Pulling Out All The Stops

A very wonderful elf once proudly proclaimed, "I'm in love! I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!"  I now relate on a whole new level with Buddy for I too am in love.  I am in love with a city called Tel Aviv.  Would you like to hear our story?

We met on a bright Sunday morning and it was love at first sight.  I stepped off the buss and was immediately captivated by Avy's (yes, I gave the city a pet name) sandy beaches, foamy blue water, and city charm.  From that moment on, I knew that not only was it going to be a superb day, but that Avy would forever hold a place in my heart. (insert girlish awwwww).

Aren't we a cute couple?

Super excited to spend the rest of our lives together!

Avy and I got along great right from the get go.  We laughed and squealed as we splashed each other with water.  I got soaked and had to walk around all day as my jeans and shoes slowly dried.  But I didn't mind. 

To the left you can see that we both share a passion for art.  I don't think I've ever connected so deeply with anyone(thing) before.  I think the feeling must have been mutual.  Walking through and perusing the flea market in old Jaffa I felt as though Avy opened up to me all of her secrets.  The inner workings of her city soul.  

A flea market is very enlightening to browse through.  Not only are the items interesting, but the people who are selling them as well.  There are the charismatic, who want you to buy anything and everything, the desperate, who are wrinkle worn and appreciate any purchase made, and the indifferent, who play backgammon on crates and don't bother moving when they see you eyeing the merchandise. 

After our little heart to heart, Avy and I shared a lunch while looking over the pristine Mediterranean Sea.  I had a couple of peta sandwiches and an orange and Avy cleverly blew a strong wind, stealing one of my tomatoes out to her foamy waters.

The sun was shining, the sky was blue, the weather was perfect, so the JC students slipped into their swimsuits and went swimming in the Mediterranean... nbd.  I didn't bring a suit (the wether forecast said it would be cold and rainy) so I stayed on the beach and admired the beauty of my new love.  

Doing so, I noticed another very attractive feature of my dear Avy.  Everyone gets along with her.  She brings joy to everyone around her.  The beach was populated with happy people (but it wasn't too crowded, a nice plus).  Families gathered to play in the waters... letting many of their young children to run about in their birthday suits.  And my dear friends and I had an absolute blast.  We never stopped laughing.  It's a great relief to know that all of my friends approve of my new relationship.

Our time at the beach ended and I soon realized that my time with Avy was coming to an end. So to speed up our pace and absorb as much of the city as possible, a group of us rented bikes for about two hours.  We chose the perfect time to do so for the sun was beginning to set.  I think Avy must really like me, otherwise why would she give me such a wonderful gift?  We biked along the boardwalk, through old Jaffa and the pier, through a park, up a beautiful green hill with a magnificent view, and into the city where all the locals were dressed up and partying as they celebrated the Jewish holiday Purim.                                                                
Nothing but happiness and bliss ran through me.  The every day sights were made awe-inspiring as the sun's rays made them glow.  Colors became so rich and the most average of objects appeared to be glazed in gold.  Words cannot express my friends.  Add a delicious dinner to then end and you have the perfect date.  I became very attached to Avy in that one day, and I think she didn't want me to leave either because, in spite, she gave me a bright red sunburned face.  Love hurts sometimes.

The next day was just as busy as the last.  Neot Kedumim is, in a sense, a biblical reserve.  In one location they have all of the plants mentioned in the bible, as well as cisterns, and biblically related activities.  I herded sheep people!!!

Sheep and goats to be more specific.  It took us a few tries, but eventually we got the hang of it.  We also made our own sitar...or something similar to it.  Basically we smashed up a bunch of weeds until they were powder, then poured it into tiny plastic bags.  We all felt like cocaine addicts.

They showed us how they harvested crops and made olive oil in biblical times.  It was all very interesting and I'm sure my mom would have thought it was a gold-mine of seminary information, but after having such an active day before, I started getting tired at the end.  But we arrived at the JC with several mission calls waiting for us.  That got our energy up again.  We now have had twelve mission calls this semester and one more coming this week.  Countless others will be arriving this semester.  Woot Woot!

