Fat Camp

I have now been in Israel for over a month and one thing I know for certain is that I may have signed myself up for "Fat Camp". Before coming to Israel, I knew that I needed to be in a healthy, strong, and relatively fit condition. About 3 weeks leading up to my departing flight from the states, I created my own "Two-a-day" workout routine. I got in what could be called a "good" physical condition, and I was comforted that I could walk up a flight of stairs without feeling winded... well my friends, my "two-a-days" didn't do much justice for my Israeli experience.

I have already explained the immense heat that my body has had to adjust to, and the best way to adjust is to walk in it. In my Physical Settings class, we traveling, hike, walk, and sometimes crawl under the Israeli sun. So much so, it's as if they have coordinated subliminal workouts for us "fattie-cakes" to follow. So, as we walk/work out, myself and fellow girls in the group laugh terribly. Picture a group of ten girls attending a "Last Minute Workout" at a 24 hour gym. Usually you are always ten seconds off from the instructor and whispering sweet nothings under your breath, such as: "What are they trying to do to us?! Ah, clearly I can't do this!" or, my favorite, "I hate this. Wana go get something to eat?" Then the chiseled and barely sweating instructor says, "Almost there! You got this! If you want results you have to work for it. Nothing is free!I BELIEVE in you!" Having someone tell you that they "believe" in you as you are sweating your brains out and your legs are starting to cramp, is not exactly picturesque. Back on site with my field study and still keeping the picture of a 24 hour gym class, I say this all because, a prideful 21 years old only dreads admitting the fact that her 60 year old professor, in a tan safari hat, is presently kicking her butt. Something is seriously wrong here.

Needless to say, whether they know that we feel like we are attending a "Fat Camp" or not, I have seen the results. Whatever it may be, walking all day long at our field studies or simply cruising about the Old or New City, we are constantly working out. As it would happen, the classes will continue and the sites we visit will increase. Slowly but surely, I laugh more and more with having to constantly pull up my pants. I just want to be able to jump in all the "jumping pictures" and not have to hold my pants up to keep the world from seeing things they don't need to see... I'm sure they WANT to see them, obviously, but we have to stick to our "Modesty Kits" people... And luckily for me, I forgot to pack my favorite belt. It has gotten to the point to where I have already passed on a pair of pants to a friend of mine down the hall. Another 3 pairs are pointless for me to try on, because they were relatively loose before I left. If things continue at this rate, I'll have to stick to leggings/jeggings. This has been rather unexpected with my venturing over here, but it's simply all apart of the experience... You always have to expect the unexpected:)

I can proudly and confidently type that I have successfully survived 45 days of Fat Camp.

Ben-Jamin

What would it feel like to live within a picture? The greatness of your world would extend only to the outer perimeter of the photograph, life would only reflect the exact colors captured, and the your reality would be only that of a 4X6 exposure. If this were life, what photo would you choose? The business woman may choose a picture of herself on Wall Street. The sports fan, may want to live within the edges of a world series baseball game. The five year old boy would most likely choose a photo of himself winning an intense game of pogs (obviously this kids is stuck in a picture taken in the 90’s). What would have the Israelites chosen? I highly doubt that the Israelites would have chosen the photo below.

This picture is of the Wadi Qilt between Jerusalem and Jericho. The hills and valleys dig deep into the earths crust, the color is dull and lifeless, and the main reality is: if you are stuck here, you will surely die. What poor person would dwell in this l wilderness? Better yet, who would cast a people group into such a wilderness? Answer to question #1 many (Israelites were lost for 40 years with Moses, David, Jesus’ 40 days of temptation, and more). Answer to question #2, God himself.

I found myself in this exact location last Sunday. My Thoughts? I would never want to live here. It would completely suck. However, my professor offered a Biblical interpretation of the Wadi Qilt that offered hope instead of despair, life rather than death, and joy as opposed to numbness. Dr. Wright read from Deuteronomy 32:10, “In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye.” The ending of the verse is the exact reason for the hopeful aspect of the wilderness. When we look up close and personal in the eyes of our neighbor, in return, we see ourselves. It's the same when we look into the eyes of God, we see ourselves and He sees himself. He had made us in his image. Following down to verse 12, “The LORD alone led him; no foreign god was with him.” And so, maybe I would be a bit unwilling, but if I could have the one true Lord pick me to live in a photo taken of the Wadi Qilt,so be it. In the words of Dr. Write, "Theres something about the wilderness where we have nothing, yet lack nothing." Or... maybe ill just live with this guy...

