Shalom#46

 Last weekend was our District Conference.   Our district includes the Jerusalem, Tel Aviv

and Galilee Branches.  We had our Area Authority over the Middle East and Africa - 

Elder Dennis Neuenschwander and his wife Joni with us.  His "desk" is in the Church Office in Salt Lake City ......he travels many miles to visit his area.  We have many different cultures in our district.  We have members in our Branches from Russia, South America, the Phillipines and countries of Europe.  Bob was responsible for having all the equipment for translation ready and working for the members who needed translation for Spanish and Russian.  There were over 30 members who used the equipment.  He had 2 wonderful people from the Galilee Branch help with the actual translation.  He was complimented by the members and translators for being so organized and it helped them all to feel the Spirit and enjoy the Conference.

Along with our District Conference there was a Humanitarian conference being held here at the Jerusalem Center.  There were 7 couples who serve as Humanitarian missionaries through out the Mid-East staying here for a week.   As the housing couple, we are the JC concierge.......we assign rooms, help with anything guest need and make sure they know the cafeteria schedule.  It was interesting to meet these wonderful couples and learn of their service and what their duties require.  

After the general session we had a women's conference which I conducted as the District R.S. President.  We had a sweet spirit there with Sister Neuenschwander telling about how she met her husband about a year ago and how being a divorcee she didn't know if he would ever call her.. he did and they dated about a year and were just married just this past August.  She told how it feels and the adjustment to being married to a G.A.  We did some calculations and he has to be at least 20 years older than her.  Sharon Eubank showed a power point presentation on many of the projects the Church is involved in.   In the past the branches have been given food assignments but this time Bob and I made arrangements with our chef's to have a lovely meal for the members.  They really enjoyed being treated special.  

Elder/Sister Cotton from Louisville, Kentucky.  

They are finishing up in their assignment to Northern Jordan

They said they know Shaun & Katie and also Kristy & Billy from 

when they lived in Kentucky.

Sue with Joni Neuenschwander and Sharon Eubank

Bob&Sue, Sharon Eubank -  Church Humanitarian Services,

Elder & Sister Neuenschwander

Shalom #45

This was such a wonderful post from Kristy that I wanted to share it with you......

FEB 12, 2009

Special Special DAY

(This is for my kids)

Today is the 9th anniversary of an event that completely changed our little family. I want my kids to know my side of the story (Billy's and mine differ a little). After I graduated from high school I went to Rick's college. It was a good thing for me to get away and find out who I was and how I wanted to live my life, to not always rely on my parents and what they said, but to decide for myself. I went home for Christmas and got a very unexpected called from Billy (we had said our goodbyes graduation night and I really never expected to hear from him again.) He had asked if I wanted to go see the temple lights. I thought it was really crazy he wanted to go but didn't want to pass up this opportunity so I decided to go.The temple lights were beautiful and it was fun to see each other and catch up. As we walked around he started asking questions about what we believed as Mormons and said he wanted to learn more about our church. Honestly (and I know this is really bad) I didn't believe him and thought it was all just a joke. He is the biggest jokester so even now it is hard to know when he is really serious. He even said a few other things like we should just go get married so I really did not know what to think. We had a really fun night. The break went by so quickly that we really didn't talk much after that night. Right as I was leaving to go to the airport to go back to Ricks I got a call from Billy and again he had asked to hear more about our church. My dad happened to be right by me and at the time he was the stake mission leader so I told my dad that Billy wanted to learn more but was still very skeptical . I was on my way out so I immediately went to the airport and went back to Ricks.
(So this is what my dad and Billy say happened after)

My dad calls Billy a few minutes later and asked when he was free to learn more- Billy says whenever, not really thinking anything about the discussions and that my dad was the mission leader, and they ended up having the first discussion about a half hour later. It was about a month later that Billy got baptized. So 9 years ago today Billy was baptized a member of the LDSChurch. Of course it was life changing for Billy and I can't even begin to say how proud I am of him and how amazing I think he is. He is not who he was 10 years ago and so much more than I ever thought he could be.
For me though, it was also life changing. I remember thinking at times if living the gospel was really that important and did I really want to do it, but when Billy was baptized it helped me more than anything. Even to this day if I ever question things all I have to do is remember Billy and his story. If the gospel could change someones life so drastically then I want to be apart of it. If someone would have said 10 years ago that Billy and I would be married and have two little kids and be as happy as we are (don't get me wrong we fight and have our hard times but we get through them and I love him even more) I would have laughed and said it never ever could happen. But I am so happy that it has happened. I love Billy and he helps me to be better in so many ways. He is so giving and does so many things without even thinking. He is so forgiving and kind and loving to me and my babies. I know God's hand was in it and I am so glad my dad had more faith then I did to not doubt but to just proceed. Thanks dad, that call changed so many lives. Billy, I can't wait to see what the next 9 and many many more years have to bring!!!

