Never a Dull Moment

I'm sorry it has been a whole week since my last post. School has been absolutely brutal....and it still is, but my dear blog readers are also important to me, and I need a study break.
On Monday we went to the shephelah (pronounced sh-fay-lah), which are the low hills between Jerusalem and the coast.

This is the (muddy) Elah Valley. Behind me is the brook where David gathered 5 smooth stones for his sling. This is me trying out my slaying skills.  I really love the story of David and Goliath. So many lessons in it.

We also visted Gath, Goliath's hometown. Our professor excavates there. We visited some other tels and the sites of Samson and battles of the Philistines and Israelites. It's interesting because we are in the sites where our ancestors performed such incredible acts of faith. We saw some beautiful bell caves (quarries), some Sidonian tombs, and a few red poppies peering from grass fields all around.  

And, earlier last week we had an Arab night with authentic cuisine, a call to prayer, and learning an Arab dance that was a lot of fun.

I could post a lot more pictures with commentary and also write about some amazing lessons I've been learning in Old Testament, but my Judaism midterm study guide is calling my name. Just know, the Old Testament is chock full of very applicable lessons! Don't forget about the many blessings God has given you. Also, He will help you fight your battles!