The day came to a close the way every Monday should... with FHE.  Being the best mother I could, I scheduled an organ lesson for my little family with Brother Squires.  The Squires are the cutest little couple ever.  Sister Squires directs the branch choir and Brother Squires plays the organ.  Sadly, they are leaving us next Monday, so I had to make sure we got to have our own one on one time with the best organ player ever before they were gone.

We each had a chance to play the best and largest organ in the Middle East.  I played my favorite hymn, Come Come Ye Saints while others played Hot Cross Buns  and Mary Had A Little Lamb.  See, mom!  I still have some piano skills.  Anyways, we were then treated to a beautiful and incredible performance by Brother Squires.  It was amazing.  The JC is loosing two remarkable individuals.

Paint Me A Rainbow

"Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

-Pablo Picasso

Last sunday I got to participate in painting a mural in a local school for disabled children.  It was designed by Lindsay (second from the left) who will soon be applying for the illustration program.  We were actually in the same figure drawing class last semester but did not really know each other until we met here.  What a small world.  I painted in the last shift.  There were two shifts before mine where all the "non-artists" painted/outlined the solid colors.  Then my shift (the art majors) followed and added detail.  As you can see we didn't finnish.  We will be going back in March and will hopefully only need one extra day.  Fun fact: This was not my first time painting a mural.  When I was fifteen or so I babysat for a local artist who was in my ward.  Knowing that I loved art and was fairly good at it (I hadn't decided to major in it yet) she invited me to help her work on a mural she was commissioned to paint while also keeping an eye out for her son.  It was so much fun, time flew by, and I got to paint my name in a rival high school!

I couldn't fit in on the sides without covering up more of the mural.  Solution = awkward position on the dirty floor

Thursday I was able to go and visit the Church of the Ascension and the Church of St. Mary Magdalene (which is affectionately nicknamed The Onion-Spired church).  Both are Russian Orthodox.  

It was such a beautiful day.  The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and I couldn't stop smiling.... but I've been told lately that I never stop smiling so that one probably doesn't count.  What I love the most about living in Jerusalem is that there are so many peaceful places to visit.  Sure, you might have to walk a block or two through busy, noisy streets, but when you get there, it's as though the outside world doesn't exist.  Leisurely walks among the wildflowers, soft breezes at just the right moment, no need to be anywhere or do anything; theses things make a perfect day.  

I love being with people.  Each person is so unique in personality, thoughts, mannerisms, and I love getting to discover it all.  I love dancing and laughing with these people and sharing all of these amazing adventures with them.  However, there comes a time when I need remove myself from the noise and bustle.  To be able to sit on a bench, under a shady tree, in a quite park, and have a thoughtful conversation with a friend, or simply sit together in silence.  Now that is sublime.

I was recently asked if there was one thing that got me more excited then anything else.  It took me awhile to come up with an answer.  I get excited about a lot of things: recognizing a song on the radio,  passing a cleaning check, getting a notification on Facebook, opening mission calls, trying new food, the list goes on.  But I nothing jumped out as me as more exciting than everything else.   

By George I've got it!

Then it hit me.  In fact, I'm fairly certain that somewhere in the recesses of my cranium a tiny little light bulb turned on.  It was so obvious and clear.  I love life!  Life is what gets me excited!  How could it not?  Life is the most exciting adventure there is!  Everything about it is wonderful.  We live in a beautiful world that we get to go out into everyday.  We live in a work of art.  The sky, flowers, trees, mountains, animals, and even mankind's architectural feats.  Every noise, smell, and taste that we experience, wether good or bad is incredible all on it's own.  As Americans, we are free to do whatever we want.  We as human beings can accomplish anything!  The world is at our fingertips and we can do whatever we want with it.

