Bokertoff!

Bokertoff! (Good morning) These have been beautiful mornings in Israel!!!

So I've been so blessed to have a few more fabulous days here in Israel! Monday was full of amazing events as we visited Nazareth. I loved thinking about Mary and Joseph and the wonderful individuals they were. Such a humbling experience for Mary to discover she would give birth to the Son of God. Joseph was likewise so willing to do the will of the Lord although it went against the Jewish custom and culture. I especially was touched by the stories and scriptures that were shared in Capernaum. Before flying out here, I went to the Carl Bloch display at BYU with my parents and saw a beautiful painting of Jairus' daughter being raised. The painting touched us so much, especially as Carl Bloch focused on the way the mother intently waited by her daughter's side when the father was out in the night, seeking Jesus to come and heal her. My parents have similar dedication, faith, and love. (Especially to let me come out here right before surgery!) Well, Capernaum is where this miracle was performed, along with many other miracles. I was thinking about the incredible healing power of the Savior as we were reading the scriptures, and my Aunt Patty made a comment so beautifully, that the Savior heals us- whether to forgive, heal us physically-- whatever we need. I know He is the healer and performer of miracles. He can and will heal me-- another miracle! And it won't be without great faith from my parents and others.

I was in charge of the Sermon on the Mount and Beatitudes program, and even played my flute there to accompany a group singing "The Lord's Prayer" at this same site. The Spirit testified that we can be the "light of the world" as we follow the teachings of the Savior and seek the light of Christ. We later visited a favorite site of mine, "Peter's Primacy" where Jesus may have taught his disciples after He was resurrected. I shared John chapter 21 with the group, where He tells Peter to "Feed My Sheep." I love this lesson, always reminding me what being a true disciple of Christ means. I was esepcially touched by the words to the hymn "More Holiness Give Me" that we sang as we drove back to the hotel (especially verse 1). There was a sweet, full-gratitude-prayer given by a sister out our bus that made the end of the day all the sweeter!

I have so many things to be grateful for on this trip! A wonderful group, great tour guides, GORGEOUS weather, non-existent headaches, kind people to get to know and learn from, my Aunt Patty, helpful and fun Liz, friends to run in the morning with, and many, many more things!

Glad I have so many memories to enjoy!

Love you all at home, and I hope all is well with you. That goes for you too, 3rd graders! :)

Janelle