Garden Tomb

 Today after church we took a field trip to the Garden Tomb

We aren't 100 % sure if this is the exact tomb Christ's body was laid to rest until he was resurrected, but I like what one of our tour guides said. He told us that we didn't necessarily have to be in the exact place to feel the spirit. And the spirit was indeed present as we sang hymns as a group.

Yesterday we went to the Western Wall to watch the Jewish begin their sabbath. First, it was great to finally be in the city during dark. I made my way to the wall and stared up at the stone wall that was contrasted with the dark sky. Second, It was amazing for me to see the excitement and dedication the jewish had in their faith. Even though they have a different religion than I do. They were still worshipping God. I can respect that. It's beautiful. With all of the different relgions, cultures, generations, God is still the same God yesterday, today and forever.

Another highlight of yesterday's day was the humanitarian project. We have them every Friday and they are definitely a party.

This picture was too great of Meg (center) to not put up

it's like she's thinking, "I'm just so happy. so happy. nothing better than this day"
She's just thriving on the moment

p.s. My friend, Sterling, is teaching me how to beat box. Family, be disappointed in me if I don't come back learning how to beat box.

Today as I walked around the city of Jerusalem I noticed how big of an impact the students of the Jerusalem Center that came before us have had here. Every where we go people say, “oh. You are de mormans”. And boom! Instant friendship.

Alladin for example (ah-la-dean. Not like Alladin and Jasmine). We walk into his money exchange shop and the first thing he does is hand me $40,000.

He made me give it back, but still. He loves mormons. There is this book in his store that past Jeru kids have signed and he calls it his book of Mormons.

I’m super grateful to already be respected because of everyone that has come before me. Thank you parents, Jacob brother, Brielle, and everyone else.

This weekend was busy. We visited the Dome of the Rock (built on Mt Moriah—the place Abraham traveled to sacrifice his son, Isaac).

We ran into a russian who needed help; luckily Mark served in Russia and was able to assist the woman.

I visited many sites that I’m sure I’ll visit again in the near future. I ended the weekend listening to Richard Elliot (Organ player for the Mormon tabernacle choir) play in the auditorium of the center.

p.s. I got to teach a primary class this weekend to the three coolest four year olds I know. One of them wouldn’t stop telling me how boring the lesson was—even though we colored and played hide and go seek. And the other one loved telling stories—there was one she told that had an odd resemblance to Home Alone…. I love those chillins.

Happy Sunday

"My dear young friends, this knowledge allows you to see your own reflection in the water. It assures you that you are not ordinary, rejected, or ugly. You are something divine—more beautiful and glorious than you can possibly imagine. This knowledge changes everything. It changes your present. It can change your future. And it can change the world."

--President Uchtdorf

"Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon, some come late and some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be alright in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come."

Jeffrey R. Holland

My friends from Uganda. Despite all they have been through the people there have the most incomprehensible love and faith in God.