July 24, 2008
Well despite the lock down we were able to do our Bethlehem Trip and see the birth place of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They believe that Christ was born in this like cave which is now in the middle of the city, but then would have been on the outside. Helena, the mother of Constantine, led an archaeological expedition in the 325 AD time period on a quest to find important sites of Christ’s life. She actually ended up “finding” everything she was looking for, and this was one of those things. Despite my cynicism, it actually very well could be, seeing as she has had like 1700 less years of dust and destruction to dig for looking for it, the people could have still remembered the tradition. Well, anywho, as a result of Helena’s findings the Catholic Church now has a huge Cathedral built directly over the caves. When you walk in the door is really small so that everyone must hunch and show their humility before the Lord. Then, you walk through the still functioning Catholic Cathedral and down the steps to this cave where supposedly Christ was born. I was a little bit unhappy with what I found. You see, what attribute do you think of when you think of the Savior’s birth? The first one that comes to my mind: humility. Well, the area is so decorated with statues and shrines and gold and shiny things and just like so much shrinery clutter that it was like what are we even looking at? What really threw me over the top was when they tried to tell me that this place right here was where the crib was. This exact place. I am as romantic as the next guy, but puhlease do not look me honestly in the face and tell me where the crib of Christ was located. How in the world could you make that statement? For you smart alec’s…don’t answer that question. It was just really disappointing, and then we were like being rushed by the people to get out, and well, it just was not the best situation. However, on the other side of the church there is another entrance to the other side of the caves, that is a quiet memorial portion of the cave for the bones of children they found. On that part of the same cave, we were alone as the two classes. We took out our Hymn Books and we sang. I kinda loved that. Silent Night…in the cave where the Savior was possibly born…yeah that is quite the experience. Follow the Star eat your heart out. Okay that was rash…I have had similar feelings in that cave as I have had in the past sitting in the Altisima Building Parking Lot watching Mom smile that angelic smile and wave her arms…well angelically. I mean that sincerely Momma. I just love the Spirit of Christmas, such a feeling of Hope. That was the feeling I got in that cave. Hope and Gratitude. Christmas in July continued as we left that Church and we headed over to what is called Shepherds Field. It is a hill between Bethlehem and Jerusalem overlooking the town of Bethlehem where shepherds watched over their flocks in the spring. The place where the boy David was supposed to be watching his flocks, instead of off slaying giants. It was more than likely the place where on a very very very special night a group of shepherds were greeted by an angel declaring, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tiding s of great joy, which shall be to all the people.” That was a place I was really glad to see. A place that finally kept its original feeling of simple holiness. No ornaments, no decorations. Not even a sign. Just a feeling. And for those lucky enough, a knowledge that here something spectacular happened, something that changed the world forever. Here, the birth of the Messiah, the Savior of the UNIVERSE, was announced by a heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” Oh you could feel it. We met as a class and had our own Christmas program on that hill as the sun went slowly down. Fitting of course that it was on Pioneer day, and wouldn’t you know it, a few fireworks exploded over the city for about a minute. Again, I have no idea why, but I loved it. My favorite part was when Liz played Away in a Manger on the violin. The first verse was amazing. Each note resonated through me as I stared down at the city of Bethlehem and thought of how close I was to it all. Away, yes, but not very far. I love when the Spirit whispers to me at these special sites. I just love it. At the end of his small lecture, Brother Draper asked us a very poignant question. Look around, think what happened here, and ask yourselves, is this the first time you have been here? I hope not I thought to myself. I hope not. We all had the opportunity of splitting up and spending some time alone in the dark, staring down at the city of Bethlehem and thinking about it. I am amazed at how close Bethlehem is to Jerusalem. Now, with all the expansion they are within two miles from each other, and back then probably about 4 miles or so. Isn’t it interesting that the Beginning and End of the Savior’s life happened so close to each other? Really making this land…well… holy. I guess not that interesting, but I was intrigued. As I stood there and thought about everything that I have seen