Western Wall-Way Wonderful

 This is the St. George Monastery in the Wadi Kilt...a large canyon where Christ fasted for 40 days. 

 We're definitely in the desert.  This is the road to Jericho were the "Good Samaritan" story took place. 

As we were doing homework in the dreary library....my roommate Kelsey burst in and made us run out to capture the sunset over the city....I don't remember who those people are but this is our view from the Jerusalem Center.

We had a really awesome experience tonight at the Western Wall. It's the Western Wall of the old destroyed temple. It is sacred for Jews around the world and is especially busy on Sabbath eve. To be respectful woman are asked to approach their segregated area with a scarf over their head. I was touched at the reverence of a lot of the woman. People really are searching for solace and God in all parts of the world. Many bring a prayer written on a piece of paper and they cram it into the old wall rivets. Most of the women will then walk backwards from the wall as to not "turn their backs on the wall." The destruction of Herod's temple in 70 AD devasted Jews who were dispersed around the world and transformed Judaism and how they worship. The temple mount is the most sacred place on earth but the Muslims own the temple now. This is the closest place to their ancient temple and so it is constantly being visited. There were thousands of people there tonight. The sides are divided for the men and women and all of us girls from the JC were congregated together. We were all adorned with our skirts and scarf/veils and suddenly I noticed that some of my friends were doing Jewish dances. A huge group of Jewish (?) Argentine girls our age were teaching them. Of course I joined in....come on....let a cultural bonding moment pass me by. Never! It was the best! Singing "Shabbat Shalom!" (Welcome Sabbath) and laughing like little schoolgirls. If you are asking yourself, "Did Synthia talk to these girls in Spanish after and feel extremely happy?" Well your answer would be....Bing Bing Bing....Yes! I felt a bit shy.....kidding....but sadly I had to rush back to the bus and couldn't exchange email addresses. ha ha...no pass along card allowed in the Holy Land.

After Michelle, my sweet roommie, and I organized, talked and bonded in our room for a few hours for our Friday night fun. It was so relaxing and chill.

Michelle and I....she's so wonderful!