Now think about just what one person can do.  What you can do. All of your ideas and dreams and goals.  Doesn't that get you excited?  Now imagine that applying to everyone in the world.  Who has lived and will yet live.  Each individual has such potential.  I can't even comprehend what all can be brought about by such amazing people.  The idea is simply fantastic.  Then, when you put a spiritual perspective on it all it gets even better!  We are children of God and each of us have the potential to become Gods.  That is no small thing!  And knowing that this life we are in now is meant to teach us and train us for that time makes it so much more meaningful and exiting!!!

That is what life is.  All of it.  The good, the bad, and even the ugly.  It's all exciting and I love every moment of it.  My greatest wish is for everyone to realize this as well.  It makes it so much more enjoyable!

I'm the tiny little speck on the stairs

  

The steps leading up to St. Mary Magdalene

It's not "un"inspired, just "onion"spired

Behold, your future General Authorities... jk jk

Once we were done taking the superb pictures you see above, we strolled on over to the old city.  As you can imagine, the old city is filled with tourist attractions.  Places to see, things to buy, and reenactments to do.  One of these such reenactments (if that's even a proper term for it) is called Via Dolorosa (the painful road).  There are seven traditional spots in the old city that follow the path the Savior must have taken as he carried the cross to Calvary.  Tourist can buy a pass/ticket/whatever you want to call it and get the opportunity to carry a cross of their own through this same path.  Not until Thursday had I seen anyone participate in this venture.  Although I don't think I will do it myself, I think it is a great idea and probably a very moving experience.

Thursday night we celebrated Seder, a.k.a. the Jewish Passover.  We didn't go through the whole process because it would have taken forever but we hit on all the major traditions/rituals.  To sum it all up, lots of singing and reading happened and I became extra glad that I chose to learn Hebrew instead of Arabic.  

Shalom everybody!

The Land of Forbidden Love

I can think of no other holiday that creates such mixed yet strong emotions as Valentines Day.  On one side of the spectrum there are those who think V-day is the most wondrous day of the year.  They wear rose tinted glasses, hand out chocolate kisses to everyone they pass, and throw open the shutters to sing to the birds each morning.  On the other side of the spectrum future spinsters and video game addicts argue that it is a pointless holiday that conceited people, who constantly need to be told how much they are loved, celebrate.  And in the middle live those who believe that Valentines day is just a conspiracy started by Hallmark as an excuse for more card sales... but the chocolate makes it all right.

One of the most riotous guys here at the JC.
He is a hoot and a holler my friends.

What is my stance on a holiday covered in hearts?  You'll find me lounging about somewhere in between the conspiracy theorists and bird singers.  I have nothing against V-day.  I have no personal need for it, but if I see a lovely couple exchanging gifts then I will smile and be happy for them as I shovel down a chocolate cake baked for one.  However, I will admit that the crazy elaborate valentines and human sized teddy bears are uncalled for. What is a person supposed to do with a teddy bear that is bigger then them?  Use it as a guest bed?

I've never had a horrid V-day because I never had any expectations to meet.  Lovey-Dovey or otherwise.  For similar reasons, the JC is the perfect environment to celebrate a harmless Valentines day.  If you care to know the secret, it's three simple yet beautiful words.  No Dating Allowed.  Now I know it must strike fear in my parents hearts to hear their eldest daughter speak so fondly of being single.  Don't worry, I have every intention of getting married.  I simply ask that everyone remains calm while I try to explain myself.  

  

My philosophy when meeting the oh so mysterious members of the opposite sex is to be friends first, if something more comes out of it then great!  Go celebrate with a bottle of sparkling grape juice.  But if not, then you still have an awesome friendship.  I believe that many of the other students here have also taken this initiative to heart.  Everyone here is amazing and no one wants to miss out on being friends with such cool cats because they've spent all of their time cooing over someone that it might not even work out with in the end.  So while everyone is keeping secret tabs on who they want to look up when they get back to the real world, we all remain friends with everybody and form our own, close knit family.  Isn't that the perfect way to celebrate such a holiday?  Instead of couples pairing off and whispering sweet nothings into each others ears while the forever aloners watch in suffering silence, everyone wrote funny, sweet, and even heartfelt notes to each other.  Each of us had 81 valentines this year.  What a great atmosphere to be in.  I loved it and thrive in it.

