Friends and Associates at the Jerusalem Center

Jim Kearl, Director of the Jerusalem Center, Provo, Utah
Jim came to Jerusalem last week for meetings with the staff and management of the Jerusalem Center. The volunteer couples and Faculty also had training meetings with him. He has been with the center since the original inception of it. He knows the most about the HISTORY of the center. The stories he tells about the negotiations to purchase the property, the protest of the Orthodox Jews not wanting it to happen, all the phases of the building of this amazing structure from the design to it's completion were so interesting. The Jerusalem Center opened March 1987. He also shared many other stories like how they purchased one of the finest pipe organs in the mid-east and all the difficulties getting it installed to a funny story of one of the Professors wives who kept complaining about the faculties laundry room and how he needed to get some new washers and dryers for them.....which he did after Her assignment was over!! He has work closely with all the Prophets since President Howard W. Hunter. This was Pres. Faust special project and he loved this Center. Elder Holland now has the responsibility of overseeing the Jerusalem Center. We are hoping that he will come for a visit while we are here. When we finished our meetings, Jim and Eran Hayet (Executive Director of the Jerusalem Center in Jerusalem) had arranged for the senior couples to have a "field trip". We first visited the Weizmann Institute at Rehovat, Israel, which is about 1 1/2 hrs from Jerusalem. It was founded in 1934 by Chiam Weizmann, a renown scientist from England who became the first President of Israel. Top scientist from all over the world come for advanced degrees in all scientific disciplines. We then went to a very interesting site called the Ayalon Institute where top secret operations took place during the years between the end of World War 2 and Israel's independence in 1948. We will blog about it later as there is much to tell about it. It is definitely a site we want you all to visit.
This is a picture of Eran Hayet, Executive Director of the Jerusalem Center, his son Nimrod and youngest daughter Hadasa. Eran has been with the "Mormon University" - as it is called here in Israel- for many years. He started in security and has worked his way up to the top position. He is an Israeli but not an orthodox Jew. He is very much admired and appreciated by the General Authorities and BYU for his loyal service to the Jerusalem Center. He knows he is working with some of the finest college students America has to offer because of their high moral ethics and standards that comes because they are Latter-day Saints. He has spent time in Salt Lake and Provo learning about the Church, BYU, etc. We would like to meet all the Prophets and General Authorities he has!! He has very good administrative skills and works well with his staff, the faculty and senior couples.
His son, Nimrod, is a swimmer and a olympic hopeful for Israel. When we first arrived at the Jerusalem Center, Eran was is Bucharest because Nimrod was in some important European swim meets. Eran left last week to take Nimrod to New Jersey where he will spend his senior year of high school. This high school has many swimmers from around the world that attend it all with the goal of making it to the olympics. We said to Eran, "this will be hard for you to send your only son away for a year...." he said, "yes, it is hard, please let's not talk about it." I reminded him how we feel when our children leave us for missions. He can talk everyday if he wants ....we could only talk 2 times a year!!
This is Tawfic Alawi, Assistant Exec Director of the Jerusalem center and his beautiful wife (we forgot her name) and their little daughter Tia, 18 months old. The senior couples and faculty were all invited to Tia's baptism held at the Rosery Sister's Catholic Church. Their families are both Palestinian Christians. The family and guest were all very attractive and well dressed. It was a very formal occasion for them. The family was so pleased to have all of the folks from the JC come.
These are the men who make up the Service couples. From l to r:
L to R: Dr.Ray Thomas - pediatrician from Salt Lake City. He and his wife are over Hosting. That means they give daily tours of the buildings. Norm Squires- amazing Organist, Dean Madsen- Branch President in Galilee, Dad -Branch President, Center Doctor, housing, all around busy guy, Dennis Thomson - President of the District and also director over the volunteer senior couples.
The Women of the volunteer staff l to R: Doreen Squires - heads all the Sunday night concerts,
Karin Thomson - Humanitarian Services in the Mid-East, Carol Thomas -serves as a hostess with her husband. Carol & Ray give the tours of the center Tues -Fri, Mom - Dad's helper, Susan Madsen - serving in Galilee.

It takes so many people all working together to have the JC run well. The senior couples meet Tues - Fri at 8:30 a.m. and begin our day with a prayer meeting and then business. It's a nice way to begin our day.
Hope you have enjoyed meeting some of our friends and associates.
We love you all and hope you will beable to come for a visit.
Love, Dad & Mom

The Jerusalem Center

This is the back side of the Jerusalem Center which over looks the city of Jerusalem

A sign outside the entrance of the Jerusalem Center in Hebrew, Arabic and English

The outside walk leading up to the main entrance of the Center. It is a very popular site for Palestinian brides to have their bridal pictures taken. It's not unusual for 4-6 brides to be out there on a Sunday.

