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!