Day Nine: 9 Sept 2010

We went to the Pool of Bethesda today (from the story where Jesus heals the man waiting for the water to stir).  The pools are empty now, but it was neat to see the remains and recount the story.  There were also old Roman cisterns there, as well as a 6th Century CE Byzantine Chapel and a ruined Crusader chapel built on top of it.  There's also an old Crusader mosaic, which I thought was pretty cool.  The Catholic Church has built a Basilica there (St. Anne's) to commemorate the location of the birth of Mary (I think it's Mary Magdalene, but I could be wrong--it might be Mary the mother of Jesus).  There were lots of people worshiping there--while I don't hold the exact same beliefs, it was cool to watch other people express their love and devotion to God.

We went and visited the Gethsemane Grotto next, since it was back on the way home.  I was really excited for it, but I was a bit disappointed when I went in.  So many tourists (I wasn't too excited about some Japanese making light of the place)--and the LDS are the only ones who believe that the Atonement took place there, so it didn't feel very special.  Thankfully, however, as I concentrated, I caught a glimpse of what it must have been like and felt the love of the Savior (though it was only for a quick second).  The Rock of Agony (where Jesus supposedly prayed) was there too, and I saw an African-American tour group praying silently around one of the olive trees.  Interestingly enough, new olive trees are growing out of the trunks of the old ones; an appropriate analogy for our 'rebirth' because of the Savior's sacrifices.

After that, we went back home and I was so tired that I couldn't get out of bed for an hour.  I spent the remainder of the afternoon studying for my classes, till we had dinner and afterwards watched a VERY old National Geographic about Egypt (we'll be going to Egypt in approx. a week now!!).  The rest of the night I was with one of my friends, and I mentioned how I had been looking for the FEELING of the Savior in Gethsemane; she suggested I try asking the Lord to feel the Savior's presence more here (since I've been struggling to find Him so much).  I've decided to give it a go, so hopefully the remainder of my trip I'll be blessed with that feeling.

Ciao!