From the Qilt, we ventured down to the land of Jericho, also known as, "The Land of Palm Trees" (im learning dad, money is being well spent). In this Oasis, we visited palace Herod built for himself. Leave it up to Herod to build himself an elaborate, pleasurable winter getaway. The location of this palace is the center of economics, special trade, and the very fist bridge. Standing in the supposed “Great Columned Reception Hall”, we can see the Wadi Qilt’s drain into the Land of Jericho. I hope Herod doesn't mind that we stood on his Great Columned Reception Hall pillars,which were probably worth more then my life in that time, and spelled out "Santos" (one of the guy's last name in the group). well, too late now.

(Slightly dyslexic... look a the "S")

After peacing-out and Herod's palace, the group made their way onto the bus. Hot, sweaty, and hungry the group started to zone out. Dr. Wright grabbed his mic and with his tour guide voice, he offered band-aid assistance to anyone in need. Unwilling to move, the group stayed quiet. Until, the clever and witty Dr. Wright chuckles at his purposeful "mistaking" of band-aids for homemade chocolate cookies. The once glazed-eyed group switched into a bundle of pregnant women fulfilling a midnight craving. Those cookies tasted so good that I literally cannot describe them. I want to personally thank whom ever put so much love and care into the creation of those lovely cookies. Thank you!

(Pitstop at a well on our way to Gezer. School is so much cooler outside)

We ended our Benjamin adventure in Gezer. Gezer is know to be the home of the main entrance or “Front Door” when moving from the coast towards Benjamin territory. Her land is immensely popular due to her connection with the coastal trade and escape route. Following the tell up and over, the agricultural beauty of Gezer allowed me to see the value in her land and her desirable cooling breeze. As the day was ending, the sun created a barrier of color around the plateau. Continuing down the page you will see what happens when you add 20 year old girls and a sunset: picturesque silhouettes. oh, and how could I forget... I can honestly say that I had my first and last fig in the land of Gezer (proof is down below).

(left: pathway on the Gezer Tell; Right: proof)

(Left: Standing Stones left behind; Right: my sassy friends)

(Im the one sitting)

Jewish Holidays and the Mount of Olives

Lately, we've been personally witnessing and trying out best to experience the Jewish holidays. Yum Kippur/Day of Atonement (Jewish religious holiday, observed on the 10th day of the lunar month of Tishri, in late September or early October)was only a few days ago. Prior to Yum Kippur, the Jewish community goes through a 10 day purification and repentance process for their sins: Rosh Hashana. Not far from today, we will celebrating God's relationship with the Jewish community durning the one week holiday of Succot. Could you image the entire United States coming together to celebrate the same holiday? No, Christmas does not count. Everyone knows that Christmas is divided and a picture with a heavyset, red, and fuzzy gray-haird man doesn't count count as a celebration. Holiday's in

Israel are different. When the Jews celebrate, they celebrate.

During Yum Kippur, everything within the country of Israel is closed. Beside the West Bank, the streets shut down, people grab their bikes, dress in either all black or white, and hit the streets. The streets are saturated with people fasting from food and coming before the Lord. Jews from around the globe journey to the land of Israel to celebrate their atonement with God. The reason I'm telling you this, is to explain an incredible adventure I had on the dawn of the eve of Yum Kippur.

The night before this incredible adventure, six of my friends and myself decided that the Mount of Olives sunrise was calling our name. In an agreement to rise at 4:20am, we set our alarms and went to sleep. Waking up at any time in the AM that can be counted on a single hand should be a crime. Needless to say, it was not easy. But the beauty of the Mount of Olives was drawing my body to make its way up her steep slopes.

All the girls were up: Amy, Betsy, and Amelia. Where are the boys you ask? Oh don't you worry, their sleeping. We waited a good twenty minutes, thinking that they are just lagging a bit... and ... we were wrong. They are still sleeping. Opening the door to Josh's room, I whisper, "Jooshhhh? Jooshhhhh? Dude you coming? Wana go hiking?" a loopy and groggy, "oh, oh, ya.. for sure. ahhh.. crap. what time?.. dang my alarm! ya, lets go! lets go!"

We had planned on leaving at 4:30am. That way would could enjoy a graceful and peaceful walk along the southern walls of the Old City and up the face of the Mount... After the boys powdered their noses and were dressed, we left at 4:50am. Sunrise is at 5:23am. There is now way. We weren't going to make it... leave it to a group twenty year-olds to egg on a challenge, thus, we booked it. Have you ever ran at 4:50am? Again, something that should be a crime. Flustered and feeling like I was still in my dream, I ran. I ran and then I ran again.

