We haven’t posted anything to our Jerusalem blog since we returned home in late July, but a number of our friends have written us asking for any information we might have about the conflict in Israel, and in particular about the BYU Jerusalem Center.

As for the war, we are watching the news like everyone else, and even our friends living in the BYU Center say that they get their news from the same international sources that we do.

 

The BYU Center is posting daily security updates at this link:

https://jerusalemcenter.ce.byu.edu/security-updates

Security has always been very tight at the Center, and I’m sure they are monitoring things closely. There are two large bomb shelters at the Center. They hadn’t been used for many years, but they have been used in the last few days when sirens in the area have sounded. 

 

For now everyone is safe at the BYU Center, and there are no immediate plans to send the students home. They have not been able to go out as freely as before, and several of their field trips have been canceled. Last Sunday’s concert was canceled. I’m sure the administration is taking things one day at a time.

 

In our whole time in Israel we were never witness to any hostilities and we never felt in any danger. Little did we think when we left that things could turn so quickly. We are praying for our friends there and for peace in the region.

 HOME

Hard to believe our time is up! We completed our assignment here at the Jerusalem Center after 13 months. It has been a wonderful experience. Leaving was bittersweet, for sure. Before we left, we had many "lasts" and enjoyed visiting our favorite places.

July 9, 2023 Sunday   Deanne’s 65^th birthday!  We went with the Lloyds to Ein Kerem, enjoyed seeing Church of St. John the Baptist, Mary’s Spring, Church of the Visitation.  Then lunch at Pundak.  Jim had Greek salad, Deanne had the puttanesca.  Lloyds had focaccia caprese and Caesar salad.  Back to pack up more suitcases.  Getting ready to transfer to our temporary apartment.

Last visit to Pundak

July 13, 2023  Thursday     Yesterday started with a film crew who came to get some video of the organ for the new film they're producing to show all the visitors who come here. (The last one was made in 2012.) This is the first time Jim has been filmed--indoors no less--by a drone camera! Jim  played the American and Jazz concert at 8:00 pm that same evening.  It was oversold (410 tickets for 350 seats), but of course there are no-shows. Fun music.  His swan-song and final concert here.  Especially nice to see Matt Berkowitz and his wife Nadia and her mother Sue; Fr. Cristobal; Smadar; Yehuda; Stuart, Edna; and lots of others.  A “glorious triumph,” of course. 

Edna, one of the faithful concert attendees

Last solo concert

July 15, 2023 Saturday    Jim played “O Divine Redeemer” for the prelude and “Hallelujah Chorus” for postlude.  Evensong at 4:30 pm. We spoke at the Sunset Sermon (a student-run get-together for students to share something valuable from their life). We spoke about our marriage story—you can’t make THAT story up. It was quite fun, and it got their attention.  

July 17, 2023  Monday   The big event was the Properzi family recital in the upper auditorium. We were asked by their parents at the end of last year to teach their kids--piano and voice. Mary Ellen Rosen and Patty Barker also were their teachers. All 4 of the kids had prepared well, and all of the 92 students came to the concert. It was a total success. Noemi sang, Kristian played the piano, Julia played piano, and Isabella played the violin. We had a fun, short 35-minute program and everyone loved it.  The Properzis are the best…!

Julia, Noemi, Isabella

We went to the Old City and got Deanne a nice Jerusalem Cross pendant at George’s.  Udi wasn’t there—we wanted to say goodbye. Ran into Paulo, the Brazilian priest Jim met exactly one year ago (per Google photos memory) at the Holy Sepulcher.  We left in the evening for TLV airport to pick up the Robers, our replacements.

July 19, 2023 Wednesday  There was a wonderful farewell dinner in the student commons for everyone leaving.  Eric Huntsman was leaving immediately, but Welches, Judds, Seelys, Properzis are following close behind.  Mervat put on a fine dinner for us (plus crème brulee), Jill wrote poems, and Jo Ann Seely wrote tributes.  We’ll miss this place.

Larry and Leah Rober

JC Staff and Faculty

July 21, 2023 Friday  Jim's 73^rd birthday    He spent all morning with Leah Rober helping her get a tour script and music list together. Fajitas in the Oasis for lunch, and then the nicest birthday surprise: Deanne had worked with Mervat (the chef) for the birthday watermelon.  Mervat had peeled a large watermelon and then spread whipped cream (mixed with vanilla pudding) all over it.  It was nothing short of sensational, and there was enough for everyone have a slice.  People loved it.  

