Saturday, December 27th, 2014:  This morning we slept in a little bit and then headed out to church at the BYU Jerusalem Center.  Everyone we talked to called it the “Mormon University,” so we ran with it, but were surprised when we saw the sign on the street.  It actually says, “The Mormon University.”

The grounds are simply amazing and I have to say, our church always gets the most amazing pieces of land!  This was our view while sitting in sacrament meeting.

The chapel view.  You can see the entire old city of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley.

(Click on it to see a larger version.)

If you turn around, this is your view!

 

In the garden is a full size working grindstone.

I just loved this view!  The gardens were so beautiful too!

This is a replica of an olive press.

And this is the type of press that would have been used during the time of Christ.

The outside view of the chapel.

 

Cyclamen Persicum

Bella took this photo of the main hall of the Jerusalem Center after everyone had left.

This building is several stories (down the hill) and has a chapel, lecture hall,

and apartments for the students and teachers.

After church we went exploring in the Old City.

We esp. loved the Jewish Quarter.

Do you see the Christmas Tree?

It is in the Christian Quart of the city, on top of a building.

We spent the evening relaxing in our hotel eating the treats we purchase yesterday.

Tomorrow, Bethlehem!