I would like to write a post inspired by a comment left about some things that I said in my “Israel and Egypt” post.
“anonymous said…
The problem I've found with the Palestinian's argument is that they are complaining about being kicked off "their" land when they were the ones that kicked out the Jews in the first place (I guess I should say "one of the groups" since the Jews have been displaced by several civilizations).”
While what was stated by anonymous may be true, I think it demands of the Palestinians way more understanding than any but the truly and exceptionally enlightened can be expected to display. Try telling someone who has lived on a piece of land all their life -their parents lived there, their grandparents lived there- that there is a problem with the fact that they see it as their land. Despite what history tells them, they will still see it as their land and I can't say that I blame them. I think that if Native Americans decided to mount an uprising and some Utes came along to kick me out of my house, I would be pretty upset about it. Do they, historically, have a right to this land? Probably, but I sure don't think that argument would make me feel any better about being driven out.
Me: "Look, I'm sorry your ancestors lost their property, but I didn't do it to them. This land is mine. Possession is 9/10ths the law, and all that."
Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it really wouldn’t take the truly enlightened to leave the land they’ve lived on for centuries (or more) without arguing. Maybe the truly enlightened would be those who have the presence of mind to understand that that game of ‘Who Came First’ may not be a game that even the Jews themselves can afford to play. What about those who lived there before the Jews? Do we keep kicking people out of their homes as more archaeological discoveries are made? “Sorry, it was just discovered that there was actually a civilization here before your ancestors. I’m afraid the NEW true owners will now be moving in. So, could you kindly shove off?” Do we keep doing that until we finally hit upon a past civilization from which ALL of us came? At that point, wouldn't we all have claim to everywhere? That would sort of leave us back where we started. In the meantime, how many thousands of years have to pass before the Jews claim on Israel/Palestine expires -or anyone's claim on any land? How long before the common law of adverse possession can take effect?
My mind keeps going back to the Holocaust museum Yad Vashem. The museum takes you through examples of anti-Semitic sentiment in Europe and the beginnings of Jewish persecution in Germany before it moves on to much more disturbing crimes against humanity. While still in the beginning stages, before the major atrocities that followed, I read about the persecutions, about how the Jews were treated as second class citizens, about the prejudices and misplaced biases….and I pondered. I pondered about humanity’s inclination towards blindness and hypocrisy. I still remember passing person after person in the early stages of that museum and hearing them whisper, “Don’t they realize that they are doing the same thing that was done to them?” How easy it is for us to see the wrongs that have left scars in our own lives while ignoring the scars we are leaving in the lives of others.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Israel and Egypt
So, I recently went with my family to Israel and Egypt. I really enjoyed the experience. Growing up in a Christian household, I heard much of the land of Israel and the many historical and religious events tied to it. I have also had a certain fascination with Ancient Egypt. It has never really been strong enough to motivate me to look into it too much, but I do find it very mysterious and fantastic. This trip allowed me to experience both, first hand.
We first went to Israel. For how much history took place there, I was amazed at how small the country was. We traveled with a religious tour group and it seemed that every 15 minutes or so, we would pass by some site of significance (sibilance anyone?). I knew the country was small, and so I kind of imagined it as the size of my own state, Utah. Well, it turns out that about 10 Israels could fit inside of Utah. When we were in Jerusalem, I couldn't believe that Bethlehem was just the next hill over. We are talking about a distance of just 6 miles. And, whoever named the Sea of Galilee a sea was exaggerating. The surface are of the Sea of Galilee is 64 sq. miles. In comparison, Bear Lake has a surface area of 109 sq. miles. It was very nice there, but I wouldn't call it a sea.