So as not to ruin the friendly atmosphere, we had an anti-slow song dance.  It was a hot and sweaty mess!  But that didn't stop us from taking photos and having fun.  We Gangnam styled our inhibitions away and were kissed goodnight by the rays of a most spectacular sunset.  It was a good day. 

-My apologies for being so late on this post.  It has been difficult to find time to write everything down.  I still have much to write on and will do my best to update you soon.

Doodley-doo

I am an art major.  Illustration to be exact.  And one of the first tips I picked up on how to be a starving artist is that you must have an art blog.  It's practically required.  Everyone I know in the major has one.  All of my professors direct us to professional artists that have them, and apparently, it's actually a great way to get work (if you become popular enough).  So here is my thought process:  I have a blog -- I have some artistic ability -- I like money -- what harm could it do?  At the very least it provides a way for family and friends to follow my progression through school.  So, without further ado, I present just a few of my doodles from my Jerusalem sketchbook.

After our trip to Jordan, in which every Bedouin woman haggled us to buy jewelry,  trinkets, and even rocks, I felt compelled to create this t-shirt design.

After realizing that I was only drawing cartoons and hadn't done anything realistic since last semester, I became determined to try a few live sketches.  So (while still paying attention to the lecture) I now take the first ten-ish minutes of class to pick a fellow student and creepily stare at them while completing a rough sketch of their profile.  Ten minutes and no more.  Very rough indeed.

Since I'm not taking any actually art classes this semester I felt the need to challenge myself somehow.  So I packed a little watercolor kit and told myself that every week I would paint a picture.  Disclaimer: I have never done watercolor before so everything is experimental.  That is where the true challenge lies. It has been very interesting, as well as frustrating to test out different color combinations and techniques.  Here are a few of my attempts.

Last week a few of us went to Gethsemane.  Here's my quick interpretation.  I also snagged a bit of lavender from the site.  It smells wonderful.

Shiny Rocks and Spelunking

Have you ever had a day that ends with a great sense of pride for all that you've accomplished coupled with an overwhelming desire to slide into a rose petal bubble bath and fall asleep to a harp playing in the background?  Sunday was one of those days for me.  Sunrise yoga was canceled but so as to not loose my new heath habit, my roommate, Amber, and I got up early to work out and lift weights.  Turns out I've been lying to people when I say I can lift 350....  I'm just a little below that.... who knew right?  Right after that I scarfed down breakfast and joined a group heading towards the Temple Mount.  Before, all I had seen of the Dome of the Rock was the view from my apartment window (which is still awesome).  Getting up close and personal is an artistic delight.  The mosaics that cover the mosque are bright, ornate, and remind me of Life of Pi.  Much to my dismay, our photo snapping time was cut short.  Normally, the public hours end at 10:30am but around ten they started ushering us out.  I guess they can close whenever they like.  If only I could do that with my Ancient Near East papers.  "You know, I don't feel like turning in my site report today.  I'll wait a week or two just for good measure."

As we were getting kicked out, we snagged a quick pick like professional tourists.

 After we were kicked out of the Temple Mount we perused the old city for odds and ends.  I bartered like a pro, getting one man to take down a price from 350 shekels ($87) to 50 ($12).  350 shekels!  How ridiculous is that!  I was actually a bit offended that he took me to be such a dolt.

With our few purchases in hand we headed over to Omar's.  Omar's is THE PLACE to get olive wood carvings.  If you're fine with mediocre then any other shop would do but I LOVE craftsmanship.  Omar started carving wood when he was eight years old.  He taught himself everything that he knows.  When I first met him, he told me that he spent seven years just studying faces.  You can tell it in his work.  When comparing it to others, his figures have much more expression and personality.  It is amazing... and expensive.  Being in his tiny, one room shop makes me wish I was filthy rich so I could buy all that I see.