Our home away from home---our living room/dining room. It's small but very comfortable and we get Fox news!!

Brother Allen and Bro Thomson leaving the main entrance of the Center.
It's a lovely walkway.

The main entrance to the center.

Dear Family and Friends,
We are going to do an ongoing picture gallery of the Jerusalem Center. As we have written before it's a very lovely building and well maintained. There are always projects going on here to keep up with a building like this. They just bought 8 new refrigerators for the 4 professors apartments and the 4 couples apartments. Everyone is very happy about this. I know our refrigerator was freezing all the fruits and vegetables and others said they were having similar problems. If couples or students are in need of repairs or maintenance to their apartments they go through us and we turn in work orders. We are to report if the building looks dirty, unpainted or anything like that. So as keepers of the keys, taking care of maintenance, replacing items in apartments that are broken or worn we work the wonderful crew of maintenance and housekeeping to help keep the building in good condition- well, it can be a little busy but hey it's fun turning in work orders and seeing things get done.
I wish this blog would let us add more pictures but it won't so I'll write more about the center and include pictures. Hope you don't think this is boring but it's a big part of what we do here.
Love,
Dad and Mom

Shalom #3

Looking at the Golden Gates which are sealed by the Muslims, also Dome of the Rock
Christ will come through these Gates on His triumphal return to Jerusalem

Looking over the old City

The Lord's Prayer in English at the Pater Noster Church

The original road to the house of Caiaphas--2,000 yrs. old.

The Upper Room where the Last Supper was held.

Ancient Olive tree

Garden of Gethsemane...

Mustard Seed Tree - Sandy Ostler & Sue

Dad coming out of The Tomb of Lazarus

Entrance to Lazarus' Tomb

Dear Family,
While it's fresh on my mind I want to tell you about the wonderful time we had being with the students and their Professor Craig Ostler and his wife Sandy. I'll take a few ideas out of their student manual to explain where we went and what we saw. "A culmination in both time and purpose of the Jerusalem Center program is a two-day field trip which focuses on the Savior's movements, activities and teachings during the final week of His mortal ministry." We were so grateful to be invited to join with them and be participants in such a wonderful experience.
The location of some of these sites were more than walking distance from the JCenter so we took buses which I was grateful for because of the heat.....(I decided I am a fair-weather traveller.) At every sight in addition to the Professor speaking he had assigned several students to talk about the location, it's history, the scriptures pertaining to it and then end with a song. The first place we visited was Bethany where the Savior lodged at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. At this location we visit the tomb were Lazarus was raised from the dead.
Right across the street from Lazarus' Tomb was a beautiful tree with yellow flowers. Sandy Ostler explained the story of the mustard seed. The seeds in the pods where tiny compared to the mustard seeds I have used or cooked with - the scriptures took on a new meaning to us.

I appreciated the comments of Bro. Ostler talking about how the Savior had come to the home of His friends where He was welcomed and loved before he started His final week. We then travelled to nearby Bethphage where He mounted the colt for His Triumphal Entry on Sunday four days before Passover. Before entering Jerusalem, he wept over the city, and then proceeded to the Temple Mount, where He chastened the money-changers. We next visited the Pool of Bethesda were the man was healed by the Savior. It wasn't actually in chronological order according to the Scriptures but it was on our way. We ended our 1st day tour by visiting the Upper Room where the Passover meal known as the Last Supper occurred. It was a sweet experience there because when we arrived we were not the only tourist....as was the case at most of the sites. When the students finished their talks about the Last Supper taking place in this beautiful, small room they began singing one of our sacred Sacrament hymns and slowly as more of the group joined in they started singing in 4 part music, acapella. Other tourist stop to listen to the harmony. I don't know if the acoustics where extra special in this room or what but their voices blended so beautifully and the spirit was so strong. I don't think the Tabernacle Choir could have touched hearts any more than this small group of young people. Many of the tourist started filming the group and others walked away wiping tears. That ended our first day.