I really enjoyed walking around within the walls of Old Jerusalem. I love getting a feel for different cultures and Jerusalem is a great place to do that. Old Jerusalem has 4 quarters: the Jewish quarter, the Muslim quarter, the Christian quarter, and the Armenian quarter. It was very interesting to see characteristics of each of the different ethnic backgrounds. Walking along the top of the walls, my sister and I were able to witness a body, in a lidless coffin, being carried and followed by a crowd of people into the Muslim cemetery. In the Jewish quarter, our group was able to visit the Wailing Wall a few times. As is common within religions, there are many levels of orthodoxy within Judaism. There seeme
d to be Jews from all walks of life at the Wall. Some in street clothes no different than mine; others in attire designed to make them stand out as much as possible, as a sign of their being God's covenant people. From all walks of life, but all there to worship the Lord of Shabbat. As the temple mount is considered the most holy spot in Judaism, but too holy to set foot on, they come to the Western Wall of the temple mount- believed to be the closest wall to where the Holy of Holies once rested. It is here that they come to pray. A site where “it is as if he has prayed before the throne of glory because the gate of heaven is situated there”(Pirke De-Rabbi Eliezer, 35).
While in Israel, I gained a much greater appreciation for the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Our tour director feels that the U.S. media is very Israeli biased and I was very grateful that he wanted us to understand that Palestinian does not equal terrorist. Our tour guide and bus driver were both Palestinian and it was very interesting to hear how their parents and grandparents, whose land had been in their families for hundreds of years, were forced out o
f their homes when Israel was made a state after WWII. Which left me wondering: Who thought that it would be a good idea to take an occupied piece of land and declare it for a certain people? Did they ask the people currently living there if they were OK with that? Now many Palestinians live behind a wall that has been erected. The wall is meant to keep the extremists out. And while the wall has proven to be a successful deterrent for extremists, the majority of the Palestinians feel like second class citizens; shut behind a wall where the standard of living from one side to the other is quite visible. Most live with the hope that one day the wall will fall and all will live in peace.
We also visited many sites with significance to the Christian world. The Sea of Galilee was already mentioned. I couldn't believe how much is said to have happened along those shores and upon those waters.
We also visited sites where it is believed that Christ was born, where he died and where he was believed to have been buried. One location believed by most Christians to be the site where Christ both gave up his life and was entombed is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is a large church built within the walls of the old city. Underneath the high arching dome ceiling is a shrine. It is here that visitors line up to enter. It is here that many believe Christ's body was laid. The image above was taken within this shrine.
Another site, in stark contrast to the gaudy (or is that GODy?) Holy Sepulchre, is the Garden Tomb.
Leaving the old city through Damascus Gate and walking up the hill a short distance, is the Garden Tomb. Here is a lush Garden juxtaposed with a rocky escarpment. Within the rock can be seen what looks like two sunken eyes and a nose. Something that bears significance when considering that the place where Christ was crucified was called Golgotha, or "place of [the] skull." Maybe 100 yards from the possible crucifixion site, within the garden, is a tomb. It is here that a small percentage of Christians believe that Christ's body was laid. Whichever is right, I preferred the natural beauty of the garden.
After spending 2 weeks in Israel, half of our tour group continued on to Egypt. We
flew into Cairo and started visiting museums and shops right away. The next morning, we traveled to the opposite bank of the Nile and entered Giza. On the outskirts of Giza are the Great Pyramids. The largest one is said to be made of over a million massive stones. I was able to go deep inside one of them and also ride a camel in the surrounding desert.
From Cairo, we flew to Luxor. Luxor is a city that lies on the east side of the Nile, the side where the sun rises. It is on this side where the temples for the living were built. The west side, where the sun sets, is the resting place for the dead. It was on the west side that we visited the Valley of the Kings.
Going away from the idea of building a pyramid for every pharaoh, the Egyptians began digging graves. The Valley of the Kings became the site where the pharaohs were laid to rest. This amazing location is filled with the tombs of ancient pharaohs. Built in a valley with a pyramidal peak above it, 63 tombs have been discovered, so far, and it is believed that there is much more yet to be unearthed.
Also along the west bank of the Nile is the Necropolis of Ramses III - A mortuary temple built in his honor.
