Sobering

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  Jerusalem, Israel
Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Today we spent our time looking at modern Jerusalem. It was a sobering day. Our day would involve the Garden Tomb site (one of the only Protestant Holy Sites here in Jerusalem). Then we would go to the Holocaust Remembrance Museum and finally to the Israeli Museum.

Our bus came at 8:45a and we were off to the Garden Tomb. While Bob, our archeologist teacher had told us this tomb was not dated correctly to be the tomb of Jesus - the site was very nice and contemplative. For me, having a hard time getting out of my head, it was difficult to worship here knowing that our resident scholar had debunked the authenticity of the site before we arrived. While it was a nice environment and the local guide was very passionate in telling the story of the crucifixion and burial, I was still unable to escape my thought that this place was just a garden next to a parking lot (it was literally next to a bus station)

Garden Tomb

. I took a few pictures.

Next we were across town to the Holocaust Remembrance Museum. This place was tough. Being in Israel and walking through this place surrounded by Israelis was surreal. It told the story of the Holocaust from the beginnings of anti-Semitism to the liberation and remembrance of the victims. They had a large room filled, literally, with books containing the names of those who were murdered during the Holocaust.

I could not take picture inside the Museum and to be honest that was good. It was not overly graphic, however it was intense. I almost lost my composure on a few occasions but none like when I saw the shoes. There on display were shoes of the victims. Big shoes, baby shoes - as I looked at the shoes I was reminded of the number of time I have put shoes on the feet of my girls.

As I left I felt the pangs of hunger and was reminded that I had skipped breakfast this morning. Along with my wish be with my family, this served as a minute illustration of what so many had gone through. Without food for weeks and surviving on whatever they could find. At the same time, many watching their family members being torn away only to know - yet hope against it - that they would never be reunited. My small hunger pangs were suddenly not so severe.

Finally we were at the Israeli Museum. Here they had some of the Dead Sea scrolls on display as well as the original artifacts from many of the site we had been to. It was neat to be led through by Bob and his valuable insights. Many of us were thoroughly spent after the Holocaust Museum, but the information was interesting. We were hastened out the door as the Museum closed at 4:00p. This was our last 'official' field study on our trip.

I have learned a lot - more than I wanted to in some cases - but the overall experience is amazing. I am tired and can't wait to be home I know that when I look back on this experience I will have an insight that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

P.S. Happy Birthday Mom!

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