and will see as we travel to Galilee next week. I thought again, about why I came. You know that feeling you get when you have been waiting to see something, or waiting to see someone and it is almost like you are not quite sure that person or place is real. In your mind, whatever it is has always just been a hope and never a reality. And then finally when you see that person or get to that place you experience this weird feeling of like…well I am finally here…okay…well…now what do I do kind of thing? You are happy to be there, but it no longer becomes a hopeful feeling. It is real. The person you met or the places you have finally arrived at do not necessarily lose their splendor or grandeur, but they just go from being a hope in your mind to suddenly being a reality. I kind of like that. I kind of feel that way about everywhere I have been thus far. It is hard to explain, but the places that mean a lot to you, they kind of just become a part of your reality. They are no longer created from a combination of pictures you have seen and stories you have heard pieced together in your imagination. They are just real places that you know. The part that I love, is how when the places are real and you make them a part of you, all that is left is to discover if the events are real and then make those a part of you as well. That is obviously no feat that can be accomplished in a moment, but is to be pursued over a lifetime. However, when you are there, and you are sitting in these places, and you feel that feeling. The events become just as real as the place. They become a part of your reality. The only difference is you don’t quite completely transfer from that feeling of hope. That feeling you maintain. And that is the fun part. It makes me excited for the next life.

July 23, 2008
Another early wake up call, as we departed Jordan, another really bad hotel breakfast, another struggle to collect everyone’s room keys as chair of the travel committee, another crummy sack lunch to pick up for the road, another smelly bus to begin another wonderful day. Why? I am in the Holy Land. Every day is amazing. Today in particular, on account of the fact that we made a little stop at the River Jordan. Let’s review what we know about the River Jordan…no it is too much…let me sum up. Among others, the Savior of the Universe was baptized there. Baptized. We hoped off the bus right near the Jordanian border and visited the supposed baptismal site of Jesus the Christ. Now, due to some differences in the Gospels, there is some debate over where exactly it happened. Some believe that it was in a run-off pool beyond the Jordan River. In fact, that is the place where some brave organization boldly planted a sign stating: “The Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ.” However, due to a drought and quite simply a general lack of appeal, I choose not to agree with that site. It just does not fit with my romantic mind. Therefore, I will hold fast to my lifelong understanding that the Savior fulfilled all righteousness in the actual River Jordan. That just agrees with me. Anyways, despite its romantic harmony, the river, well it just is not the purdiest place I ever saw. You see, it is just so green…and not pretty. Nevertheless and notwithstanding, it is ridiculously sweet! Man I love seeing these places. There were armed guards with huge automatic weapons following us around the whole time. Since it is right on the border I guess there are a lot of security concerns, and therefore: we read from the scriptures with an armed Jordanian Soldier hovering. Neat huh? It did not hinder the Spirit however, and it was a great experience. We talked about how important the mission of John the Baptist was and how that mission continued into the Restoration. I wish we would have discussed a little bit more about the importance of Christ’s baptism. After being there, seeing that water and thinking about it, I stand all amazed at the humility of our Savior. He made the several day journey from his home, not necessarily to be baptized in Jordan, but to baptized of John. Seeing Jordan, I found myself responding like Namaan of Syria. Are there not bodies of water to be found in Galilee and Nazareth much more appealing to be baptized in, than this very green portion of the Jordan? And if the Jordan is so important, than why couldn’t Christ have entered in the Jordan at Galilee near his home from which the Jordan flows out of. Answer: It was not the water. It was the authority. It was the authority of God, the Priesthood of Aaron, that as a Levite, John held. Christ honored that authority and in an act of pure humility, though he had no need, was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and show the gate that leads to Eternal Life. Repent and be baptized, here I will even show you how to do it- that’s the compassion of our Savior. I was so grateful for 2 Nephi 31 today. It was kind of difficult to enjoy the river as much without being able to just jump right in it. We did however, get to put our feet in and that was enough for me I suppose. It was a really great day. I was at the River Jordan.