Shalom #44

THIS IS THE COURTYARD OUTSIDE OUR APARTMENT.  WE HAVE HAD SOME WONDERFUL RAINS HERE THIS PAST WEEKEND WHICH INCLUDED A BIG ICE STORM.....IT LOOKS LIKE SNOW TO US.  ISRAEL HAS BEEN IN A SERIOUS DROUGHT AND THE SEA OF GALILEE IS AT IT'S LOWEST POINT IN YEARS.   

Shalom #43

THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED TO DAVID AND JESSICA.......THANK YOU FOR OUR FLIP VIDEO.......WE FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT (WE HOPE)...

WE ARE READY TO ROLL!

SO....WE WANTED TO BRING YOU "LINEN EXCHANGE"...ALLEN STYLE.

EVERY STUDENT IS ASSIGNED TO A COMMITTEE BEFORE THEY ARRIVE AT THE JERUSALEM CENTER. WHEN THEY LEARN THEY ARE ON THE LINEN EXCHANGE COMMITTEE THEY ARE TEASED BY THEIR FAMILIES & FRIENDS...HA HA ....YOU HAVE TO DO EVERYONE'S DIRTY LAUNDRY....SOOOO....GUESS WHAT....EVERY ONE WANT'S TO BE ON OUR COMMITTEE BECAUSE WE TURN A "CHORE" INTO A FUN EVENING.

ALSO, WE REWARD OUR "TEAM" WITH A NICE CANDY BAR... 

WE ARE SO BLESSED TO WORK WITH THESE WONDERFUL STUDENTS.

Shalom #42

This afternoon, I was looking through some of our recent pictures.  It reminded me of what a great time we had with Todd and Tami.  

Arab camelboy/camelgirl

Garden Tomb

Over look of Jezreel Valley

Thanks Todd and Tami for coming to visit us in Israel.  We had such a wonderful time with you...we hope others will be "inspired" to visit The Holy Land.

Shalom #41

Happy Valentine's to my sweetheart of 43 years.  For several days prior to Valentine's day, students had been advertising singing Valentines....so during our Branch prayer on the evening of Sabbath and also Valentine's day, President Allen was surprised by this quartet of  young men. His reaction was the best!

 

Soooo, we've been absent from blogging for several week.  It takes commitment, energy and creativity  to blog regularly and we really admire those of you who do.

From time to time special conferences are held here at the Jerusalem Center.  Since one of our duties is housing, we make room assignments and help in any way that is needed.

H. David Burton and his wife along with 10 couples from Europe, Africa and Utah were here for a week of meetings.  These men are employees of the Department of Temporal Affairs. In the past they have met in Salt Lake City around conference time but decided this meeting would be held in Jerusalem.   In visiting with Bishop Burton, it was interesting to learn that he has never travelled to Israel or the BYU Jerusalem Center.  The group had a wonderful visit and after their meetings were able to see many sights around the Old City. 

 

The Branch was able to host a special Fireside with Bishop Burton as the guest speaker.  As Bob was introducing him, he choked slightly as he said Bishop Burton had graduated from the University of Utah.  The audience loved that. 

His message was on satan - the great deceiver.   He began by telling of his great love of baseball and used the example of pitchers and how important it is to be able to throw different kinds of pitches to deceive the batter and strike him out.  Ted Williams, a famous baseball player who still holds the honor of having the best batting average ever, had a great eye for watching the pitcher in his release of the ball and could tell what type of ball was being thrown and therefore had the ability to not be deceive as a batter.     There are so many ways satan tries to deceive and destroy our lives......we must use our eyes to see the evil in this world and turn our lives over to the Savior and see His good works and follow His counsel.

Shalom #40

Going through some of our videos we found this one of visiting the Temple Mount where the Dome of the Rock is located. 

