BYU Jerusalem Center

Almost 10 years ago, I studied for a semester at the BYU Jerusalem Center. It really was one of those "chance of a lifetime" experiences, and this article is a great editorial by a young BYU-Hawaii student of the highlights of her stay. Anyone who studied there, or would like a taste of what it is like, will enjoy her colorful description of her experience. It was a walk down memory lane for me.

One of my favorite memories was attending the small branch in Galilee. Four or five of students had been asked to travel with the District President to this branch nearly 5 hours away by car. The president was responsible for all of the branches in the region, and this one was something special, considering its location. We arose early to begin our driving trek across Israel, and I felt immediately of the sacred opportunity to be able to experience this small branch in what might have been might be considered "the home branch of the Savior."

It was indeed a special experience. The ward at that time was composed of Palestinian and Jewish LDS members alike, something quite remarkable in the politically tense region. We students shared our talks, performed a musical number, and met and mingled with the very few members. I specifically remember a mother with four or so small children in attendance. She was a Jewish Mormon, and she was following along in her Hebrew Bible, containing both the Old and New Testaments, interestingly enough. She spoke of the wonderful day that would arrive someday when she would read with her children or grandchildren out of the Hebrew translation of the Book of Mormon.

I wonder where she is now, and by how many members are in that Branch. I've heard rumors of a chapel house to be built. Has the membership there grown?

All of the students took a stop on our travel to Jordan to visit a small branch in Jordan as well. I was surprised to know there was a branch there. I am so grateful to be currently living in a place where I so urgently feel the need to contribute to the ward and strengthen the members as they strengthen me. I'm ashamed it took moving out of Provo to feel this way again.