When we got back to the center we learned of a Terrorist attack on Jerusalem again. Another nut got hold of a bulldozer and began to barrel down the road taking out everything in his path. Luckily no one was killed this time, but some were injured and now, we are on lock down for a few days. Major bummer? Yes. Optimist Tyler? At least I will finally be forced to take time to study for my mid-term tomorrow. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.

July 21, 2008
Dunt dunt dunt duh, dunt dunt dunt duh, dun dun dun duh! (Indiana Jones Theme Song)
Petra. The most amazing place ever. Remember, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade? Remember that ridiculously sweet sand stone temple that Harrison Ford finds the Holy Grail in? Well…been there done that. The only disappointing thing about the day is that there was no sweet booby traps to make it through, and that there was actually no Holy Grail. In fact inside of that building is just a big empty room. However, that was the only disappointing thing that I saw today! It was amazing! Petra is basically just a canyon full of the coolest rock cut out tombs and temples. We spent the whole day there and I could have spent like 3 more exploring the caves and climbing the rocks! I was seriously so stoked the whole day. Here is a quick list of the amazing:
The beautiful narrow canyon leading up to it
The first sight of it, you first see it almost like a crack because the canyon turns and just gives you a sliver of the Treasury (Place where Indy found the Holy Grail”). It was so cool! The thing is huge.
Taking pictures in front of it was sweet, especially when I saw a humongous cliff overlooking the Treasury that was really really high. I bypassed the sign at the bottom (No Climbing) and snuck up the side of the canyon and climbed that hill and got a sweet picture of the Treasury. Best part: no damage, no punishment.
From there we walked through the amazing canyon and saw all of the sites from a distant before they let us go free to explore. We got to the bottom where we were to eat lunch and then they cut us loose.
First matter of business: Donkey Ride up the sweet canyon. Have you ever saddled a donkey? (yes I will avoid all the lame donkey jokes that were brutally murdered today) It is the funniest thing in the world. You are like too big for it, which makes it hilarious! Then, negotiations were absolute chaos. We thought we had a group rate with five of us, but in the commotion we all lost each other and in consequence our deal that would have saved us each a dollar. I actually paid more at the end just because the ride was so funny. A couple hi ho silver yells and pop pop noises in an effort to push my donkey to the front of the small pack of people we were with. The thing would hardly move, Whitney’s saddle started to fall off and she almost died, the trail got really narrow, impending death awaited me on both sides, Liz’s little boy disappeared and she was riding the crazy trail alone, Tricia’s was speedy and she passed everyone and got first place, and I was a little p dot o dot that my donkey came in last. Nevertheless, the view was incredible. We ran all over the rocks everywhere and I was just in heaven. Ridiculous climbs, ridiculous heights, and absolutely amazing views. Of course we did our best at finding the highest and coolest places to climb and most of the time that included a whole bunch of places that no one else went. We spent the whole afternoon running around the ancient ruins and rocks and mountains and just wow. For once I think that I might not describe it, pictures will just have to suffice. Ahh! Life is good…Life is so Good!