Remember how this is the eve of the dawn of Yum Kippur? Good- I though I lost you for a second.

Envision this: 5 tired, greasy (because my

showering habits have not improved since I'm away from home. sorry mom), and pretty much stupid looking Americans running through the streets of Jerusalem as the entire nation is preparing for their Day of Atonement. Running, passing buses, dodging cars, smelling pastries (ohh so hungry), are we there yet? nope. ahh.. can we make it in time? shoot- its already 5:15. Jillian Michaels

was in the back of my mind, "No regrets Amy! Keep going."

Ahh.. Biggest Looser always finds a way to haunt you... And then it happened. There she was, in all her glory! We made it to the base, but can we make it to the top in time? Of course we can! "What About Bob"

rang through my mind, "Baby steps Amy, Baby steps."

Once on top, the six of us unintentionally split into three groups: Santos and Betsy, Jason and Amelia, and myself and Josh. Still running and still sweaty, Josh and I ran to view the sunrise from a church. The church was closed, so we continued to a lookout. Gazing our eyes on the back edge of the Biblical Mount of Olives, we saw it. The breathtaking, pastel pink and yellow sun rose from the West. With the clouds behind us, the sun rose the awaken the overcast city below.

Walking back, what was that? Could that be?... No, its impossible. We are still in the month of September? Oh, but wait, yes... rain. We felt the mist of the first rain fall 5 minutes after we witnessed the sunrise on the Even of Yum Kippur.

Everyday day is a new day. Everyday we can be reminded of the glorious riches we have in the redemption of our Savior Jesus Christ. Through is blood, we are able to rest and rise in freedom. For our Lord and God gave more than we could have ever asked for. Thank you Jesus for another Sunrise.

More Stories

There have been many great adventures that I have had and have yet to share with you all yet. Hmmmm... where should I start? How about the moments that have brought great impact? Yes, I believe this is a perfect idea.

How about the the fact that I just got back from walking from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. The walk is about 5 miles. This 5 mile walk was peaceful and beautiful. With the company of good friends and healthy conversations, the 5 miles felt like 10 feet. The night was cool and the cloud coverage from the day had been blown to the west. As the five of us walked, pita in one hand and cokes in our back-packs, we were traveling along the ridge and pathway many men and women walked in history. Nothings better than walking along side history. story of my life lately.. not trying to rub it in, simply trying to express my excitement for living even moment of this Israeli adventure.

The previous day before, Monday, was spent in full rest. My body was so tired that I had fallen asleep at 830pm the night prior and woke up at 830am on Monday morning. Even after a full cup of intense coffee, my body still lacked the ability to carry itself around campus. I literally felt pitiful and as if I ran a full marathon. The only way you will understand my body’s fatigue is if I explain the Sunday and Saturday before. Oh man, what great days...

Working backwards, Sunday was our “Student Activity” day. With our hiking gear on and sack lunches in our bags, we made our way north to the Upper Golan. The drive up was spent sleeping and preparing for the adventure ahead. While on our 3 hour drive, I caught my first glance of the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. Not far from each other, these two bodies of water are completely different. The edges of and cities surrounding the Dead Sea are desolate and minuscule. The coloring a simple, ordinary blue. Continuing on our way to our "student activity", the Sea of Galilee came up on our left. Instead of dead, desolate, and minuscule... the Galilee was lively, abundant, and massive. Her coloring was of emerald blue. I felt guilty whenever I looked away or when my eyes wanted to blink. Pure beauty.

Shortly after, we arrived and began our hiking extravaganza. Only being 9:30am, the day have much to offer. My good friend's Betsy, Amelia, and myself decided to count how many times we would trip. Being competitive, we joked about tripping each other on purpose and throwing rocks and one another, in order to keep our score low and greaten their chances of loosing (good, clean christian encouragement). I think I ended up winning with 4 total trips. Needless to say, the walk was beautiful, the sun's rays were strong and difficult to hide from, but the view was breathtaking...

This is a quick view of the canyons majestic basaltic rock and green oasis.

Cruising down the deep "v" of valley, you run into the first of maybe thee waterfalls... Here, me and betsy striped down to our bathing suits and hiked up to the waterfalls ledge. I didn't want to think twice before I jumping, so I just went for it... question, you know the satisfaction you feel when you take that first bit into a crispy apple? or, the first sip of a chilled Pacifico after a hot summer day? or, the first spoonful of ice cream after dieting for a month? all of these sensations combined cannot compare to the moment my body was submerged into the coolness of the waterfall's loving arms. ahh... it was perfect ("tamam" in Arabic).

