I decided that instead of posting more pictures this time, I would just write a little reflection on my time here. Really, this is more for myself than it is for anybody who still reads this.
When I got on the plane at the end of August, I had no idea what was ahead of me. Now that I’m coming up to the end of the semester, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I’m going to answer the question, “How was Jerusalem?” There is so much that I’ve learned and experienced in the past three months that makes it really difficult to answer that question.
There are so many aspects of my semester here and I’ve been impacted by all of them. I’m writing a brief synopsis of each aspect so that I’ll remember later and so that you can ask more specific questions when I get home. J
CLASSES – The classes I’ve had here are unlike any classes I’ve had before. My Physical Settings and Ancient Egypt classes have made reading the Bible a lot easier for me. I can understand the setting of the Bible a lot better and the people seem a lot more real. My Christian Communities class has given me a broader perspective of the Body of Christ. It isn’t just Protestant America. I also have a Rabbinic Thought class taught by a Jewish Rabbi. This class has taught me about Judaism and made me think about the role the people of Israel have today.
BEING IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY – This has had a big role in my experience this semester. I’m convinced that spending 3 months in a different country with a different culture, away from close friends and family does a lot to mature anyone. I’ve definitely noticed this in myself and in the other people here. It really forces you to figure out who you are and what in the world you are doing with your life.
VOLUNTEERING IN PALESTINE – Not only am I spending 3 months in a different culture, I spend half of a day every week in another setting and culture. Helping Arab kids learn Scripture and math on Wednesday afternoons has given me a broader perspective on the Israel – Palestine conflict. I walk by the separation wall every week and read the messages written in graffiti, looking for recent cries for freedom.
MY QUIET TIME WITH GOD – I was expecting this aspect of my semester in Jerusalem to be the easiest, but I was very wrong. I’m not going to go into much detail here, but I will say that what God has been teaching me here is very ironic.
THE PEOPLE AT JUC – I’ve become good friends with people here on campus. We’ve spent the past 3 months together and our time is coming to a close. I already know it will be hard to say goodbye to my friends when we head to the airport in December. These people are the only ones who will truly understand my experiences here, and there are so many inside jokes that no one will get when I go back home. I’m thankful for the chance to get to know the people here and hope that a lot of my friendships are continued back in the States.