Chef Mervat at work

Watermelon, not red velvet cake!

July 22, 2023 Saturday  Our last Sabbath here.  We found out that Elder Rasband and his family would be here on a tour. Jim played a half hour of prelude, his favorite pieces (Jerusalem, Holy City, Jupiter, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, and several others).  Opening was Come, Come, Ye Saints, in honor of Pioneer Day on July 24.  Alondra Ramirez spoke, then we both spoke.  We had cut our talks down a bit, but it worked out fine.  We each had 6-7 minutes.  Two students (Hope Bates and Caralyn Cleaver) sang “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked.” Then both Sister and Elder Rasband spoke.  Very fine talks, friendly but encouraging of staying strong in the gospel.  He brought messages from Pres. Nelson and added his own blessings.  He spoke into the next hour, which was fine, and so they cancelled second hour of church.  Elder Rasband shook hands with everyone in attendance.  His wife asked Jim if she could record him playing “Holy City” and “I Walked Today” (for a family video they’re planning to make).  It was about as nice a farewell meeting as we could ever have hoped for.   

Elder and Sister Rasband

July 24 We took the Robers to the YMCA carillon bells and then walked around the Old City one more time, came home to more packing, last-minute organ instruction, and then wonderful goodbyes. We met all the students before their forum lecture on Monday evening to say goodbye. They sang to us and cheered us on. So tender. As we gathered our luggage (5 large suitcases and 2 carry-ons), John Lidang and Nolan Rodeback found us and presented leis to us that John had made from Center flowers (with the gardener's approval). Just the two of them sang Aloha Oe and a similar farewell song in Samoan. Oh, so sweet. 

One last trip to the YMCA

One last Ensemble choir rehearsal

One last group shot.

Mauro Properzi, Jo Ann Seely, Mary Ellen and Mark Rosen, 

Leah and Larry Rober, Ted and Julie Lloyd, Jill Judd

The TLV airport was crowded but we moved along smoothly. One Jewish woman at Delta was particularly nice when she notice all of our luggage. She moved us to a separate and shorter line to check in. The flights were uneventful, connections connected as scheduled, all the luggage arrived in SLC, and we were met at the airport by Jack, Jeannie, Nicholas, and Sammy and Danny Fowles. Balloons and all!! 

Now, we are home! Let's just say that unpacking is even less fun than packing. 

Our last blog, for now! So, what's next?!

Several weeks have passed since our last blog. We've stayed busy with many tour groups, trips to the Old City, and orientation for the new Humanitarian couple, Ted and Julie Lloyd. We said farewell to Paul and Patty Barker as they headed home. We will follow in 3 short weeks. 

But here is the recap:

We went with Paul and Patty to Ein Kerem where we had a festival farewell lunch at our favorite new find Pundak.  Deanne had the best mushroom risotto; Jim had puttanesca, Paul had fish and chips, and Patty had their house special Caprese focaccia bread.  And, of course, the hot chocolate cake. We are sorry we didn't find this place earlier! We love the food here, but it would have given us reprieve from Middle Eastern cuisine on occasion. 

Paul, Patty, and Jim went with Ann Tilden to Wadi Qelt for the hike down to St. George’s Monastery. The Tildens had taken Jim there shortly after we arrived last June but they couldn't get into the monastery. It was still on Jim's bucket list. The nice part is that the Tildens have diplomatic license plates so going into the West Bank was a breeze. And yes, it was a hot day!

Jim dropped Deanne and Patty at Jaffa Gate for one of their last day's shopping excursion (without the men!). Jim went to YMCA where 12 girls from the Center came for the carillon bell experience. Then Jim picked up Deanne and Patty who had finished their lunch at Yafo pizza, another non-Middle Eastern taste. Leftovers were good! In the evening, we met the Lloyds who had just arrived the evening before.

We've had big days of tours!  Lots of unexpected but very interesting people from all over. The Lloyds joined in to see how hosting things are done since hosting is part of their assignment.  

