Hello again from Jerusalem. A quick update from Friday night, and then I want to share what happened yesterday.
Friday night we were able to go with our Judaism teacher to a local synagogue to see them welcome in the shabbat (sabbath). It was kind of similar to what we'd seen at the wailing wall... just a bit more toned down and organized. It was a congregation of mostly American's, but the whole service was in Hebrew. What was interesting was that after the service when everyone was mingling they spoke American English. It was a beautiful service though, with them singing Psalms in Hebrew for most of the time.
Now to yesterday's sabbath. 4 of us students went along with the Allen's, the way cool service couple, to church at the Tel-Aviv branch about an hour away. 2 of the students spoke while Carrie & I sang a duet of "Jesus, Lover of My Soul". Then afterwards we got to mingle with the branch at a luncheon they had. I love small branches like that... there's much more of a sense of unity. We spent a few hours in the afternoon at a member's home who's originally from Holland. Her name is Marietta and she's been in the branch for a while, even remembering the Jerusalem Center being built. It was so cool to listen to her stories about staying in the JC bomb shelter during the Gulf War, or having Elder Holland visit her home. Then we went to another members home where we played with their kids for a little bit while Bro. Allen did some temple recommend interviews. Then as we were getting ready to leave, they realized we hadn't eaten dinner and made something for us. We were made to feel so welcome! Finally we went to a New Beginnings fireside where Carrie & I were asked to sing another duet, this time of "Come Unto Jesus". Then we drove home thru ridiculous traffic (there was a 5 car pile-up). Bro. Allen was getting tired driving, so we started singing some upbeat hymns and songs to keep the energy going. All in all... it was a great day. The church here is small, but I got to witness their great faith.
That was one of my favorite days of the whole trip. Wasn't it awesome to have an experience like that, just the four of us and the Allens? And those beautiful people. It felt so special. I quite enjoyed that long ride home, too.
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