I was fascinated by the extensive hieroglyphics found in all of the temples and tombs we visited, but it was at this temple that it also struck me how much color the art would have had initially. Back in the recesses, away from the effects of sand, wind and sun were vibrantly colored images. I was amazed by the fact that I was looking at the original color. I would stand out in one of the large courtyards and imagine every wall, every pillar, and much of the ceilings covered with ornate hieroglyphs and vibrant color. I was in awe.
Our hotel in Luxor rested right along the Nile. I found it to be a beautiful river. It was interesting to fly from Cairo to Luxor and see how the Nile was the lone string of life twisting, turning, and gliding through the land. The rest seemed like complete wasteland, as far as the eye could see.
We were able to travel up the river a ways and see people making their livelihood. From those catching the edible wildlife to those irrigating their crops; in Egypt, the Nile is life. Spending the end of our trip on the shores of that river was a great way to wrap up a long, busy, and fantastic vacation. There is something peaceful and soothing about a river. Back at the hotel in the evenings, I was lucky enough to eat my dinner along the banks, stare out across the pool and river and watch the sunset. It was a sight to behold.
We first went to Israel. For how much history took place there, I was amazed at how small the country was. We traveled with a religious tour group and it seemed that every 15 minutes or so, we would pass by some site of significance (sibilance anyone?). I knew the country was small, and so I kind of imagined it as the size of my own state, Utah. Well, it turns out that about 10 Israels could fit inside of Utah. When we were in Jerusalem, I couldn't believe that Bethlehem was just the next hill over. We are talking about a distance of just 6 miles. And, whoever named the Sea of Galilee a sea was exaggerating. The surface are of the Sea of Galilee is 64 sq. miles. In comparison, Bear Lake has a surface area of 109 sq. miles. It was very nice there, but I wouldn't call it a sea.
I really enjoyed walking around within the walls of Old Jerusalem. I love getting a feel for different cultures and Jerusalem is a great place to do that. Old Jerusalem has 4 quarters: the Jewish quarter, the Muslim quarter, the Christian quarter, and the Armenian quarter. It was very interesting to see characteristics of each of the different ethnic backgrounds. Walking along the top of the walls, my sister and I were able to witness a body, in a lidless coffin, being carried and followed by a crowd of people into the Muslim cemetery. In the Jewish quarter, our group was able to visit the Wailing Wall a few times. As is common within religions, there are many levels of orthodoxy within Judaism. There seeme
d to be Jews from all walks of life at the Wall. Some in street clothes no different than mine; others in attire designed to make them stand out as much as possible, as a sign of their being God's covenant people. From all walks of life, but all there to worship the Lord of Shabbat. As the temple mount is considered the most holy spot in Judaism, but too holy to set foot on, they come to the Western Wall of the temple mount- believed to be the closest wall to where the Holy of Holies once rested. It is here that they come to pray. A site where “it is as if he has prayed before the throne of glory because the gate of heaven is situated there”(Pirke De-Rabbi Eliezer, 35).While in Israel, I gained a much greater appreciation for the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Our tour director feels that the U.S. media is very Israeli biased and I was very grateful that he wanted us to understand that Palestinian does not equal terrorist. Our tour guide and bus driver were both Palestinian and it was very interesting to hear how their parents and grandparents, whose land had been in their families for hundreds of years, were forced out o
f their homes when Israel was made a state after WWII. Which left me wondering: Who thought that it would be a good idea to take an occupied piece of land and declare it for a certain people? Did they ask the people currently living there if they were OK with that? Now many Palestinians live behind a wall that has been erected. The wall is meant to keep the extremists out. And while the wall has proven to be a successful deterrent for extremists, the majority of the Palestinians feel like second class citizens; shut behind a wall where the standard of living from one side to the other is quite visible. Most live with the hope that one day the wall will fall and all will live in peace.We also visited many sites with significance to the Christian world. The Sea of Galilee was already mentioned. I couldn't believe how much is said to have happened along those shores and upon those waters.
