Jerusalem arrival

**So I'm in Jerusalem! I finally found a way to post an entry. I'll post the email I sent when I first got here until I can post the photos and journals I have prepared. Enjoy!**

Hey all-

Well, I made it! It's been quite a sleepy whirlwind. Most of our group made it without incident, but 20 of the students had flight troubles and arrived here at the center 24 hours after the rest of us arrived. It is crazy to think all that we have already done in just 24 hours!

Wednesday we arrived at the center and had several orientations, security briefings and tours of the center. Thursday morning we started with class early (um 7am class start time with breakfast before...) then broke out into the city for a 4.2 mile walking tour around the city. It was nice to get our bearings and there is certainly a lot to see! It's quite surreal to be here, I wish I could say it in a better way. So far to me it's most interesting to realize that most of the places talked about in Jesus' lifetime are actually much closer together than I expected. Joseph and Mary had to travel 75 miles to Bethlehem, I always thought it was much more than that. The Kidron Valley (which Jesus would walk across to get the Lazarus and Mary & Martha's house) is actually more like the Kidron Ditch or Sorta Lower Area.

We're taking Old Testament for the first 3 weeks. We also have a lecture class that will probably turn out to be my favorite class. The first half of the class is taught by a Israeli Jewish man who gives us insight into Judaism as well as their perspective of the conflict in the area. The second half will be taught by a Palestinian. Seeing all the Orthodox Jews around the city certainly makes me curious about their beliefs and where they came from.

They've blocked all sorts of things on the internet so for the time being I can't log into blogger. I think they will release that block though because they told us we can have blogs. (No facebook either, lame) So we'll see about that.

I have a cell phone that you can reach me on anytime. The number is 011 972 60 21 703 (I guess the beginning would be different for those not calling from the US, mom, dad, CZ, annee). I think i can get text messages too! I'll try it and find out.

Just to give you all the other contact info, the number for the center is 011 972 2 626 5666 and my room is #405.
The address for letters is:
Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies

Rachel Zackrison

PO Box 19604

Jerusalem, 91196 Israel

and for packages is:

Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies

Rachel ZackrisonLocated on Mt Scopus

Near Augusta Victoria Hospital

Jerusalem, 91196 Israel

(Not that I really expect to get any calls or letters, but just to make sure people know how to get ahold of me if needed.)

Apparently I've been made the head of the Birthday/Special Activity/Party Planning committee. (Will I ever escape this in my life??) Our first activity is tomorrow night, and the first bday to celebrate is Monday so wish me luck.

So anyway, that's a brief update! I'm sorry I haven't taken any pictures yet, so far it's been a little off limits in the city so tomorrow I'll get on it.

Love to you all!
Rachel Z.