We started earlier the next day with the bus taking us to the top of the Mount of Olives which over looks the whole of Old Jerusalem. From it you can see the Golden Arches where the Savior is to have His Triumphal return. It's interesting to note that the Muslims have filled the wall with cement just in case the Savior tries to return through the gate. Now they don't believe in Him but they want to make sure He won't be able to come through the gates...hmmm.. Creator of Heaven's and Earth and World's without number won't be able to come through a sealed up wall? We walked down this long cobble stone path to the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives where the Savior took His Disciples, Peter James and John after the Last Supper. In this hallowed place our Savior prayed, experienced agony and suffering beyond anything man could comprehend. It is also where He was arrested and taken to the house of Caiaphas for a trial by the "chief priests," who condemned Him to death for religious blasphemy. After our scriptures and song in the Garden of Gethsemane we were allowed time to pray and ponder the sacred events which took place in this holy garden. As I was praying I was overcome by the feelings of gratitude for my sweet husband of 42 yrs, for our 9 wonderful children and their amazing spouses and the best 33 grandchildren a grandma and grandpa could ever want. The what IF's came to mind my....what if Bob had not invited me to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what would my life be like now at this point and would I even understand or appreciate the eternal act of love given here in this Holy spot by my Savior. Well, the tears fell and my heart was humbled by what the Holy Spirit taught me in that Holy Garden. I know that the Savior was there in that Sacred place and that He did go through the Atonement for you and me. I had the spirit testify that to me. I am here on this service assignment away from my dear family and friends because of my testimony of the reality of this supernal, eternal event which took place. As we left the garden, we went by the Pater Noster Church. This church was associated at first generally with Jesus instructing His Apostles during the last week then later specifically with the Lord's Prayer. There are over three score or 60 of these beautiful tiled Lord's Prayer all in different languages. It took the gift of tongues to read some of these but many of our RM's found their languages they had learned on their missions and had a great time reading to all of us. It was so neat to hear the different languages the RM's spoke.

We entered the old city walls to followed the "way of the cross" or Via dolorosa which is Latin for "the way of sorrows"to the Garden Tomb. A quote from the pamphlet "This garden has been carefully preserved as a Christian holy site because many believe it could be the garden of Joseph of Arimathea in which Jesus was buried after his crucifixion. It is maintained by an independent British charitable trust, The Garden Tomb Association." Much of the Christian world believes he was buried in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher - in the old city but supporters of the Garden Tomb feel it's a "fit" to all the New Testament descriptions in regards to His being buried and then His resurrection. The guide was part of this organization and he did a wonderful job explaining why this site is the greatest possibility. I think there have been statements by our Prophets expressing their feelings that this could be the actual location of His death, burial and resurrection. But as the tour guide emphasized....in the end it doesn't really matter where it took place the important thing to you and I is that IT did take place. To that tomb, on Sunday morning, came the two Mary's then Peter and John to discover it empty. Mary Magdalene was the first to encounter the risen Lord. The Angel said, "He is not dead, He is risen."

We hope you feel a small part of our experience and that when you come to this Holy Land that you too will be touched as we have.

We love you.

Bob and Sue

Shalom #2

Overlooking Old Jerusalem

Carillion Bell Tower.

Grandpa playing Carillion Bells

Dear Family,
After much frustration and angst, I think I have figured out how to post on our blog. Our dear Tami was so kind to set this up for us and even wrote out all the directions step by step so that when we arrived over here it would be simple and easy for us to stay in touch. Well, the sign on was in Hebrew and it's a little hard to know what to do. One of the sisters here is a blogger and she offered the suggestion of trying to change the blog from Hebrew to English.....what a novel idea!! It worked!! So hopefully we are on a roll now. I don't know where to start so much happens daily here in our lives. Maybe I'll start with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which happened today. Today is Sunday. Our Sabbath was yesterday - we celebrate the Jewish Sabbath. The volunteer couple, Norm and Doreen Squires, who were called to play the beautiful pipe organ and run all the Sunday night concerts here at the JCenter have also been invited to play every Sunday the Carillon Bells at the Jerusalem YMCA. This is the only one in Israel. They play together and start around 11:00 a.m. He plays the upper notes and she plays the lower. Then at exactly 12:00 they ring twelve bells. When we arrived he had me sit with his wife and try it out on a practice key board. After a while I had it down and we started playing "I am a Child of God" on the real keyboard. We then played the French children's song of "Ferres Jacques". It was kind of special to know that "I am a Child of God" was being heard over a large part of Jerusalem. After my debut, they took over and played a nice medley of songs. A few seconds before noon they stood up and DAD got to take over and make the 12 bong notes for 12:00 o'clock. Who would have ever thought his start in music would be on the Carillon's in Jerusalem.

Yesterday, our Sabbath, we attended church in Tiberius (Galilee). A new senior couple had arrived on Thurs in Jerusalem, Bro & Sister Madsen from Logan, Utah to serve 18 months in Galilee. We were asked if we could help drive a car over to Galilee so that the couple would have a car there. The Squires (the organist) drove the Center's van with the Madsen's and all their luggage, etc. The senior couple that is in Galilee had a car but would need it to drive back here. We really enjoyed the ride. It's about a 2 hr drive. It was so interesting to see the Bedouin people in their tents with their flocks of sheep and goats on the hill sides. We did not think we would get to visit Galilee for quite some time. All along the way you could see military look outs on the hills. We followed the Jordan river for part of the way and on the other side is Jordan. Several years ago the Church purchased a run-down villa over looking the Sea of Galilee, remodeled it and made it into a lovely Chapel with several bathrooms, a large room with a good size kitchen for having branch dinners and parties. There is also a nice 1 bed apt for the couple living there. It has an amazing view and off in the distance you can see the Mt of Beatitudes. Bro. Madsen will be the new Branch Pres there and Dad helped him set apart his new counselors selected from the Branch. After our meetings, we had a nice dinner with the branch and then headed back to Jerusalem, stopping by the Jordan River location where the Savior was supposed to have been baptized. What a commercial spot it is now with shops and a restaurant and bar. It was interesting to see posted pictures of people from all over the world being baptized in this very spot - large groups like in the 100's. Infact, there were groups being baptized while we were there.

