This morning Mark, and I along with 3 other guys got up early and headed to the temple mount. In Jerusalem there are two main areas of the temple: the wailing wall and the temple mount. The temple mount was where the temple used to stand and is only open from 7:30 - 8:30 am and 12:30 - 1:30 so we had to get there early to beat all the groups.
It was amazing! To actually be on the spot where the temple used to stand and Jesus used to preach was an incredible feeling. After walking through security and once we walked through the long corridor leading up to the gate we were opened to a very large open area where the court of the gentiles and the colonnaded walkway used to be. We walked all around and up to the dome of the rock and even though it is Muslim it is quite extraordinary.
Up until a couple years ago no one besides Muslims were allowed up on the temple mount but they recently opened it back up. Today people are allowed up there but only Muslims are allowed in the dome of the rock.
As I was walking around the dome of the rock I really wanted to see inside but all the doors were closed, so i went up and would try to peak through the cracks and get a look, I could only see a little though. After walking all the way around I saw two open doors where Muslims could enter in and I started walking towards to get a better look inside but a man standing there yelled at me and told me to go! Figuring I probably should do what he says because I didn't really know what was going on I walked away and about 10 minutes later as we were about to leave the other 3 guys were watching this guy and they saw him walk away. They quickly walked over towards the two doors and one of our guys ducked a step into the doorway and got a look inside. The man quickly came back and yelled at him but it was worth it! As we were leaving he explained to us what he had seen inside and gave us a description into something most people never get to see.
The experience was awesome! To actually have walked up on the temple mount is something that most people can't say they have done. It now becomes one of the things on the list to do when Josh comes in April!!!
Tonight I was able to Skype with Amy and I got the privileged to see Drew and Matthew. I miss hanging out with the boys and am loving how they are looking so much bigger! I was also very happy to see pictures of Josh and Jen's new baby, Asher! Who looks identical to Jay when he was a baby. Seeing the family and the nephews is a good taste of home and makes me excited to head back in May, but also encourages me to make the most of this opportunity!
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