The Center had a farewell dinner for Paul and Patty at the Askadinya, a great restaurant near American Colony Hotel. All the faculty and service couples were there. Great salads (seafood, hearts of palm, Caesar, tabouleh), and then we ordered our own entrees.  Jim had seafood risotto, Deanne had steak fettucine.  Eran gave a nice tribute to the Barkers (deservedly so).  We have had such a great time with them!  We’ll miss them, but the Lloyds are great. 

John Lidang presented Julie and Ted Lloyd with homemade leis

While Jo Ann Seely was reorganizing the library, she discovered a 4-drawer file cabinet of music in the storage room! Argh! We went through it all, found several duplications, some very outdated and non-useful pieces, and then labeled and filed the good stuff. Luckily, we found 50 Messiah scores! Maybe the students will do that someday. 

July 1 was our big July Celebration Concert put on by the students.  It was a "glorious triumph," and everyone had fun.  God of Our Fathers, O Canada, Amazing Grace, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Go Down Moses, Precious Lord, Jon Lidang sang “Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears,” Saryn Fleming did a fun fiddle piece, Star-Spangled Banner, Jim played Sousa's Liberty Bell March, One Minute Home on the Range (10-year old Kristian Properzi and Jim did a short duet of it first and Kristian got a huge response from the students), Homeward Bound, Come Come Ye Saints, and the Wilhousky Battle Hymn of the Republic.  Go Down Moses really brought the house down, but there were many other big hits. If you have time and are interested, here are the links to the concert. 

1 https://photos.app.goo.gl/vR4wWD177yS9Vk9r9   Beginning – Amazing Grace 

2 https://photos.app.goo.gl/zJgp7FyXnZQa7kvL7    Come, Thou Fount –Go Down, Moses at 3:10 -- Precious Lord 

3 https://photos.app.goo.gl/MGt1ZdW4cU8uSkHv5   Isle of Hope – Orange Blossom 

4 https://photos.app.goo.gl/Jy8NaF9KACxw9RPy8   Star-Spangled Banner – One Minute Home on the Range 

5 https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cw1vieFNNB6oaKcU6    Homeward Bound – Battle Hymn

Crazy kazoo time in rehearsal

John Lidang

Saryn Fleming

Landon Graham, Dallin Jenson, Mason Muir all decked out

The Center put on another big 4^th of July cookout (on the 2nd) at the Oasis with burgers and corn on the cob, grilled mushrooms and onions, watermelon, and ice cream with all the toppings. They really do a good job and work so hard to please this large group of Americans. Following the BBQ, we got working on computers and totally forgot about the 8 p.m. classical concert that we are in charge of hosting!! Luckily Michal called and we ran up there.  All was well. First time forgetting in a year.... oops.

Jim gave the Lloyds his big one-day Old City tour. He walked them 6.5 miles and saw just about everything there was to see. Now they will need to go back at their own pace and find their own way. The next day, we took the Lloyds on the Mount of Olives half day tour. Some churches are open only on Tuesdays so we hit all of our favorite spots. We ended at Gethsemane and the Church of the Agony where Jim played a mini-sacred concert. It was the best part of the day. We love that church. We might not get back there in the next few weeks. This was special.

Jim played a fun and patriotic concert on the YMCA carillon bells on the 4th of July. It was a beautiful evening and the Lloyds joined us for the event. Luckily, Ted called us earlier in the evening to see what time we would need go... "Go where?" we asked. We had forgotten this concert too!!! Are we getting old, trunky, or just tired?? But we made it in plenty of time and it went well. There was a photographer there to capture the concert. Enjoy the short video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zNP5qRJRMkFk1wBTA

Lovely evening on the YMCA patio

The students are in Galilee for another week so it is TOO quiet here. It is giving us time to get all the loose ends tied up in preparation for the the Robers to come and replace us. 

Family news--

Nicholas spent almost three weeks in Taiwan visiting and touring with Sharon. He ate all the Chinese food he possibly could and saw wonderful places. He heads to Duke Law School mid-August.

Jameson continues at the Casper, Wyoming, police academy (located in Douglas, Wyoming). He finishes July 20 and then starts his internship. Erika has spent much of the summer in Coeur d'Alene with her family having quite a bit more fun than Jameson. They will be moving their stuff out of our Provo home in another week. With any luck, their home will be finished in Casper by then.