City of David FT:
Well, I woke up feeling like I was getting up 3 hours before I was supposed to even though I only got up 5 minutes earlier than normal. Got ready and prepared for a cold tunnel with cold water. We walked there and I walked with Kyle and John and Kelsey... the back of the group group.
Once we got to David’s City we walked around looked over the Kidron Valley and the Tiroypian Valley and then could see the start of the Henian Valley (all of those could be spelled wrong) We learned about how this could have been near Laban’s palace (saw what could have been and olden day toilet). Then saw in the glasi (built up wall for defense) the different time periods between the Canaanite time and the Temple period (not sure if it was the first or the second temple period) Then we went down to where they think King David and Solomon were buried which was very against the norm because the dead were usually buried outside the city because dead bodies were seen as unclean and would defile the city...
Down into Hezakiah’s tunnel, the stairs were super steep and it was pretty dark, I am glad the people around me had lights with them otherwise it would have been an awesome but crazy experience. Once I had my water shoes on I started shuffling at the top of the stairs then I looked down and realized that there were two European men just on the stairs watching me, I just laughed and was like sorry; to which they just were like oh no problem and laughed at me or with me Im not sure of the difference. haha. Once again I was in the back of the group which was fun. My friend Kyle was able to get his pants up super high (to the point of them being booty short length, I got mine mid thigh which I thought was pretty good but Kyle def. won). The water was surprisingly clean and not super cold. I didnt need my jacket in fact it was kinda warm and stuffy in the tunnel but it was so much fun. for the most part the water was up to my ankles, only on occasion did it make it above my knees. Once out of the tunnel (approx. 30 min. later) there was a little area with 4 mini pillars where Aimee, Kelsey, and I pretended to be water fountains. Then the two european men from earlier came out of the tunnel and one was just in his underwear and a t shirt while the other was in a white speedo. We all were dying trying to contain ourselves. Um Kyle may or may not have gotten them in the back of some of my photos haha.
After we walked around the corner of the Pool of Siloam (where the blind man was healed) We read the story and Bro. Harper has such great insight on all of the scriptures. I loved how he emphasized how the man’s testimony was all that mattered and that the Pharisees and saducess could only focus on the fact that Christ performed the miracle on a Sunday and therefore was of the devil. They couldn't accept the fact that he was doing the work of God. After I read my poem to the class (Forever at His Feet) I got super nervous to read it in front of everyone but I am so glad that I had that opportunity. Afterward a lot of people asked if I had written it and if they could have a copy, I was really happy that people liked it. I wasn't sure if the whole meaning would stand on its own but I think it did which I am thrilled about. I wonder if my writings will ever go anywhere and become an accomplished hobby. That would be amazing, being able to write for the church and do things I love to do.
After lunch I went to Jimmy and Omars (olive wood carvings). I felt the spirit so strong there with all of the stories that wood was telling. Omar said in 2 to 3 weeks he might have the blind man being healed done. I had asked about it and he showed me the crippled being healed and I was like no I want the one of the blind man. He jokingly said oh well then Ill just take off the stick and then he will be the blind man. So I said oh well then can you add the Pool of Siloam too. Then he was like ya but got all excited like he was seeing an ideal come to his mind then he told me that if I would give him 2 to 3 weeks that he could have one. Ah I got so excited cause that would be amazing! I just wanted to buy everything in the store. It was all such a God given talent. I seriously teared up in the store because Christ really was here and He really did heal so many people and administered to the poor, hungry, and needy.
I just want to end with something spiritual and bear my testimony: I know this gospel is true. I know that we are children of our Heavenly Parents and because of that fact they love us unconditionally. I know that they are so proud to call you Their son because you are devoting your time to serving His other children, and I know that there is a purpose that I am here in Jerusalem wether it is merely to be able to share this experience and touch someone's life. I know that because Joseph Smith believed in God and was willing to pray to Him we have the restored gospel. I know that Christ suffered for our sins and that He is the ultimate example. I know that even through hard times Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always there to help us get back up and walk again. I say these in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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