July 28, 2007
Today we left with the students on a 4-day field trip to Jordan. The first place we stopped was Mt. Nebo where Moses saw the promised land but couldn’t enter. (see monument to the left). We thought the land looked pretty barren and forlorn.
We then took a 3-hour bus ride south to Petra and a hotel. The next morning we awoke early to walk to the entrance 
of Petra – one of the new “seven wonders of the world”, as of this very month. The walk there is down a gorge with cliffs rising straight up on both sides – it was a major trade route for the Middle East many centuries ago.
of Petra – one of the new “seven wonders of the world”, as of this very month. The walk there is down a gorge with cliffs rising straight up on both sides – it was a major trade route for the Middle East many centuries ago. After walking for maybe 30 minutes, suddenly there in front of you emerges a magnificent temple-like structure ('the Treasury") carved out of solid rock, complete with Greek architectural details. (picture to the left) It has been protected from the elements by the overhang. The details on the capitols are still in amazingly good condition. Petra was named one of the new "7 wonders of the world" in July 2007.
The area is filled with tombs carved out of the rock, which until recently had been inhabited by Bedoins. (see picture below) As we continued walking, there were tent stalls selling trinkets, jewelry, bags and other items. It was very hot and dusty, but so memorable.
July 29, 2007
From there we drove to Amman where we met in the LDS church building with the District President of Jordan and Egypt. There we had the sacrament, and heard the President speak of the progress of the church in his area. In the last 5 weeks he has had 5 e-mails from Muslims wanting to know about the church. Two of them wished to take a Book of Mormon to read. He told them he couldn’t do that but they were welcome to visit the church to read it any time. If they were Christian Arabs already, it was Ok for them to learn about the church. But if Muslims join the church it places them in great danger. He told us the leading Islamic authority in Egypt has said it is not a crime to change your religion, and that could have important implications for the rest of the Arab world.
July 30, 2007
Next we visited the Jabbock River where Jacob was to meet his brother Esau; and then to the River Jordan where Jesus was baptized. The rest of the day was free time.
July 30, 2007
Today we visited Jerash, the most impressive and extensive Roman ruin we’ve ever seen.
From there we drove to Amman where we met in the LDS church building with the District President of Jordan and Egypt. There we had the sacrament, and heard the President speak of the progress of the church in his area. In the last 5 weeks he has had 5 e-mails from Muslims wanting to know about the church. Two of them wished to take a Book of Mormon to read. He told them he couldn’t do that but they were welcome to visit the church to read it any time. If they were Christian Arabs already, it was Ok for them to learn about the church. But if Muslims join the church it places them in great danger. He told us the leading Islamic authority in Egypt has said it is not a crime to change your religion, and that could have important implications for the rest of the Arab world.
July 30, 2007
Next we visited the Jabbock River where Jacob was to meet his brother Esau; and then to the River Jordan where Jesus was baptized. The rest of the day was free time.
July 30, 2007
Today we visited Jerash, the most impressive and extensive Roman ruin we’ve ever seen.
We all sat in the huge well-preserved Roman amphitheatre with its stage and wonderful acoustics (similar to the Tabernacle on Temple Square). The students had Mariah Wilson get up and sing, then a male student sang something, then they asked Nate Bennion to sing. He stood and said he would sing if Sister Galbraith would join him!!
This was a total surprise to me….He borrowed Bob's straw hat and I took my umbrella as he walked with me down to the stage while explaining that I didn’t have to do anything, just be his partner as he sang. With me on his arm he began to sing the song from “Guys and Dolls” – Luck Be A Lady Tonight. I tried to act a little to the words he was singing, then we danced a little before we ended. Needless to say, it was great fun and a memory I’ll always have of Jerash. I have now made my debut on a Roman stage in Jordan!!
We looked around at the little shops there, and Bob bought a Jordanian rug made of camel’s hair. Then we took the bus to the Israeli border, got off the bus and drove a car home as the students continued on to Galilee for an 8-day stay.
August 4, 2007
Today, Shabbat, I wanted to go on a drive. We found our way to the Menachem Begin freeway and began driving. We actually ended in in Ein Kerem – a very quaint, pleasant “village” on the outskirts of Jerusalem. It is considered to be the birthplace of John the Baptist. We got out and began walking around – visiting St. John’s Monastery, and walking down some side streets. We saw several very nice homes with surrounding gardens – it was a quiet neighborhood and quite out of the way. It felt very different from noisy Jerusalem.
Today, Shabbat, I wanted to go on a drive. We found our way to the Menachem Begin freeway and began driving. We actually ended in in Ein Kerem – a very quaint, pleasant “village” on the outskirts of Jerusalem. It is considered to be the birthplace of John the Baptist. We got out and began walking around – visiting St. John’s Monastery, and walking down some side streets. We saw several very nice homes with surrounding gardens – it was a quiet neighborhood and quite out of the way. It felt very different from noisy Jerusalem.
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