SHALOM!

Holy Moly Guacamole!
Last night we were able to invite the sabbath day with the Jews up at the Western Wall in the Old City. To begin our evening a bunch of us just walked around the Old City, exploring and finding our ways around. We wanted to go to the Citadel of David and the Rampart Walk (you can walk on the actual walls), but they were both closed. Suck I know. However, on our way to the Western Wall we ran into about 50 Israeli soldiers that were dancing and playing games. They were having such a great time that they invited us to join in. Amazing! We followed them all the way to the Wall and it was just amazing. Eventually we were surrounded by about 200 soldiers dancing, singling, yelling etc and it was awesome.
When we got to the wall I had to deliver a pray. Ms. Spitalneck (don't hate me for spelling your name wrong) told me that there was a tradition that whoever delivered the note receives good luck. It was so crazy trying to get down to the wall though because there were hundreds of woman dancing, singing, and praying all the way down. When I finally put it in I walked over to a group of girls that were dancing around in circles singing and laughing and they just took my hand and brought me in. It's amazing how the people here have so much joy and are so excited to invite the Sabbath. I was lucky enough to meet some girls that were there studying in Jerusalem for a year during their "gap" year between high school and college. They had already been there 8 months! They take so much pride in their faith and are so dedicated to everything they do.
I've only been here for about 2 weeks and my perspective on the Jewish faith and their lifestyle has changed so much. I've learned a lot about myself and how I can change just by being around them. Along with the Palestinians that are here, I've learned that we need to enjoy life more. Americans suck at just letting go and having fun. Yeah, we need to work out to make a living, but give yourself a break from time to time and enjoy the blessings that you have. Laugh a little and love more, and DANCE! SHALOM!