This information comes from Dhimmi Watch....... Jews and Christians are forbidden to pray at the Temple Mount.  Judaism considers it the holiest place on earth.  Muslims say it's the third holiest.  Christianity reveres the spot as being of great historic importance.  But if someone prays there, if he or she is not Muslim, the worshiper will be immediately arrested.  Welcome to the Temple Mount.

the Temple Mount is the large area directly behind the Western Wall in Jerusalem.  It is the site of Judaism's first and second Temples, the primary area of workshop for the Jewish Faith and the location in which God's "shekhina," or presence, is thought by Jews to reside.  The area is about the size of 15 football stadiums.....

Although is not mentioned by name in the Quran, the Temple Mount is also commonly identified by Muslims as the "furthermost sanctuary," the site from which the Prophet Muhammad, accompanied by the angel Gabriel,  made the Night Journey to the Throne of God.

In addition, Christianity considers the area historically important.  The book of Luke recordds that Jesus, raised a devout Jew, was dedicated in the Second Temple in accordance with the Laws of Moses, and describes Jesus' boyhood visit to the Temple, which, it iw written in John, he cleansed at Passover and during the last week of his life.  Jesus once referred to the Temple as His  "Father's house."

During "open" days, Jew and Christian are allowed to ascend the Temple Mount, usually through organized tours and only if they conform first to a strict set of guidelines, which includes demands that they not pray or bring any "holy objects" to the site.  Visitors are banned from entering any of the mosques without direct Wafq permission.  Rules are enforced by Wafq agents, who watch tours closely and alert nearby Israeli police to any breakinf o their guidelines.

Shalom #39

The Dome of the Rock.  This magnificent mosque was built on the site of the First and second Temples in 691 A.D. by the Omayad Khalif.  It is one of the wonders of the modern world with its golden capped Dome and is an outstanding landmark of Jerusalem.  Wall mosaics, beautiful carpets and stained glass windows inside the mosque and beautiful blue and gold tiles on the outside walls of the building.

For the 3 major monotheistic religions, the Temple Mount is the historical and spiritual focus of Jerusalem.  It is revered by Jews as the holiest place on earth.  The rock at the centre of the Temple Mount (now covered by the Dome of the Rock) is the place where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, Issac.  The Muslims believe this is the spot that Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.  Solomon built  the First Temple here which was destroyed by the Babylonians in 587BC, and later the Second Temple built by Herod was erected on the same spot.  It was destroyed by the Roman's in 

70 AD.  Christianity associates the Temple Mount with the preaching of Jesus, while for Moslems this is the accepted place from which Mohammed ascended to heaven.

Shalom#38

Ok, so we have had a wonderful two weeks with Todd and Tami.  They arrived January 22 and left this am - February 3.  They arrived several days before the students left for their 2 weeks in Egypt which was fun for us because they were able to meet many of the students, eat in the cafeteria with them and see a little of what makes up our responsibilities here at the JC.  This trip to Egypt is one of the highlights of the students semester in Israel. We did not go as the physician couple this semester because fortunately there is another medical couple here at the JC who was assigned to go.  It meant that we would have 2 free weeks....what a perfect time to have visitors.     I am going to refer you to Tami's blog:6krazkids.blogspot.com for the last 2 weeks.   She was so diligent in keeping a journal and blogging about our experiences.  We were so blessed to spend this time with them and hopefully more of our family will be able to visit while we are here.   I think I can speak for them as they felt the same way I did when we arrived....no words can really describe the experience of Jerusalem or the places of the Savior's life and to be in a country so rich in history and centuries of civilizations mentioned in the Bible.  Please visit her blog for a great experience...........6krazkids.blogspot.com

Shalom#37

THANK GOODNESS:   FALSE ALARM!!!

While we were on the Geography Field trip with the students....right after our experience with the Cat.....and just as Dr. Skinner is ending up his remarks...we hear a loud air raid siren go off in one part of  Jerusalem.....and then across the valley another siren goes off and then at least several more went off in different locations of the valley.  We looked at each other and said, "Oh,Oh, we are sitting ducks here on this hillside out in the open.!'  We watched and waited  for 

Dr. Skinner to make some comment but he just keep talking like nothing was happening.  Bob quickly calls the Jerusalem Center Security to see what we should do and of course the students were starting ask us "what's this mean?".   

Fortunately it was a False Alarm.....it did raise some concerns realizing that Gaza and the war is only 45 miles away in Gaza.

Shalom#36

Geography Field Trip

The first student field trip of the semester is called the Geography Field Trip.  The main purpose is to help the students gain a better understanding of the geography of the Holy Land and how it is closely linked to the scriptures.  This field strips stays within 15 miles of Jerusalem but has some of the most important areas described in the Bible.