From there, we dressed ourselves, and continued on. The day only got better. We cliff jumped off another wate

rfall. This time, the jump was about 40 feet (the previous was about 30ish). We ate our pita bread sandwiches and basked in the coolness of the shade. Before leaving, my friend Josh and I ... well I attempted and he succeeded, climbed the waterfall itself. I made it half way, and then jumped off. Then, we all continued on...

The day took a turn when the group left this site. I had a headache from dehydration, and wanted to just make it to the next waterfall so I could rest. Walking faster than usual, I walked into a situation I didn't see coming.

looking down below me, I see my friend Robyn and my two friends, Josh and Josh, holding her. Robyn had fallen ten feet and landed face first on the rock below her. My heart sank. The lifeguard inside me starting retrieving all of the safety rules from a stored-away file in my brain. I clipped off my backpack, jumped down to her side, and tried my best to comfort her. Placing my hand on her head, Robyn and I began to pray. Calling on God to heal and comfort, to provide safety and security, and to create a sense of peace within Robyn. As we prayed, our entire group joined in prayer down below. All of us, one group of lovers of God, interceded for the God of healing to come. He did so in a way like any other. God had completely protected Robyn the entire time. There happened to be a medic behind us, three US government officials in front of us, and a handful of lifeguards in our group. After about 45 minutes to an hour, 17 attractive israeli rescue men came to assist Robyn up the hillside ("cliff" is a better description of the intensity of the hike up). Robyn walked away with six stitches under her chin, a black eye, a few scratches above her eye and

a massive bruise on her leg. NOTHING BROKEN. God had protected her completely. Praise God.

that was only on Sunday. I haven't even told you about Saturday. I'll wait. Next blog, I'll tell you about Saturday's "Jerusalem Approaches" Field Study.

Great Story

Prior to my adventure over to Israel, I signed myself up to take Biblical Hebrew. I was so excited to learn the native language of Israel, but as God would have it... I changed, figures. Similar to how my favorite color has recently been changing every month, so have my plans, hopes, and dreams. Hebrew would fall under the category of a dream, and to only prove myself correct... this dream changed.

I have been reading a book on Islam, and have found myself becoming increasingly more interested in this religion, its roots, and the people that follow. It would only make since that I would want to take Arabic instead of Hebrew... thus, I am taking presently taking Arabic. I love, love, love it. Our class consists of 8 students and one energetic, wisdom-filled, spunky Palestinian woman. ahh... she's wonderful. In order for us to get to our classroom, we have to travel on a city bus. The title of this post is, "Great Story", so allow me to tell you this "Great Story".

Yesterday, I had the privilege to sit next to a 40 year old Muslim woman and her 4 year old daughter. Just like the young boy I met on the airplane to Tel Aviv, this little child was filled with energy. Due to her uncontrollable laughter, I will refer to her as Giggles. Giggles was anything BUT shy. This little girl would laugh anytime I tried to talk to, look at, or make a conversation to either her or her mom. The bus ride is about 45 minutes long, which allowed us plenty of time to chat. We talked about marriage, children, and what I am studying in college. One of the best things about this conversation would have to be the moment Giggles pulled a bag of candy out of her mom's purse to offer me a piece of her favorite candy. I could have cried. Everyone knows that a child loves their candy, I was amazed with how generous and willing Giggles was to offer me such a great gift. However, the best thing about this conversation was God. I believe that God created everything good and perfect, in which, he is the creator of laughter. In the moments where Giggles, her mom, and myself were without words, we used laughter. I didn't want this bus to stop. We laughed and laughed. There is something so beautiful when you see three different generations, two different religions, and the creations of one God coming together to bare the same good and perfect gift: laughter.

Laundry

I learned how to do laundry when I was in Jr. High. In my learning, I was taught to separate my colors, whites, and darks into three different loads. Then, I was introduced to the machine that would make my dirty clothes clean. Over the years, I have made a few mistakes. For example, I miss my favorite dress that once fit to my knees, but now (due to an unfortunate placement malfunction, made its way into the dryer) has become a skimpy tank top. And, we can't forget the traditional story of the pink sock that weasels its way into my "whites only" pile... so not ideal.

I am telling you all this, because i did my first load of laundry today. It was rather invigorating, considering the fact that, because I am a girl it is said to be dangerous for me to leave campus alone (this has been one of the harder aspects of my adjusting experience). However, I did my laundry all by myself today. Without the company of a boy, girl, teacher, or friend. Just me. Just my dirty laundry. and this is how it turned out (quite successful).

(i guess i wasn't completely alone)