Red Sea and Bethlehem

First of all I apologize for not blogging the past few weeks. I have been kind of busy, but not too bad so I have no good excuse.

Anyways, about a week ago most of our group headed down to the Red Sea on our free day to go snorkeling. I have never been snorkeling before and it was so much fun!

We had about a 4 hour bus ride down to the Red Sea and the AC on our bus was broken so this is our "look how you feel" pic for the ride down
Chilling on the beach and getting fried. My legs got so sun burned.


After snorkeling at coral beach, we headed to another beach in Elat and spent more time hanging out there
Emily was trying to flip gelatto into my mouth.

The Day after we got back from the Red Sea, our entire group took a field trip to Bethlehem. We spent some time at Bethlehem University, the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem, and the Church of the Nativity. On this trip we were exposed a little more to the Palestinian view of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and it was interesting to hear how they perceive the problems that exist in the state of Israel. I have realized that the more I learn and understand about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the more I am drawn to the middle. I have heard many differing opinions and view points on this subject and I have slowly been able to form my own take on this conflict, but surprisingly it doesn't favor either side at the moment. Before coming to Jerusalem, I understood little about the reality of this problem. I have now seen with my own eyes how this reality penetrates every aspect of daily life in this land and I am so glad that my ignorance is slowly disappearing.

In the church at Bethlehem University.
Karyn, Jenna, Amy and Me at lunch

Manger Square and The Church of the Nativity

Dan, Me and Amy
Church of the Nativity
Inside the Church of the Nativity

Katie, Me and Jenna


Inside the cave that is the traditional site of Jesus' birth. The cave is inside the church in the basement.







Milk Grotto Church