When two o'clock rolled by we found our way to the Pools of Bethesda.  The problem with visiting ruins in Israel is that they all look the same.  As cool as the background may be, I tend to forget it because one new site looks just like the last one.   However, we were all very excited to see the pools because it is directly mentioned in the New Testament, John 5:1-15.  

I walked where the Savior walked.  Sure I can say that about all Jerusalem, but as I will explain later on, that is not necessarily true.  Here we can say for certain that He was there.  He performed miracles there.  And I got to sing there.  Yes, you read right.  I sung there.  Located on sight is a beautiful church that we stepped into for some pondering time.  While there, a southern Baptist tour group came in and I spoke to a few of them.  Boy did that bring back memories of Kentucky.  In fact, just listening to their extremely strong accents cause me to, unconsciously mind you, slip into a little southern drawl myself.  They got really excited when they heard it and I had a hard time trying to convince them that I didn't really have an accent.

Anyways, they invited us to join them with their singing which was quite fun.  I didn't recognize some of the songs, but it certainly was entertaining to hear all of their mix matched voices attempt to blend.  Then they got up to leave and it was our turn to show them what us mega talented mormons can do.  The eight of us gathered in a circle and sung hymns that vibrated off the high arches of the church.  I don't mean to be prideful, but we sounded awesome.  Mormons can harmonize no matter what the number.  But the best part was listening to the words of each hymn come back to us.  Because of the echo, you have to pause in between phrases so as to keep the sound clear.  It creates a perfect atmosphere for really listening to the words we sing and the meaning behind them instead of getting through the song as quickly as possible.  Considering our location, it was unparalleled.

I'm gaining the ability to fall asleep anywhere 

The smaller pools of Bethesda.  Around here is where the Savior healed the paralytic  

We got back to the center a little after three and at five I went to a conditioning class.  One of the security guards is also a physical trainer so he started these conditioning classes for those of us less fit individuals who want to build up stamina.  It's completely optional and even though I already worked out I figured YOJO and went anyways.  People, I AM STILL SORE!  It is difficult for me to sit down without my thighs burning, and there is another class tomorrow!  But it feels good.  And don't think that I hurt just because I'm generally a slouch.  Oh no.  Everyone was in pain after that class and are still.  To top it off, I ended the night with a session of Yoga.

Summary of the day:

1. 6:30 am: early morning workout
2. 7:30 am: breakfast
3. 8:45 - 3:30 pm: out in the city (with my flat-ish feet, that means a lot of arch pain)
4. 5 pm: Conditioning class of sweat and pain
5. 6 pm: Dinner
6. 8 pm: yoga

Bubble bath I wish!

The next morning we had to wake up early to tour The City of David (in case you haven't caught on, Monday is field trip day).  Clarification time: modern day Jerusalem is not the same as Jesus, King David, or even Nephi Jerusalem.  Their Jerusalem is the City of David.  It's hard to explain without pointing it out on a map, but modern Jerusalem, while still old, was added after their time.  Also, whenever the city was taken over or destroyed (which sadly happened often) they would simply rebuild on top of the rubble of the previous buildings.  So the ground itself has actually risen from the ancient Biblical times.  That is why many of the ruins we go to appear to go down into the ground instead of sitting on top of it.  Archeologists had to dig them out.  So not only am I walking just a bit further off from where the Savior actually was, but His footprints are several... yards below mine.

But the City of David is the real deal.  David, Samuel, Solomon, and Isaiah all lived and walked here.  So many conversations/stories in the Bible occurred here.   And let's not forget Nephi and his family.  We were abel to point out the general area where his family most likely lived and where the caves were that he and his brothers probably hid in when they went back for the Brass Plates.  Oh, and this is all jus a mile from where I live.

Moving past how cool my life is right now, we not only got to see possibly the worlds oldest toilet, but we also walked through Hezikiah's tunnel, which is an ancient, underground water system used during the time of King David (there are a lot more details behind it but I don't remember them all right now.  I'm sure Wikipedia has all the information you need).  This tunnel is narrow, short, and yes, still filled with freezing water.  Luckily for us it didn't go above the waist, but if anyone was feeling tired before, they were wide awake after stepping into that water.  I recommend for adventurous, not for the claustrophobic.