We were so grateful to be invited to join the students because as we anticipate Todd and Tami coming this week and future guest....it helps us in our understanding of the area so we can be the "perfect tour guides".  We look forward to your bookings!!!

 From this vantage point on the Haas Promenade, Andrew Skinner is  describing the City of David behind him and the Hinnom Valley which in Joshua 15:8 tells how it divides the

 areas of Judah and Benjamin.  It is a spectacular view of Jerusalem and beyond.

So we are enjoying this lovely afternoon, SITTING ON THE GRASS, just enjoying the spirit and having this great appreciation of being in the Holy Land and the blessing of listening to Dr. Skinner give his profound remarks on the geography of the Holy Land and bringing it to life as he weaves the scriptures and Bible stories together to enhance our knowledge and understanding .....when out from the bushes comes a FURRY, LITTLE FRIEND!  Now anyone that knows my husband, knows how allergic he is to cats......I was raised with lovely, little felines, but we have never had any our whole married (43 yrs!) life.  Also, as the Physician here at the Jerusalem Center he had just given an orientation talk to all of the students and Professors that they should avoid playing or even touching the wild cats (because of infections) that are around the Center and all over Jerusalem.  Well, needless to say, for us it was hard to keep from laughing out loud while Dr. Skinner was giving his talk.

This was the most friendly little kitty.....just wanted to snuggle up with Bro. Allen..........

I tell you........it was one funny experience!

I will need to do a post just on Cats......they are everywhere in Israel....we can count on one hand how many dogs we have seen but even around the Jerusalem Center there must be a dozen or so that live on the grounds.

Shalom #35

Here are some pictures from our tour with Daniel Rona.  They are not necessarily in order........  

WE ARE AT A BEAUTIFUL NATURE RESERVE CALLED:  TEL DAN.   A STONE WAS FOUND IN THE AREA DURING AN ARCHEOLOGICAL DIG THAT HAS REFERENCE TO KING DAVID-....1,000 B.C.
Robin and Chris at the top of the Bahia Gardens, Haifa.  The port of Haifa is behind them.

On the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.  We had just left visiting the Dome of the Rock and now behind us is the Golden Gate OR  the GATE BEAUTIFUL.    The Turks sealed the gate in hopes of keeping the Jewish or Christian Messiah from entering.
Morgan & Suzanne Davis at the Tel Dan
Robin & Chris Conkling  - Tel Dan
Robin and "Uncle Bob" .....Haifa
ROBIN AND CHRIS CONKLING - TEL DAN

Shalom #34

SHEPHERD'S FIELD OVERLOOKING BETHLEHEM

We spent a very cold but lovely afternoon on Shepherd's Field reading from Luke about the birth of our Savior.  As we watched the sunset over Bethlehem and listened throughout our head phones to the beautiful Christmas carols we were reminded of that Sacred, Holy night when the Angel's announced the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ to the Shepherds.


A Bedouin Sheperd woman brought her sheep to feed right by where we were sitting.  She allowed us to take pictures of her and her sheep.

Shalom #33

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM JERUSALEM - JANUARY 2009

We have received many emails from you concerned about the situation in Israel.  We found the following article on www.ldslivingonline.com and thought it might answer your questions.

DESPITE VIOLENCE, JERUSALEM CENTER REMAINS OPEN

Lacie Hales

01/06/2009 12;39 PM MST

Despite continuing violence between Palestinians and Israelis, the Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies will start winter semester on schedule.

Israel started air strikes against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip on Dec. 27 in retaliation to rockets being fired into southern Israel.  Israel lanched a ground invasion of Gaza on Jan. 3, and violence has continued since then.  Jerusalem is 48 miles away from Gaza.

Carri Jenkins, BYU Communications Assistant to the President, said plans were not going to change for the center because of the violence.  

"The University is very careful and prudent with the safety and security of our students," Jenkins said.

She said everything for the Center is going on as planned.  Students left for Jerusalem on Tuesday.".................

The students did arrive safely and are very excited about this semester.  They were informed before they left Provo that because of the conflict going on here there may be some restrictions because of safety issues.  Meanwhile, classes have started, they are about over their jet-lag, they are settling into their apartments - only about a dozen apartments have blown fuses-, they have had a get-acquainted dance, and have had their first Shabbat in Jerusalem last Saturday, which they thoroughly enjoyed.  Their program is moving forward and so far no field trips have been cancelled or delayed.  The past several days they have been able to start exploring the Old City.

