"... and you will do well to pay attention to it..."

This morning we had our official ibex orientation at the Moshav in Yad HaShmonah, which is where we will be staying the duration of our semester.  It is located in the Judean Hill Country and actually quite beautifully surrounded by mountainous greenery.  

(View of the beautiful Judean Hill Country from the Moshav)

One of the mountains closest to us is Kiriath-jearim, which we learned was where the Ark of the Covenant was located for almost one hundred years.  It was brought back into Israel shortly after the Philistines stole it from Israel and experienced much sickness and suffering because of doing so.  

(The mountain of Kiriath-Jearim)

We were able to walk to this mountain along the main road and visit the current cathedral that stands atop this mountain providing a view to Jersualem and practically dividing the tribal allotments of Judah, Dan and Benjamin.

(This is a strange sight atop the Cathedral.  It has Mary standing on Jesus on the Ark of the Covenant)

After this, we proceeded into the town of Abu Ghosh containing many Arabs and Muslims.  Here we visited another cathedral that had been constructed in the 11th Century by the Crusaders.  It had great acoustics so we sang a song in Hebrew and a song in English, "I love you Lord."  

(Ancient Crusader Cathedral over 900 years old)

Finally, we walked back to the Moshav for dinner and some relaxation as we await tomorrow where we will venture into Jerusalem for the first time!  

However, this morning I must say that I was already impacted by some verses that Bill, our Land and the Bible professor, shared with us from 2 Peter 1.  They really describe the goal for our time in Israel:  "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."  This essentially is the confidence we have in studying these events that took place in the Bible.  There are many who have testified to these real events and it is because of this that verse 19 says, "And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."  This verse hit me hard and I personally have been asking God that this would be my theme for this semester that I have over here.  I have been telling people to pray for me to be able to make the most of my opportunities over here, but this verse was so cool because I feel that it not only confirms that but specifically describes the goal for my time here.  Therefore, I would greatly appreciate any and every prayer for me to do well to pay attention to the word of the prophets and eyewitnesses... basically pray that I would listen to the Word of God and bow humbly as I see it placed in its physical context.  I hope I can savor and cherish this time so that I may not miss out on a moment that might enhance my knowledge of our God and Savior whom we serve.  

I'll do my best to keep this up to date!  Thank you so much and I love you all!