The tunnel lead out to an area that is believed to be the Pool of Siloam.  In John 9:1-12 it tells the story of Jesus healing a man who was blind from Birth.  Part of that involved the man washing in the Pool of Siloam.  I won't go into further detail, but I do suggest reading the story and imagining yourself there.  Awitness to the events.  We discussed it while sitting by the pool and it was a very touching moment.

It's hard to see, but my pants are soaking wet up to my fingers

Standing in front of the Pool of Siloam.

Viva la TACKY

That is my mantra for the semester.  Every Sunday morning (for those who don't know, since Saturday is our Sabbath that is when we hold our church services and Sunday is our free day) I wake up at six in the morning to join a yoga group.  Side note: since being here, the latest I have slept in is eight o'clock.  I'm quite proud of myself for not sleeping in any further... not that I have a choice.  If you're not up early enough then you don't get breakfast.  Anyways, one of the girls here instructs us in our "Sunrise Yoga" session.  I have never done yoga before so I thought I would give it a shot.  We have a saying here: YOJO.  You're only in Jerusalem Once.  Might as well try everything.  So she recommended that we create a mantra to think about.  After much pondering, I landed on Viva la Tacky.

Believe me, it makes sense.  No longer do I care what I wear or look like.  With such a little wardrobe, I have put together some strange outfit combos in desperation to mix things up.  There are some days where I look like a hot mess, but I honestly don't care anymore.  It's great and nobody cares.  But I've realized, that if I purposely embrace the tackiness of how I look, it makes everything more fun.  It's like I put on a character each day, and for those who know me well, when I'm given a character... I live it up!  Due to this, I highly doubt that a single attractive, or even normal, picture had been taken of me so far.  VIVA LA TACKY!!!!!

Last Sunday the party didn't start until the sun set.  I hadn't had a chance to go out in West Jerusalem at night yet, so I found a group and we headed out.  We all split up into smaller groups (still following the rule of three) and went to different places to eat.  My latest craving lead us to a grill were we got some delicious burgers.  I and another girl split the house special which is quite a large burger made of both beef and lamb.  YUMMY!!!  Afterwards we perused the local shops, I educated the guys on proper male fashion, and then we met up with the rest of our gang for what was my very first gelato.

Lamb+Beef=Drool

On monday we had an all day field trip.  It was long, hot, and I emerged with a sunburn the shape of a watermelon slice on the back of my neck and an even brighter Rudolph nose.  Nonetheless, the sights we visited were pretty neat.

We visited the area of Samson and got to discus his story on site.  Fun fact about Eden:  The story of Samson is my favorite Old Testament story.  It has been since I was nine years old.  We also went to Azekah, which is an overlook of the area where the battle between the philistines and Israelites occurred and David took down Goliath.  While there we had our own reenactment of the momentous battle.  It was Broadway worthy.

See what I mean by wardrobe malfunction?

I'm sure I've said it before, and I will probably say it again, but it is a perplexing experience to go to all of these sites.  When visiting places like Nauvoo, it is easy to make the connection that the early LDS saints lived there because it wasn't too long ago.  Our minds can wrap around that idea.  But going to such and ancient place takes more brain power.  For one thing, there is nothing left except for piles of rocks that resemble ancient walls.  Trying to imagine homes with children playing in them, bustling streets and markets, people living out their lives, it is strange.  And that is coming from someone who has a very active imagination.  I things that because these stories happened so long ago, and we are taught them so often, they tend to become just that.  Stories.  Tall tales that parents teach their children to help them learn how to be good people.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not complaining.  As children that is what we need.  But as we get older, there is so much more we can learn from this history when we realize that it really did happen.  It opens new doors for understanding.  I'm not saying that I now completely understand the Bible in its entirety; far from it.  But it certainly adds more to our studies.