We have 17 men and 61 women this semester.  Great odds for the fellows!  This is a wonderful group of young people and we already feel a closeness with them.  One girl is from Richfield, Utah....she was born after we moved to Mesa.......but we know the same people.  Yesterday a girl was wearing a ASU t-shirt and we found out she is from Phoenix.  It's fun learning about them and we find we have connections with quite a few of them.  

Bob's goal as Branch President is to give each person an opportunity to serve in the Branch while they are here.  This adds greatly to their over all spiritual experiences.  He has spent the last few days extending calls to the students to fill the vacancies in the various organizations - yes we even have a primary here -  so right now he has about 30 called...hopefully he will be able to  finished by this weekend so the Branch Presidency can have them all sustained on Shabbat and then they can  start setting them all apart.  Our R.S. President is moving in a few weeks so he called Sister Janet Skinner to be the new one.  She is a lovely lady with the best sense of humor.  She asked for Sahar (our wonderful Palestinian sister from Bethlehem) to be her 1st counselor and another cute sister April Fitzgerald  (from Morgan, Utah) to be her 2nd counselor.  They made cookies and visited every new sister/student last Shabbat.  

Well, now to settled down to blogging again.  Even though we were homesick for our dear family and friends, we had  a great holiday season with company from the states.  From Arizona -Morgan & Suzanne Davis and Jerry Owensby and her mother Coila.  Chris and Robin Conkling visited us from California.  We all had a great time together as we toured with Daniel Rona for 6 days.  After the tour we spent time here in Jerusalem and fortunately we visited Bethlehem before the conflict started because after that we were not permitted to go there.

Thank you for all your cards, emails and especially your PRAYERS.  We feel your love and concern for us.  We feel so blessed to be in the Holy Land and want you all to know we feel safe.  War is a harsh reality of life.....and after visiting the Holocaust Memorial....it was a very sober reminder of the wickedness of this world.  The only peace we can find is through our Savior Jesus Christ and keeping His commandments.  We like to chant with our grandchildren -CTR, CTR...which means CHOOSE THE RIGHT....when we do CTR we can have the peace our Savior has offered us.

We wish you all a very Happy and Healthy (and in these difficult economic times) PROSPEROUS New Year.

Shalom #32

MERRY CHRISTMAS to our dear family and friends........

We love you and miss you all.   We feel humble and blessed to have the opportunity to be service volunteers in this Holy Land, the land of the birth, life, death and Resurrection of our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We testify that He lives, His Gospel is here on the earth and He has a great plan of happiness for each and everyone of us.  He knows us, loves us and wants us all to be happy.  He has given us Prophets and wise leaders to help us through these difficult times.  We can have peace even though the world is in turmoil.  He is the one who can give us this peace....

Shalom #31

At the end of each semester, students decide what they want to leave behind as donations which are then given to several organizations....one is a battered woman's home.  These donated items are a great blessing to those who have to flee immediately from their homes or difficult situations.  The students have enough gifts they have purchased to take home that these items are a relief to not have to pack.  Shoes and clothing are then washed, sorted by size, bagged ready for delivery to the shelters.  Even the leftover toiletries are used and needed.

A little of something is so appreciated when you have nothing!! 

Shalom#30

Fall Semester 2008 has officially ended with the departure of  our 81 wonderful students.

It's amazing how close we have become to these young people and the love we have for them.  They left in two different groups - one at 3:00 a.m. and the next at 7:00 p.m the next day.  There were many tears from the students as they said their goodbyes to the Jerusalem Center and their new friends.  

Kendra, repairing a zipper of her roommates luggage so she could finish her packing. 
Brother Allen checking in keys and linen
Sure glad all this laundry is sent out!

Brother Allen helping the girls weigh their luggage.  Let's see....81 students...2 pieces of luggage each...
Angela and Allie taking a break from packing

Shalom #29

Merry Christmas to the Holy Land from the Brigham Young University Fall 2008 Semester students.

 

The Christmas Concert performed by the students, several faculty and one service volunteer (Sue) was enjoyed by the season ticket holders and the local community. Dad and others who didn't sing in the performance were there to greet the guest and had been much help behind the scenes to the success of this program.  Our wonderful service couple, Norm and Dorene Squires, where the Director and Pianist/Organist.  They are so talented and their love of music came through to each of us as we had our practices and then performed. 

 

The performances were held two nights....Friday was the night for our local Palestinian neighbors and others who could attend and Sunday night the Israeli communities and others and it turned out that there were no empty seats. The tradition here for an encore is not a standing ovation but a continuous clapping of the hands in unison.  The students loved it.