We also visited sites where it is believed that Christ was born, where he died and where he was believed to have been buried. One location believed by most Christians to be the site where Christ both gave up his life and was entombed is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is a large church built within the walls of the old city. Underneath the high arching dome ceiling is a shrine. It is here that visitors line up to enter. It is here that many believe Christ's body was laid. The image above was taken within this shrine.Another site, in stark contrast to the gaudy (or is that GODy?) Holy Sepulchre, is the Garden Tomb.
Leaving the old city through Damascus Gate and walking up the hill a short distance, is the Garden Tomb. Here is a lush Garden juxtaposed with a rocky escarpment. Within the rock can be seen what looks like two sunken eyes and a nose. Something that bears significance when considering that the place where Christ was crucified was called Golgotha, or "place of [the] skull." Maybe 100 yards from the possible crucifixion site, within the garden, is a tomb. It is here that a small percentage of Christians believe that Christ's body was laid. Whichever is right, I preferred the natural beauty of the garden.After spending 2 weeks in Israel, half of our tour group continued on to Egypt. We
flew into Cairo and started visiting museums and shops right away. The next morning, we traveled to the opposite bank of the Nile and entered Giza. On the outskirts of Giza are the Great Pyramids. The largest one is said to be made of over a million massive stones. I was able to go deep inside one of them and also ride a camel in the surrounding desert. From Cairo, we flew to Luxor. Luxor is a city that lies on the east side of the Nile, the side where the sun rises. It is on this side where the temples for the living were built. The west side, where the sun sets, is the resting place for the dead. It was on the west side that we visited the Valley of the Kings.
Going away from the idea of building a pyramid for every pharaoh, the Egyptians began digging graves. The Valley of the Kings became the site where the pharaohs were laid to rest. This amazing location is filled with the tombs of ancient pharaohs. Built in a valley with a pyramidal peak above it, 63 tombs have been discovered, so far, and it is believed that there is much more yet to be unearthed.Also along the west bank of the Nile is the Necropolis of Ramses III - A mortuary temple built in his honor.
I was fascinated by the extensive hieroglyphics found in all of the temples and tombs we visited, but it was at this temple that it also struck me how much color the art would have had initially. Back in the recesses, away from the effects of sand, wind and sun were vibrantly colored images. I was amazed by the fact that I was looking at the original color. I would stand out in one of the large courtyards and imagine every wall, every pillar, and much of the ceilings covered with ornate hieroglyphs and vibrant color. I was in awe.Our hotel in Luxor rested right along the Nile. I found it to be a beautiful river. It was interesting to fly from Cairo to Luxor and see how the Nile was the lone string of life twisting, turning, and gliding through the land. The rest seemed like complete wasteland, as far as the eye could see.
We were able to travel up the river a ways and see people making their livelihood. From those catching the edible wildlife to those irrigating their crops; in Egypt, the Nile is life. Spending the end of our trip on the shores of that river was a great way to wrap up a long, busy, and fantastic vacation. There is something peaceful and soothing about a river. Back at the hotel in the evenings, I was lucky enough to eat my dinner along the banks, stare out across the pool and river and watch the sunset. It was a sight to behold. 
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Notice: This Blogger is Currently Under Construction
I have been a bit MIA for awhile. It has been due to the fact that I am currently reinventing myself. At this time, I do not know who I will end up being, but I am curious to find out.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
And I thought my friend Tyler was a player
I have a friend named Tyler that my other friends and I consider a player. Just this last weekend, I found out that he is a mere amateur. While his exploits have garnered a healthy sum of about 15 females that he has kissed, this number pales in comparison to other men with whom I associate.
