The Separation Wall

We've had a lot of awesome discussions on the Israel-Palestine conflict here. Our program includes lectures from many people involved in education, media, government, and even our own professors.

A couple of weeks ago I had a long conversation with a fellow student as we tried to solve the problem. Mainly it was him throwing out ideas and me telling him why it wouldn't work. His most innovative suggestion was buying the Israelis another country of their own, specifically in SE Texas along the Gulf of Mexico. Our semester of education has taught me that it would never work, but its an interesting thought.

We've had a ton of guest speakers come who have been involved in all parts of the Jerusalem community. Some have said the 2 state solution is the only thing that will work. Others have said that the 2 state solution would never work. I'm still formulating my own opinion. My New Testament professor gave a devotion in which he said peace will never come to the Holy Land until the Prince of Peace returns.

A few days ago we went with one of our politically involved guest speakers to see the separation wall. The thing about this impressive looking wall is that it runs right through a Palestinian neighborhood. If the goal was to separate Palestinians from Palestinians, then they did a good job.

The wall has caused tons of problems, because it has blocked the people on the outside from the hospitals (a minor heart attack is usually fatal because there are no hospitals near enough), from adequate public-service funding (the public schools are crowded and neglected; the example he gave us was of kids having to walk on the wall to wall desks to use the bathroom during class), and from jobs in Jerusalem (You worked in the city? not anymore). Our guest speaker expressed that the wall is more a political statement than anything. 

I'm no expert on the subject, but since being here I've leaned so much about the conflict. I don't feel so bad that I've found no solution because a lot of people smarter than me have thought about it and come up short over the last 100+ years.

Jordan!!

Last week we had a 4 day trip to Jordan! Another place where I never thought I'd go but I ended up just loving. 

We bused there the first day and visited place like Mt. Nebo, where we understand Moses was translated according to the Book of Mormon, and Machaerus where Herod's birthday party was before he ordered the execution of John the Baptist.

The view from Herod's palace at Machaeus

Our second day we went to Petra! By far my favorite day of the trip (and the most exhausting day). We got to run all over, hike up places, ride camels, explore ruins, and have a real great time. 

 We spent a good hour and half hiking up to this monastery. 800+ steps to the top! It was exhausting but seeing this monastery was so worth it!

2 of my beautiful roommates!

 3 dollar camel ride in a circle was so awesome! Memory of a lifetime!

Our third day we went to the Jabbok River where in Genesis 32, Jacob wrestled with an angel. We also went to Gilead (as in Balm of Gilead!) and Jerash which is the best preserved Roman city in the world. They had huge theaters there, cool temples, and many places to explore. 

Typical bathroom line. We definitely spend more than our share of the time waiting in line!

 At the Jabbok River with a devotional by Professor Schade, my Old Testament teacher. He is easily the best professor I've ever had.

One of the temples at Jerash (there were a lot of those!)

Our last day in Jordan was spent traveling home, but we did get to stop in some cool places. We went to the Jordan River at the traditional spot where Jesus was baptized. The river Jordan is plagued with these terrible flies, so we spent most of the time swatting, but the devotional we had there about Christ and his perfect example was so moving. We sang Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There" with an emphasis on the first line of the song; doesn't hurt that the rest of the song is awesome too :)

 We had to smile for pictures quick before the flies moved in, but it was a great experience to see the River Jordan!