The program was divided between traditional songs about the birth of our Savior, then several seasonal songs and a rousing rendition of the traditional Jewish favorite,"Hanukkah", which was not sung on Friday night but on Sunday night after which there was cheering and a long and loud clapping in unison. The closing songs where a beautiful trumpet trio of "Jerusalem", and two choral numbers with organ  from "The Messiah",

"The Hallelujah Chorus" and "The Glory of the Lord". 

The following are just short audio's from several numbers ....enjoy!

"Monotone Angel", a cute song about an Angel who wants to be in the Christmas Choir

"Jerusalem"  ...a trumpet trio.  They stood at the back of the auditorium by the Organ....

with the lights turned down low the audience could enjoy the view of Jerusalem at night.

Shalom #28

Id ul Adha --The Great Feast, Feast of the Sacrifice is a four day Muslim festival commemorating Abraham's sacrifice and coinciding with the pilgrimage to Mecca.  The Muslim's believe it was Ishmael that was to be sacrificed not Issac.  We went into the Old City and entered at the Damascus Gate.   The walk ways were lined with merchants chanting their bargains and beckoning buyers to come to their stands, "They want to help you spend your money!"  These videos give a slight idea of the crowds and noise of the city.  We missed several opportunities to take pictures of sheep being led through the streets to where they would be sacrificed and later eaten at the family feasts.  

Shalom #27

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Jerusalem Center......

Santa welcome's you to Brother & Sister Allen's apartment.

We were fortunate to have a nice Christmas tree and olive wood carvings left behind from the former couples. 

The Jerusalem Center was quiet while the students and faculty were in the Galilee for 10 days.  We kept ourselves busy decorating the center for Christmas and also hosting tours of the building.   The Jerusalem Center is open for tours to the public Tues-Friday.  The visitors to the Center come from all over the world.  They enjoyed seeing the festive Christmas decorations and many wanted their pictures taken in front of the grouping of  Christmas Trees.  On the days we hosted tours, our visitors included organized Israeli tour groups that had booked way in advance, an LDS tour group from America, neighbors who are curious about the building on Mt. Scopus with the arches, walk-ins visiting Jerusalem who had a couple hours and had read in the tour books "best to see in Jerusalem"; the Mormon University and organ recital.   One group we hosted had 150 Israeli's from several retirement centers.  As we introduced ourselves we told them that we are volunteers here and what our responsibilities are.  We also tell them about our family.  The comments are great when they heard we have 9 married children and 33 grandchildren.... actually they were amazed.  First that we would have so many children and grandchildren but that we would leave them to come here for 18 months at our own expense.  Many had questions about the Mormon Church but we are not allowed to enter into discussions  as per the agreement with the Israeli government and the Mormon Church that no proselytizing of any kind can take place.  The tour takes in the 8th and 7th floors of the building and last about an hour.  It includes a 10 minute movie about Brigham Young University, the BYU Jerusalem Center, how it was built, information about the architect, and so on.    The guest are then escorted into the beautiful auditorium with that magnificent view of  Jerusalem for an organ recital of classical music such as Bach, Beethoven, etc. performed by our master organist.    From there we guide them outside where they have the glorious view of the Old City Jerusalem and then walk through the Biblical gardens.  The Biblical gardens have several ancient olives presses  with the first one dating 2,000 years old and the other 1,500 years old. The millstone is an impressive stone and to a few select groups we remind them of the scriptural story of the millstone and little children. We end the tour walking past the 700 yr. old olive tree that was transplanted from the Galilee.  It didn't survive the transplant so they grafted in some  branches from a healthy tree but along with the branches there were somehow seeds from a raspberry bush.  So we tell them we have the most unique olive tree in Israel....a Olive/raspberry tree.  They love that story. Wouldn't you know that when there was a tour of high school students they wanted their pictures taken with that "cool" guy Bro. Allen.  


This lovely nativity set was purchased by the Center over 10 years ago from a Master Wood Carver named George Llamas.  He just pasted away several days ago.  We had the opportunity to meet him on our first visit to Bethlehem.  He includes several of our Prophets who have purchased nativity sets from him. 

This set is kept in the Safe at the center during the off season.

Our students leave for home in 2 weeks.....we have grown to love them and will miss their friendship.  We are looking forward to friends coming for a visit during the holiday seasons........they will help us celebrate the season while we are away from family and friends.