I went to a cabin with a bunch of guys from my ward last Friday. We set up 4 XBox gaming systems and played Halo for hours on end. For dinner, we were standing around the kitchen eating pizza. one of the guys started asking how many girls the other guys had kissed. A few of us had only kissed a couple (I am including myself in this group); Tyler and another guy were around 15; One guy was up in the 30s; another was up in the 40s; and the champion/loser (you decide) was up in the 70s. I knew that there were people like that out there, but I didn't know there were that many, and so close to home.
I went to a cabin with a bunch of guys from my ward last Friday. We set up 4 XBox gaming systems and played Halo for hours on end. For dinner, we were standing around the kitchen eating pizza. one of the guys started asking how many girls the other guys had kissed. A few of us had only kissed a couple (I am including myself in this group); Tyler and another guy were around 15; One guy was up in the 30s; another was up in the 40s; and the champion/loser (you decide) was up in the 70s. I knew that there were people like that out there, but I didn't know there were that many, and so close to home.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
One Last Dance
So I went to a high school dance last week...NOT as a chaperon.
Even while writing it, I still don't believe it.
I better give some background. I'm 26 yrs old and attending a university student ward (congregation) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or Mormons). There is a program within the church where members visit other members to share with them a gospel message, get to know them better and help them feel more welcomed and loved. This program is called Home Teaching. I was home teaching a 20 year old young woman in my ward. As I was about to leave, I asked her a question that most people ask at the end of a home teaching visit, "Is there anything I can do for you or help you with?" She thought for a minute and said, "Actually..." She went on to explain that she would be going the next weekend to the homecoming dance with a group of people and that there was a girl that she would like to have join the group, but the girl needed someone to go with. I said that I was willing to go. I was aware that homecoming activities were going on, I had just gone to the University of Utah homecoming game the day before, and was not too surprised at the request. As she continued to explain the details, there was a moment where horror struck me. I quickly said, "Oh, you mean VIEWMONT's homecoming?!?" I had incorrectly assumed that she was referring to the U of U homecoming or Weber State's. I had no idea that she was referring to a high school dance. Not only that, but MY former high school, Viewmont. When I was in high school, I always thought it rather strange when I saw people that had graduated the year before go to the homecoming dance the following year (let alone 7 years after graduating!). I could never imagine myself doing that. Why would anyone go back once they were graduated? I will tell you why: Home Teaching.
It turns out that the girl that I would be taking had had a brain tumor and undergone numerous surgeries on her head and on the limbs on the left side of her body. Due to the tumor, her left side had been somewhat paralyzed and her muscles were left very tight. The surgeries on her limbs were done to alleviate the tension. They involved the cutting and rearranging of tendons, among other things. The tumor and her surgeries kept her at home for most of high school as well as left her self conscious about her remaining paralysis. These factors have kept her out of the social scene for some time now. Her friend wanted this girl, who had been through so much, to get out and enjoy a high school dance. It was an experience that she was never able to have while in high school and I was lucky enough to play a part in giving her that experience.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, as embarrassing and strange as it was for me to go back, I reached a point where I didn't really care that a few younglings that I knew thought it was funny that I was there. When the cause is great enough, the definition of sacrifice losses it's very meaning and ceases to be.
Even while writing it, I still don't believe it.
I better give some background. I'm 26 yrs old and attending a university student ward (congregation) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or Mormons). There is a program within the church where members visit other members to share with them a gospel message, get to know them better and help them feel more welcomed and loved. This program is called Home Teaching. I was home teaching a 20 year old young woman in my ward. As I was about to leave, I asked her a question that most people ask at the end of a home teaching visit, "Is there anything I can do for you or help you with?" She thought for a minute and said, "Actually..." She went on to explain that she would be going the next weekend to the homecoming dance with a group of people and that there was a girl that she would like to have join the group, but the girl needed someone to go with. I said that I was willing to go. I was aware that homecoming activities were going on, I had just gone to the University of Utah homecoming game the day before, and was not too surprised at the request. As she continued to explain the details, there was a moment where horror struck me. I quickly said, "Oh, you mean VIEWMONT's homecoming?!?" I had incorrectly assumed that she was referring to the U of U homecoming or Weber State's. I had no idea that she was referring to a high school dance. Not only that, but MY former high school, Viewmont. When I was in high school, I always thought it rather strange when I saw people that had graduated the year before go to the homecoming dance the following year (let alone 7 years after graduating!). I could never imagine myself doing that. Why would anyone go back once they were graduated? I will tell you why: Home Teaching.
