Day 19: Final Test Day

Today we had our final exam! This was at 2:00 P.M., so thankfully we had a lot of time to study in the morning. The weather today was pretty nice! Sunny and low 60s. For a study break, a few of us went down to Jaffa Gate and got some fresh pomegranate and orange juice. I think it's my new favorite!

After completing our exam around 3:15, we were finally done with the classroom material! I couldn't believe it. Soon after we had our departure meeting. It seems like yesterday when we were getting an overview of the course. Crazy. I am definitely sad about leaving...I love our whole group and have gotten to know Aubrey and Vernon really well! I'm glad, however, that I will still be going back to the same place with the Taylor group. I am excited about the new relationships I have made, and I know they will continue back at school!

After our meeting and before dinner, we went out into the Old City and did our last souvenir shopping. I finally finished! After dinner, we had a Taylor group meeting, reflecting on the past couple weeks, our favorite places, what we have learned, etc. It is truly amazing to hear what everyone has to say regarding these past 3 weeks. There is no doubt in my mind that not one person is going home the same. We have all grown and learned so much. Not too long ago, we were praying for God to really open our hearts and minds to what He has to teach us, and to be able to understand the material well. There is no doubt that God has answered our prayers and more! We have all been impacted in multiple ways, and are looking forward to how God is going to use our experiences back at home.

After our meeting, a group of girls went out into the New City...we were planning on going to this coffee shop, however it was closed due to Shabbot for the Muslims and Jews. Basically, no places were open, and nobody was walking around! It reminded me of Christmas day in the States...however this happens every Friday. This day is used for rest and reflection, and a time to spend with family. It seems backwards to us, since Friday night is usually when the fun begins on the weekend. That surely doesn't go for Jerusalem! However, we did manage to find a McDonalds open...figures.

Upon arriving back on campus, we joined a group of students and adults who were worshiping around the bonfire. It was the perfect way to end the day, singing praise to our Father.

So tomorrow is a free day, and we basically get to do whatever we want! Our Taylor group is starting off by going to a Messianic Jewish church, which will be taught in Hebrew and translated into English. This shall be interesting! We also plan on going to see the garden tomb, and possibly a few museums. We plan on waking up pretty early to get into the Old City and buy some fresh bread as well.

As for departure, we leave from Jerusalem at 3:30 AM on Sunday morning! I do not think we plan on going to bed tomorrow night...we'll see. You most likely will not hear from me tomorrow, but I plan on posting once more to share and reflect on what I learned and experienced during my three weeks in the Holy Land! A couple more pictures may be thrown in as well.

Thanks to all of you who have been reading my blog! I hope you have enjoyed hearing about all that we have done, and maybe you have even learned a thing or two! I would love to share more information and pictures anytime! (Trust me...there is a lot).

I thought I would end with this verse...it is just a great reminder of the rest and peace we find in Christ, regardless of our circumstances.

Psalm 62:5-8
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."