July 20, 2008
Today Began the Jordan Field Trip. 6:00 Breakfast…7:00 departure. Rough, but we have had it worse. So, we loaded on the bus and began the trek. It took maybe an hour to get to the border, and as usual we were the first tourist bus in line. At Jordan that apparently means nothing, we were told to pull over to the side and watch a whole bunch of other buses pass in front of us. We did pull over right next to a sign that said, “Possibility of Mines No Passage on Dirt Roads.” How cool is that? Yeah, needless to say we just sat on the bus and waited it out. It took forever, but eventually we got through and I got another stamp on my passport. We met our Jordan guide and headed to Mt. Nebo. That was a pretty cool spot. The final “resting place of Moses” and the mount he climbed to view the Promised Land. It was cool to imagine what went through his head. Forty years! Forty years of wandering in the Sinai wilderness and as I have already mentioned before, I spent 8 hours on an A/C bus in the Sinai and I barely made it out alive. However, in all honesty, despite being like two hundred million times better than the dreaded Sinai, it is not exactly what I would describe as a land of Milk and Honey. I would give it the comparison of arriving in Blythe after trekking through the desert between Blythe and Indio. That is according to me though, and when I think about it, although it might not be the lush hills of Trabuco Canyon, it was so much better than what they had known before: Egypt and Wilderness. I suppose Moses got to the top there and said to himself, “Well, finally something we can work with.” Obviously I don’t know what Moses was thinking, but it was cool to be there on the mountain where he was and just think about it. What do you think he would have thought? So yeah, I stood where Moses stood, not a big deal. Peter and I wanted to get a picture looking like Moses with his staff overlooking the Promised Land, but all we found was like a three foot 2X4 and that just made a ridiculous picture. We spent the rest of the day on a bus traveling and taking pictures of people sleeping. We landed in the hotel, had dinner and THEN were banned from using the swimming pool…Do you not realize that we have been sweating since Easters? However, a sandal somehow drifted into the middle of the pool and I somehow ended up swimming after it in my clothes. Starting a chain reaction of people swimming in their clothes. Luckily, I got out just in time to avoid getting caught by the man and therefore will live to swim another day.

July 19, 2008
Post the Old Testament final exam (Kelly I got minus 6…what did you get…oh and I posted that pic of Draper in the tunnel for you…classic or what?) we had the privilege of attending a Jewish Synagogue to welcome in the Sabbath. In all honesty, it does not come close to the Western Wall, but it was rad. The Rabbi is from New Jersey and moved to Jerusalem by himself in the seventies right after High School. Now, he is a Rabbi. This city means a lot to a lot of people. The service was cool. It was all in Hebrew, which was cool for 10 minutes, but then I wish I would understood. They sang just about the whole time. All the songs were really cool, they were Shabat welcoming songs. That were really cool. A Jewish girl I sat next to was really helpful and translated a lot for me, but not enough to really understand what everyone was saying. The Rabbi was really impressive. Could have given Bishop Carter a run for his money when he was in his glory days as Foothill Ranch Bishop, but as I stood there and watched, I realized that as far as leadership goes Carter is just a gem. Oh what that synagogue could have done if they had Carter running the show and leading the Shabbat hymns! The line would have been out the door to get in. I am glad he is on our team. Anyways, so yeah the synagogue was really cool. Like the Western Wall, it was a great experience to worship with other people and see their devotion to Jehovah. My favorite part was how excited they were for the Sabbath. It has changed my perspective. The Sabbath should be celebrated as a great opportunity to worship the Savior and feel the Spirit.
July 20, 2008
Shalom Shabbat. Happy Sabbath friends. I love Shabbat here in Jerusalem. The church meetings are always so great! It is kind of hard for a meeting to be bad when you have the entire city of Jerusalem displayed behind you through enormous windows. Oh it is so cool! Funny thing actually, after helping bless the Sacrament (I cannot tell you what a privilege that is) I went and sat down on the second row. Big mistake, the people on the stand block your view of the city and especially the Dome, my obsession. So, as soon as the first speaker finished I got up and AWKWARDLY moved to the top of the seating where the whole city was in view. I kind of felt like everyone was looking at me and it was weird. I sat down and the girl in front of me looks back with like a, what is your deal face, so I leaned forward and whispered, “I couldn’t see the Dome down there.” She’s like oh should have guessed that one. I seriously arrange my seating to ensure that the Dome is always in vision. The church meetings were really good, I felt the Spirit really strong the entire time and there is honestly not a better feeling. After church meetings, Rusty, me, Lindsey and Tricia flew these Spiderman Kites that Rusty and I bought in the old city. Now, that was awesome! We enjoyed a wonderful Shabbat afternoon flying kites over the Eternal City of Jerusalem. Check out that picture. Yeah, me, flying a kite, with the Dome of the Rock and entire city behind me. Dad, I must admit, after all that practice with your kite out at the river, I was humbly the best kite commodore out there. That thing was flying. A huge spider man kite flying over the Jerusalem Center until it crashed into the roof. That was okay though, I got it back.