It turns out that the girl that I would be taking had had a brain tumor and undergone numerous surgeries on her head and on the limbs on the left side of her body. Due to the tumor, her left side had been somewhat paralyzed and her muscles were left very tight. The surgeries on her limbs were done to alleviate the tension. They involved the cutting and rearranging of tendons, among other things. The tumor and her surgeries kept her at home for most of high school as well as left her self conscious about her remaining paralysis. These factors have kept her out of the social scene for some time now. Her friend wanted this girl, who had been through so much, to get out and enjoy a high school dance. It was an experience that she was never able to have while in high school and I was lucky enough to play a part in giving her that experience.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, as embarrassing and strange as it was for me to go back, I reached a point where I didn't really care that a few younglings that I knew thought it was funny that I was there. When the cause is great enough, the definition of sacrifice losses it's very meaning and ceases to be.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
I like games
An anonymous person commented on my last post saying that I need to write more. This one's for you anonymous commenter!
I am 26 years old. I feel that I have done amazingly well at staying out of relationships. While I do not consider this an accomplishment, my lack of effort in this area has surprised even myself. It wasn't until about a year ago that I started making what anyone might consider an effort. I had no drive before that point.
I have been in two relationships since then. It has fascinated me how the two of them have ended. The first was a relationship with a long time friend. Even with friendship as a basis (admittedly a shallow one), that relationship was doomed to failure thanks to a lack of communication and an amazing degree of incompatibility. Despite our differences, ending that relationship was hard on me. It had meant a lot to me.
The relationship that currently intrigues me the most has been the one I have most recently ended. Unlike the first, I cannot think of any major areas of incompatibility or hang-ups. I went out with her a couple of times a week for over a month. We have similar tastes and interests, similar goals... She seemed to be smitten by me and I couldn't help but feel like I should have been smitten in return. I just wasn't. I ended the relationship last Friday, not because of difficulties and differences, but rather INdifference.
I find it interesting that it can be difficult to end a relationship with someone that just isn't that right for me and then have no problem ending a relationship with someone that seems to fit me very well.
This blog feels a little uninspired, but it's what has been on my mind lately.
I am 26 years old. I feel that I have done amazingly well at staying out of relationships. While I do not consider this an accomplishment, my lack of effort in this area has surprised even myself. It wasn't until about a year ago that I started making what anyone might consider an effort. I had no drive before that point.
I have been in two relationships since then. It has fascinated me how the two of them have ended. The first was a relationship with a long time friend. Even with friendship as a basis (admittedly a shallow one), that relationship was doomed to failure thanks to a lack of communication and an amazing degree of incompatibility. Despite our differences, ending that relationship was hard on me. It had meant a lot to me.
The relationship that currently intrigues me the most has been the one I have most recently ended. Unlike the first, I cannot think of any major areas of incompatibility or hang-ups. I went out with her a couple of times a week for over a month. We have similar tastes and interests, similar goals... She seemed to be smitten by me and I couldn't help but feel like I should have been smitten in return. I just wasn't. I ended the relationship last Friday, not because of difficulties and differences, but rather INdifference.
I find it interesting that it can be difficult to end a relationship with someone that just isn't that right for me and then have no problem ending a relationship with someone that seems to fit me very well.
This blog feels a little uninspired, but it's what has been on my mind lately.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
My How Time Flies
So, I was checking out my blog today with a friend. He pointed out that it had been an extremely long time since I had posted anything.
The End
The End
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