My favorite day of the week!

Sabbath Day 

Saturday, September 8th
       Here in the Holy Land, due to religious practices of the area, our Sabbath is on Saturday instead of Sunday. It is amazing just how quiet the city is, or at least seems, on this day. We wake up every morning, not just sabbath, to the prayer call of our Muslim neighbors. It is broadcast over the area five times a day and i think it is beautiful. Each time i hear it i am reminded of how often we should be communicating with our father in heaven. It is not just a morning and evening thing to pray, but should be constantly on our minds and in our hearts. I am grateful for the examples of faith around me.

Two of my favorite people.
Don't know what I'd do without them. 

       Anyways, After breakfast we meet for ward choir. Our very first choir and more than half the students joined! It was amazing! We practiced "Because i have been given much" and sang it for Sacrament meeting. For sacrament meeting we meet in the auditorium of the center, overlooking the old city. It is the most distracting, yet beautiful places to have a sacrament meeting. To take the sacrament while looking at the city in which Jesus himself walked is something i'll never forget.


       The speakers told us the best ways to get the most out of our experience here and not let our minds be distracted by worldly things. There is such a special spirit here amid the chaos and conflict surrounding us. I absolutely love the little branch here and the fact that my professors are also members of the bishopric or district presidency. 

   

Near the Garden Tomb

         After church we gathered together and walked to the Garden tomb and Golgotha. It is crazy we only live a walk away from these sites. Though we don't have a sure knowledge that this was the place at which Christ was crucified and buried, it provided a visual that brought the story to life. As we stood in the empty tomb i felt this sense of emptiness, as if God were telling me he is not here. We had the opportunity to sit in the garden and sing hymns. The spirit there was unlike anything I've felt. It brought a sense of peace and overwhelming love. I'm sure i will visit there again and again.