The 7575 Mile Journey: LA to Jerusalem

We arrived at LAX Sunday morning June 12th. Dr. Painter led our group which consisted of 16 students and 4 adults.^. All of us were ready to be in Israel at that moment -- a mere 7,575 miles separated us from our 3-week excursion in the land where Jesus walked. We exited the baggage claim and carried our luggage to the international terminal at LAX. Our adventure began interestingly at the check-in line of El Al airlines.

I had been aware prior to coming that El Al was going to make sure their flights were secure. Thus, it meant everyone flying on the plane was a security risk until cleared. We walked into the International Terminal and all 22 of us lined up (kind of) to check in our bags. El Al security measures included an obvious armed Israeli soldier at the back of the lines for the El Al ticket counter. After a while of standing and waiting one of the El Al security personnel began to talk with Dr. Painter. He explained that we were all part of a group traveling to study in Israel for three weeks. The interrogation did not end there. By the time we had checked in our bags we had all been "interrogated" separately with questions including; “what is your name, where are you from, what school do you go to, why are you traveling to Israel.” Some were questioned more heavily and taken into another room. One girl had her inhaler taken away. Leilani was asked where her mother and father were from and the origin of her last name. 

El Al airline at LAX

After security we realized there was not many food options. I was pretty disappointed there was no Starbucks. A small café was all we had to choose from. We ended up at the gate and were greeted by a large group of 100 or more Jews many of whom were students. I asked one of them what exactly they were traveling to Israel for. She explained that it was a “birthright” trip. I had heard about this a little bit last year when I was researching traveling to Israel. I ended up sitting by one of the leaders of the birthright trip on the plane. He explained that Jewish kids have the opportunity to travel to Israel for 10 days if they choose. They learn and explore their roots and...it is free! I thought that was a pretty neat opportunity for them. However, I was excited that I had 3-weeks in Israel not 10 days. 

We departed LA at 1:30 pm for a 14.5-hour flight to Tel Aviv. Dr. Painter had expressed that El Al airlines were very nice and the 'way to go' when traveling to Israel. I have to say I agree with him. I was fortunate to have an aisle seat on the long flight. Leilani and I managed to sit next to each other. Let me tell you that the aisle seat was awesome, cause when I came home I was stuck in the middle of the middle aisle where a large fat Orthodox Jew occupied the seat to my left -- for 11 hours! We all had personal TV screens and were privy to a large selection of movies and TV shows. I did manage to sleep on the plane... a plus! Food was not bad either. The time on the plane, while long, actually flew by faster than expected. I am happy to say not one time on the flight was I nervous (that is pretty big deal for me :) 

We arrived in Tel Aviv around 2:00pm Israel time. Israel is 10 hours ahead, so it would have been 4:00am Pacific time. We ARRIVED! And We were ALIVE! 

Leilani and I in Israel!

After going through customs and getting our luggage we caught a Sherut (taxi) from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem where Jerusalem University College was located. I had no idea what to expect, and I was trying to keep expectations low for our accommodations at the school. One fear I had was seeing spiders. If I didn’t see any then and room would be fine with me.

We arrived at Jerusalem University College 45 minutes later. The school is located on the present Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. It sits across the Watershed Ridge with the Hinnom Valley below. We are very close to Jaffa Gate and steps away from Dormition Abbey. After becoming aquainted with the area I was that the college actually sat in an amazing part of Jerusalem. I felt very blessed to be where I was at. My first impression however, of the school, was low. The sign does not reflect the character and beauty of the University. Thus I was pleasantly surprised by our accommodations. (better pictures coming in later blogs).

The entrance to Jerusalem University College: does not serve this place justice

Our room: we had a great view of the Hinnom Valley and had direct access to the large rooftop + no spiders!!

I ended up rooming with Leilani and Jackie, both Simpson students. I had met Leilani in Dr. Painter's class my last semester and we got to know each other by constantly talking about the trip to Israel in his class. l I had the chance to meet Jackie and get to know her while in Israel. I feel very blessed to have spent three weeks with these girls. 'Girls' have their moments, and I am sure I was not a great room-mate 100% of the time, but for the most part we all got along perfectly and enjoyed the much of the trip together.

Our adventure in Jerusalem began the first night by our own accord. Dr. Painter led a few of us out into the Old City. We were introduced to Shaban, an Arab Christian who owns a shop in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. Many universities in the US including JUC visit his shop because of his fair and low prices. We exchanged our dollars for New Israeli Shekels. The exchange rate was about 3.5 NIS to the dollar. And it is here we were introduced to a very good strawberry banana drink that is not sold in the US :(

Dr. Painter headed back to the college and the five of us checked out the Old City that night, establishing a tradition for the rest of our free nights in Jerusalem.

I was the photographer : our 1st evening walk in Old City Jerusalem