Turkish Delights

Turkey- I officially decided that Turkey is my new favorite place. The city of Istanbul was a great intro to Europe and its culture, the views are nothing short of breathtaking, and i have a new found love for Mosques and churches as well as the wonderful culture of Turkey. To call our recent adventure "delights" is simply an understatement.

Just chillin' in Istanbul, next to the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia. 

Dane and I inside the Blue Mosque

Ferry ride on the Bosphorus

Rachel, Makara, Erin, I, and SJ on the shores of Canakkale

Of course, the classic jumping pics at Troi

Pergamum

Assos- part of the journey's of Paul

Ephesus- See Bible Picture.

Jen makes a good headless statue

Looking out onto the ancient wonder of the world-The Temple of Artimas. 

After our Turkish adventures, we finally arrived home at the JC. I could definitely get use to coming home to Jerusalem. Life here just couldn't get better, i just love everyone here so very much, to say the least we are the closest of friends. I am learning and growing more than i ever could have imagined, I have the best of examples surrounding me everyday, and i feel like I am growing closer to my Savior. 

Greetings from the Gihon!

It was quite the adventure touring the city of David, and taking a little walk through Hezekiah's tunnel, all to end up in the pool of Siloam, literally on the very ground where Christ performed miracles.

A few days later we visited the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. 

The perfect way to spend a Sabbath afternoon, singing hymns at the Garden Tomb.

Shephelah...Rain...Harlots....Arabian Nights...Just Another Day

So...we headed out on our field trip to Shephelah, which was way cool, we visited Azekah(David and Goliath), Bet Shemesh, and Lachish. It was raining the whole day which actually made it an awesome day. Also... i played Samson in the reenactment, so you can watch the video on Huntsy's blog to see how well i fit the part of an awesome spiritual buff guy.

So...pretty average day...rain, food, fell in love with a harlot(http://huntsmansintheholyland.blogspot.com/) 

ok....Arab night, so fun!!! Anyone want to learn how dance Arab folk dance??? Because...I'm pro. 

And perhaps one of the best parts of the week, a few of us volunteered at an elementary school to help the kids with their English, and it was soooo much fun!!! I love those kids! 

Indiana Jones Ain't Got Nothin' On Us

Jordan...let me just say that we definitely gave the "adventures" of Indiana Jones a run for his money. From dance parties with the chefs at the hotel restaurant to seeing the city of Jerash to the sacred site of the Jordan River, Jordan put me far over my expectations.

A trip to Petra just wouldn't be complete if it weren't for a camel ride. Also, have you ever heard the noises that come out of a camel up close? well...its an experience you just can't afford to miss...

I must say, there are few sites that have been so exciting as walking through the siq with huge canyon walls to come out to one of the most 
incredible views I have ever seen. 

                                                                       Jordan River

 We went to the Roman Theatre in Amman and after a few live performances, we sang a few hymns as a group. 

 Indiana Jones?? No no...its just me.

Hot Tubbing in the Holy Land

Dane and I chillin in the hot tub at Herod's winter palace

The spring at Jericho, waters healed by Elisha

Wadi Qelt, Judean Wilderness

Great week so far!!! It's been quite the adventure. ok so monday we visited Herod's winter palace, Jericho, and Wadi Qelt. Such a great experience. My favorite place was definitely Wadi Qelt. It was just incredible to see where Jesus wandered for 40 days. I never thought of it as a place like this. Seeing it just gave me a whole new perspective on what He did, and most importantly why He came out here. It was great just to sit and reflect about when Christ was walking along that same place, and what that really meant. 

Way too good to be true...

This picture is looking out from Haas Promenade, this is the place where Abraham and Isaac would have had their first view of Mount Moriah, the place where Isaac was to be sacrificed. What a long journey this must have been for the father and son. 

Looking out onto Bethlehem

Well, im sorry i haven't been able to write a whole lot, i really don't have very much time but i will try to update every once in a while. Things are so great!!!! I love it here so much!!! This week has been really busy, we went on a field trip that overlooks the city from a bunch of different angles, which was really cool. It still hasn't hit me where i am, we will just read stories in the bible about all of these places then i look up and im like, oh...im here! so incredible!! I mean you always read about these stories and places but..its just...different here. Ummmm...oh and the other night we went and watched Josh(brother Ludlow's son) flag football game and cheered him on. Soooo fun! 

Welcome to the HOLY LAND

Sunset over the old city...I'm here!!!!! I can't believe it, i really can't believe that i'm here, after so long i finally made it!!! It is absolutely the most amazing place, and it's only the first day! i love it and i never want to leave!! Tomorrow we're going on a walk through the old city, i'm so excited. It seriously hasn't sunk in yet, walking out of my room and looking out on the city! Welcome to the Holy Land!!