One Word

Until more time presents itself, here are some one-word descriptions of my experiences so far.

Overall Experience: OVERWHELMING

Food: INTERESTING (I really miss my kitchen and might just become a vegetarian).

Roommates: FANTASTIC

City Smells: PUNGENT

Professor Judd: KNOWLEDGEABLE

Professor Stratford: ENTHUSIASTIC/FUNNY

Dr. Jackson: BRILLIANT

The Center: BEAUTIFUL

Prayer Call: FASCINATING

Homework: INTENSE

Weather: BREEZY

Professors' Children: ADORABLE

My Brain: FRAZZLED

My Heart: EXPANDING

I am honestly completely overwhelmed right now. There really is not a better word to describe what I am feeling. I love it here. I would be lying if I said otherwise, but I am overwhelmed with homework, emotion, and the overall experience of moving to foreign country with 81 other students.  

Jerusalem

I made it to Jerusalem! Jerusalem is breathtaking; words cannot adequately describe the grandeur of this city. It is alive. I felt overwhelmed in New York, awestruck in Rome, and important in DC, but I have never felt as alive as I do here. I can feel the intense emotion of hundreds of generations of people in the air. There is tension, devotion, and a spirit like no other. I am humbled to know that I am a guest in this Holy land where Christ dwelt and sacrificed His life for me. I am but one of millions who have joined in this grand pilgrimage to worship their almighty God. Together our lives make up the strands of a great tapestry that tells the story of this great city. Each life is important in creating the story of Jerusalem and each adds a bit of diversity to this amazing landscape.

I know I will face barriers of language, religion, and culture over the next 4 months. Some of these seem intimidating, yet as I look out over the city tonight, I am at peace. I am ready to accept these people for who they are. I will meet Muslims, Christians, and Jews; Israelis and Palestinians; and others from all around the world and I can't wait to take the time to get to know them and love as children of God regardless of their beliefs.

This city is amazing. It is already changing me and helping me grow into kinder, wiser, and more accepting Annie. It is the city of the peace. It holds a special witness of Christ. And it is now my 2nd home.

8 days

I am excited. For adventure. For experience. For everything the next 4 months holds in store.

(On my way to DC round 2)

I am nervous about meeting 82 new people. I've never been good in large groups, but I'm working on changing that. I figure I just need to be my happy, cheerful self and it will all be fine. Somehow I did just fine with 35 senate pages, 18 xela girls, and 29 officers. They all managed to become family and I know that will happen in Jeru too!

(Senate Pages Summer '10)

(Xela girls)

(officers)

I am grateful that this summer is coming to a close. It's been a long one and I've learned a lot about God's timing, the importance of families, parenting (that's right... I took nannying/chauffeuring/cooking/cleaning/etc to a whole new level), diy weddings, and service.

(spending time with my favorite little brother)

(one of the 9 kids I've spent my summer with)

As I prepare for all that's ahead, a verse of my favorite song from "Little Women" comes to mind.

"Here I go, and there's no turning back
My great adventure has begun
I may be small
But I've got giant plans
To shine as brightly as the sun."

Aside from packing, all I have left to do is get ready to embrace Jerusalem, its people, and its cultures because once I board that plane at 8:15 am next Tuesday there will be no turning back.

16 days

image via

In just over 2 weeks I will be sitting on the plane waiting for takeoff from JFK. The last physical leg of my journey to Jerusalem will have finally come. I will have said goodbye to my family, seen plots of farmland from the sky, listened to the quiet hum of the engine, and felt excitement seep through my veins as I come closer to the Holy Land. I'll be tired and nervous, but definitely not afraid to finally realize my lifelong dream. As I head east to a land where tension is high and and tradition reigns, I prepare myself to look for peace. I know it exists (although many disagree) and I know I will find it. This blog will become a place where I can document those discoveries. I will find peace in the eyes of little children, in kindness from strangers, in an innocent smile, in quiet acts of service. Although dark clouds are gathering on the horizon, there is still light, hope, and peace and I am determined to share what I find in hopes of spreading that light.