olive branch in one hand, bible in the other

my viking friends

Since my last post, it has been an insane week! But 3 tests, a paper, tons of last minute reading and a field study later, I have a little bit of free time. And this time: PICTURES!

Rephaim Valley

Well this week's field study was ominously titled "Jerusalem Approaches." The main objective was to study the different ways to get to Jerusalem, from the North, South, East and West. Most of these routes, especially in Biblical times before paved roads and modern superstructure, would have been along ridge routes as can be sort of seen in the picture above. Actually the Rephaim Valley is so cool because there was a time in antiquity where David defeated the Philistines twice as they tried to encamp against Jerusalem.

So anyway these routes are pretty easy to pick out, even for someone as geographically challenged as myself.

Our first stop of the day was the Mount of Olives , the Eastern approach to Jerusalem along the Ascent of Adumim. I don't think I need to do to much talking on this since it sort of speaks for itself. It is the place where Jesus talked about the end times and where He was betrayed. It is the place of David's escape from Jerusalem when Absalom tries to take the throne. There are so many, many biblical references to the Mount of Olives I think most people would already be familiar with it. However, the sad part to the modern Mount of Olives is that it's literally covered in churches and tourist traps.

We still found a quiet spot on the Eastern side (not facing Jerusalem) and sat for awhile to be taught by Ben.

Mount of Olives (plus Bethany off to the right)

 Even though it was amazing to be on the Mount of Olives, I absolutely hated the tourist-ty-ness...UGH! so horrible....there were literally men dotting every road corner with postcards and batteries, trying to sell their wares, "Only five shekel."

Buttttttt, there was a camel on the other side of the mountain...pictures to follow at the end of this post...

Another cool place we went to was Bethlehem. Now, I must admit. I was a little disappointed at, once again, the massive crowds of people. I kept picturing cattle moving through that tunnel-thing before they get butchered when we were trying to get into the Church of the Nativity through a small door. There was, however, a very friendly guy that came up to me and Jenna and Taylor and started trying to give us a tour. That was nice. He told us all about how this was the actual place of Jesus' birth. Okkkkk. maybe. but all in all- so worth it!

The second to last stop was Herodium. If a palace and a mountain got married and had a baby - that's Herodium. It's simply amazing. One large man-made hill on which a whole resort sits. If this doesn't impress you, you've got some serious brain damage- cause honestly, Herod the Great was the man! Ok, so he was a little sadistic and half-crazy with fear that every person was going to take the throne away from him, but his buildings are so insane!

The very last stop of the day was near the Rephaim Valley which was simply beautiful since we caught it right as the sun was starting to set over the rock and grass crusted hills. I got some great pictures there- super romantic mood lighting...yesssss...oh baaabbby..

But that's super off-track. It's late. Yesterday we ran around the old city at night like a gang of hooligans looking for a good time. Today me and two other girls walked to the neighboring town and got some dates, pita, and hummus for lunch. Tonight was Saturday Night Live with our Land and Bible prof and his family for some delish pizza and great company.

It's late. Did I say that already?
Never mind. Here are pictures, my wonderful peasants (Kim).

view. mount of olives :)

poised. perfect. taylor.

play dead. with some of the lovliest dead people. sam and le le.

church of nativity

and then this happened...{a few miles south of bethlehem, at Herodium}

the judean wilderness. the dead sea can be seen from the top of herodium too!

Inside herodium. Cisterns.

sunset + blonde hair = my favorite <3

had to get in another shot of the Rephaim Valley...

who ate your bowl of sunshine, thundercloud? epitome of tired with kate.

fair and freckled. my little rose of Texas. {alex}

can we just talk for a minute about how wonderful natalie is??? she takes care of all of us ibexers, she makes good mexican food and has a lovely fruit tea stash. she studies with us for tests and herds us up when it's time to get back on the bus. :) Can't wait to get to know her better!

That's all folks! sorry it took so long to get this blog post up. The internet here is about as stable as the Egyptian government...

anywho...if you guys back at home or anyone has any prayer requests or just wants to get in touch send me a message on Facebook! I'd also love to skype with anyone who wants too (Mel,sorry sweetie- we'll get a time)