June 25, 2008

When I told President Carter that I was planning on doing a study abroad in Jerusalem, her said, "Really? Why? If I were you, I think I would do something like Europe." Well, for the second time ever (the first involving teachers quorum, Aaron the brother of Moses, and a golden calf) President Carter, you are mistaken. I am sorry. You see, despite the absolutely horrible array of flights we embarked upon, with the 10 hour leg peaking with a score of about 8.75 on the ridiculous scale when they played a video of a woman doing stretches in her airline seat to give the passengers ideas on how to stay loose during the flight. Why so ridiculous? Besides the obvious, the woman was a midget. Her feet did not even touch the ground of her seat and she was demonstrating stretches that required about 4 feet less of body mass than I actually possess. Anyways, the reason for President Carter's err, wait! ... One more killer story: During the Chicago Airport 4-hour layover, I went numero deuce in a women's restroom on accident. I must have been delirious from the lack of sleep, but I walked right in, took care of business, walked out and while washing my hands, noticed the cleaning lady and thought —odd that they would have a woman cleaning the men's room. I casually smiled at her, noticed the lack of urinals on the way out, then the classic women in a dress symbol and smiled to myself as I walked toward the group not far away thinking, well, I suppose that could have gone worse. Anyways, the point, the reason for the glory of this study abroad: There is a feeling in this land that I just cannot explain. When you see it, it overwhelms you like saran wrap to the face. Seriously, we arrived and we were all just in absolute awe ... we gathered on the main patio overlooking the city right when we arrived and just looked at that city ... it about drove me to tears. You could feel Him. You honestly could. It was like Obi Wan to Han Solo dialogue inside of me, but instead of thinking, "That's not a moon, it's a space station," my insides announced within me, "This is no ordinary place." We all just stared forever until they called us in for dinner. I stayed longer; they had to call me twice. An immense feeling of gratitude and privilege overwhelmed me as I took it all in. In that first instant, things became a little more real for me. All I could do was just stare and in simple and naive childlike wonder, exactly like Macady does, whisper quietly —wow. Ladies and gentleman, fasten your seat belts puhlease, this is gonna be a good one.