That made me miss it too! Glad you are back though. We've missed you!

KristOlby Manscill :) said...

uhmmmmmm....We are going back...like...tomorrow. Who wants to come with? Miss it too.
We are glad that we took a part of the Holy Land with ud when we came home.