On Friday we went to the Western Wall -known as the Wailing Wall and witnessed the devout Jews praying on the beginning of their sabbath. Several thousand men gather chanting, dancing, singing praises to God. Many dressed in their black coats & pants along with their black hats. They all seem to have beards with a large curl of hair coming down the side of their face. In one area there was a group of young men all very handsome - made me think of our priest quorums - chanting, singing, dancing together. The women were in normal clothes. There was a partition between the men and women and large crowds on each side. Each group edging their way up to the wall where they could put their written prayers into slits in the morter of the wall. It was really amazing to see this.

I have so much to write about.....like our first time of checking the students out for the semester.....what an experience that was. Well, we love you all and miss you.

Love, Dad & Mom

We're Here!

Dear Family,
We can't believe it's been almost a week since we arrived in Jerusalem. It has gone by so quickly! It has been an amazing week filled with hours spent with the couple we replaced - Joanie & Larry Lee from Salt Lake City. They are in their early 70's and believe me they are a remarkable couple. They have done a wonderful job here at the center and the students and staff love them....they will be a hard act to follow.
Our first responsibility was to learn about the building itself. We are the official keepers of the master key to the building ---I know, that's a scary thought considering how I was always looking for my keys! We have access to all the rooms in the building but our main area of responsibility is the apartments the students and volunteer couples live in. For the students we have linen exchange and room inspection weekly and then maintenance repair request for couples and students. We all maintain our own rooms -Shelly where are you when I need you? Yes kids, Dad is going to learn what makes a clean toilet (maybe even how to do it), soap dish, shower, wastebasket, sinks, bed...etc....you get the point?! We actually have the authority to take away free time from the students if they don't keep their rooms clean....not a bad idea parents! Then we are basically here for the students just to be their friends, unlock doors when they are locked out, etc. Now as far as Professors apts and senior couples we just place orders for repairs. We also keep an inventory of all the couples apts and get replacements of items needed as they wear out or just need to be replaced - like some of the apts need new refrigerators, dishes, etc. The building is over 20 years old and is in remarkable condition because of the care it has been given over the years. We work closely with the housekeeping staff and also the Chefs as another major responsibility is the food. We are expected to be at every meal....sitting at the first table in the cafeteria to greet the students, to check on appropriate dress and also to make sure quality and quantity of food meets the standards the Center expects for the students. We also work closely with the director of students services here to place orders for sack lunches for all the field trips for all who go - Professors, students, bus drivers, etc. Another area we are asked to help with is hosting which means - every Sunday night a wonderful concert is given at the center where artist from all over Israel come and preform for a capacity crowd.....(last week over 100 people were turned away - and a fight started out in the parking lot!) in the beautiful 300 seat auditorium which has floor to ceiling windows which over look the city of Jerusalem - just breath taking!! So we take tickets, help answer questions about the center , etc. Then on occasion we might be asked to actually give tours of the building and grounds which are offered daily here. It is amazing how many people come to the center out of curiosity because they see this beautiful building on the hill.....hummm...a light on the Hill....
Now, I haven't even mentioned about Dad's responsibility as the Doctor. That is 24/7 too and then you know that Dad was called as the Branch President and I was called as the District R.S. Pres - Dad is well acquainted with his calling but I'm not too sure what mine entails....I do know that I will visit the other 2 branches in Israel -one in Tel Aviv and the other is in Galilee to check on the Sisters there.
Have I mentioned the stairs? We are on the 3rd floor of an 8 story building. We have walked those stairs many times each day...we should beable to get into shape! We have loved getting acquainted with the senior couples. We have had several dinners with them this week, they have taken us shopping and are helping us to learn our way around Jerusalem. The last morning Larry & Joanie were here he wanted to walk to the Garden Tomb and then to the Old City. That is no small walk as Jerusalem is very hilly and it's quite warm here. We were gone for about 5 hours walking the whole time but what an experience. We first went to the Garden Tomb...what a sweet feeling was there...then on to the old City (you could spend weeks and not see it all). Well, I hope I haven't bored you all too much. I could keep writing but it's late and my brain has turned off. We miss you all so much but know this is where we are to be and that this work is important here at the JC (Jerusalem Center). We feel so blessed to be here...but we have confidence that while we are away you will be watched over.
We LOVE you all!
Dad & Mom