Anyways, looking out at the field where we know for an absolute fact David met Goliath, it was interesting to think that if we wound back the clock several thousand years, we would be witnessing the actual event.  We went to many more interesting locations in which battles took place, but also got to see some neat underground housing, as well as old tombs with beautiful fresco paintings.

We're in Jerusalem Baby!

If you are ever in the dumps or could use some cheering up, sit in a chair and have four strapping young men lift you up over and over agin.  It's quite exhilarating.  In our Hebrew class on Wednesday it was a girls birthday and that's how they celebrate it in Jewish culture.  So she got into a chair and four guys lifted her up five times (normally you do it the amount/age she is turning, but that would have taken too long), while we all sang Happy Birthday in Hebrew.  The story doesn't end there.  There was a second Hebrew class after mine and the teacher wanted to do the same thing in there but the birthday girl sipped out.  So the teacher began to ask for volunteers.  I JOKINGLY said that it was my half birthday next week (which is true) and she jumped on it.  I tried to get out of it but she insisted.  So I went in, sat in the chair, and four stripling warriors (that part was nice) lifted me up over and over again while the class sang He.  Let me tell ya, it's quite a rush.  I think I'm going to request that more often.

My genie pants help me achieve inner peace

Arab Culture night!!! In its honor we all dressed up in our finest Arab garb.  Mine consisted of Genie pants and a fancily arranged scarf.  I looked like Aladdin... not a very accurate Arab.  As part of the activities that night two men came to speak to us.  Actually, they didn't speak directly to us.  They spoke in Arabic and the Arabic teacher translated for them.  These two men are some of the best Koran readers.  Their family has been reading the Koran for 500 Years.  If any of you have heard an official reading of the Koran you know that it has a very musical quality to it, but do they do not call this singing.  The reason these two men, father and son, and the rest of their family are allowed to read the Koran to the public is because it requires a certain type of voice that they posses.  Others can recite the Koran, but it does not sound the same.  That is how they are able to make a career out of it.  No one else can read it the way they do.  They read a chapter of the Koran for us and it does have a certain quality to it that would be very hard to mimic.

The father told us how he began reading the Koran.  When he was seven years old, in his words, a miracle occurred.  He started to sing.  His father and grandfather (who also read the Koran) noticed this and that he had a beautiful voice.  So they started to teach him the Koran.  It took him five years to memorize the entire Koran.  He also went to school to learn the teachings, rules, meanings of the Koran and how to sing it in such a special way that no one else can.  So much goes into what appears to be a simple practice.

They also recited the Call to Prayer which we hear five times a day.  With this, they also showed us how Muslims pray during Call to Prayer.  It is quite a process considering they have to do it five times a day.  The praying doesn't consist of anything outrageous, it simply has a lot of repetition that takes some time to go through.

Among the questions that we asked them was what Muslims beliefs about Jesus Christ were.  I found this very interesting.  They believe that Christ was born o the Spirit of God.  He is NOT Allah's son.  He was a great prophet who was not killed, but taken up into Heaven and will return at the end of the world.  Muslims do believe that Christ is the Messiah, but that he is also human.  The number one rule that they have, and is what they recite in their Call to Prayer, is that there is only one God and that is Allah.  There cannot be another God, so therefore, Christ is not Allah's son, just a human born of His spirit.  Very interesting stuff, no?

Then we got to EAT!  I love getting to try new food and being here has been great in that for that purpose.  There is no way I would get to try food like this back home because the rest of the little Lance-lets would utterly refuse anything like it.  We had rolled grape leaves, stuffed carrots, stuffed chicken, stuffed artichoke, lamb shoulder with fruit sauce, oriental salad, and so much more goodness!!! I was stuffed (see what I did there).

YOJO!

Next came my special forte, the dancing.  Some dance instructors came in (they actually looked to be about Mckenzie's age) and taught us an Arab group dance in which we do fancy footwork while in a circle holding hands.  FHE activity for when I get back home?  I think so.  The rest of the night (which ended at eight pm) was a big dance party.  Dancing in genie pants is so much fun.  It brings out my Hammer Time dance moves which became an instant hit among the general public.