Oh Jerusalem

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about my time in Jerusalem. I learned so much, met so many incredible people, and explored the most beautiful and interesting places. I fell in love with that city. I kind of want to go back. I went as far as thinking about the logistics of sneaking into a suitcase of the next group of BYU Jerusalem students that will be heading over there shortly. I know I would make it to the center eventually because BYU Jerusalem security happen to be excellent at locating lost luggage.

Today I did the next best thing to hopping on a plane headed to Tel Aviv. I saw the national geographic Jerusalem movie with my family in 3D. It was almost like walking through the Old City again, seeing so many of the places that I once explored and came to know so well. Plus I could share it with the people I love, although they weren’t beaming quite as brightly as I was when the lights came back on.

Emily was also excited about seeing the film and was happy to help hold Andrew’s ticket. Well she actually had no idea she had acquired a passenger in her hat and she was smiling at her grandma.

After the movie we went to a Princess Diana exhibit. Emily was very tired and unhappy for the first half so I missed some if the details about her childhood and engagement, but she had fallen asleep in her grandpa’s arms by the wedding portion. I had no idea her wedding dress had a 25 foot long train!


I knew very little about her life and it was neat to see letters she had written to those she worked with on her humanitarian projects and a prayer book Mother Theresa gave her. The exhibit came to a sobering end with footage from her funeral and Elton John’s Candle in The Wind playing. Even though she had a difficult life with many personal challenges and trials, she still did so much good with the time she was here. It really made me think about my own sphere of influence and if I am doing all the good I can.

Emily has been so much fun on this trip with lots of smiles and “talking”. Andrew and I realized that not only has she been gaining new skills but she also had been growing a lot. Before we left I unpacked the generous supply of clothes that we received in the 3-6 month size. We discovered some really cute outfits and a pair of shoes that Andrew’s grandma Jackson gave her.


And lastly, Christine painted our nails. She literally painted them, making cool designs and penguins. I think the last time I had fingernail polish on was 5 years ago and she painted them then too!