After we wore ourselves out flying kites we decided, hey why don’t we jst cruise on down to the Garden Tomb before dinner? Quaint isn’t it? Just an afternoon Shabbat stroll to the Garden Tomb. The best part was just the three of us, Me, Tricia and Rusty, all went together and when we got there, there was like no one around the tomb. The Garden property is pretty big, so there were a lot of people inside, but we got the Tomb all to ourselves! All three of us were like, It’s a Miracle! Seriously, last time I could not have even taken a picture without another tourist in it and this time, I could not have found a tourist to be in it if I wanted to. We took all the pictures we wanted and then were even able to just stand in it for awhile and just be still. I know what you are thinking, and the answer is yes, the Tomb is still empty. Yes, yes yes! Oh is that not glorious news. Here is where I have to give a huge thank you to the person who put all the Music on my ipod (yes I still have the Dellpod, but I accepted the ipod as a very very generous gift). Heaven knows I am not good with technology, but as I scrolled through the songs that were put on there, I was so grateful to find the Hymn, “I know that my Redeemer Lives”. I sat there quietly and listened to it, while staring at an empty tomb. Choice. Simply choice.
Do you know what the word conquer means? What do you think of when you hear that word? Overcome, surmount, get the better of, annihilate, defeat, beat, overpower. Those are the synonyms that come up when I right click the word on my word processor. Well, all of those words, that is exactly what Christ did to Death. He beat it. He annihilated it. If you think about any fairy tale, or magic story, or adventure, what is typically the quest? Immortality. That has been the quest since the beginning. How do we obtain Immortality. Well guess what adventure fans and dreamers..That is exactly what Christ did. He won. Eternal Life and Immortality, are not found in Magic Rings or Sorcerers Stones. They are found only through Christ.. I am so grateful for the precious gift of the Resurrection. I am so grateful for the opportunity that the Savior has given me to qualify myself for Eternal Life. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but my Faith in the Savior leads me to believe that if He can conquer death, I will follow Him anywhere and do anything He asks of me. He did it. I know He did. He really did. He broke the bands of death. O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? Those are the words I whispered aloud today as the three of us stood there alone in that tomb. Three of us. Just me, Rusty and Tricia. The Tomb was empty, except the three of us.

July 17, 2008
Today was rough! Yesterday all we did was stay inside and study. Horrible. Today was another full day of studying, but we went to the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum. They had the real Isaiah scroll on display. How cool is that? They just displayed it at the beginning of this year for the first time in 40 years. It was really really cool. It was just an old scroll, but I loved it. Man, I was glad we went and saw that.
July 18, 2008
Finals. We had finals in our Jewish and Islam classes and they were tough. In all honesty I was a little disappointed with those classes. I was so excited for them, and they were good, but I was a little disappointed. I am still not an expert on either Judasim nor Islam, but I honestly do not think that will affect my salvation. Still, there is insight and light that was interesting to learn. To celebrate the end of finals we went into the old city and had dinner on the roof top of the restaurant. Again, it was one of those times. There I was surrounded by good friends, a lot of whom I have recently met, and surrounded by one of the most historic and beautiful cities in the world? Does life get better than that? Of course it does. I could have used my family, I could have done without the knowledge of an impending Old Testament test the next day, but nevertheless, I really enjoyed it. We also walked home from the Old City as the sun was setting. We saw a whole part of the city we never usually do. The shop keepers were cleaning up, the families were coming out, the kids were playing tag in the street. There is still so much life in Jerusalem, the Eternal City. There I was walking through the streets of Jerusalem with the sun setting. Like how many before me? The list is a long one. There I was. Wow, yeah, another moment to remember. I am so grateful for the experiences God gives me. He loves me.