This was probably the word that has most frequently crossed The lips of all eight members of our group since we stepped onto the plane leaving Newark for Tel Aviv and we first became immersed in this culture. This was especially true this morning as we walked through the old city of Jerusalem for hours taking in the sights, smells, and experiences that were completely new to all members of the group. As we walked from place to place seeing the Church of The Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock, and the Wailing Wall, our group found that the only way that we could respond was with a simple "wow."
But this wonderful sensory overload did not stop there. After stopping at one of the most famous hummus restaurants in the city for lunch with our excellent host, Forsan, we proceeded to tour the almost-completed, state of the art sports center and the preschool that are part of the Jerusalem International YMCA. The cherry on top of our packed day was dinner with staff members of the JIY. We were served traditional and delicious dishes on the outdoor patio of the Y's restaurant as we reveled in the perfect weather and fascinating company of our new friends.
It will probably be years before I have fully processed and fully understood the gravity of all that I have experienced and will experience during this trip. However, for the next few days, I am content to take it all in and simply respond with "wow."
Written by Katey Calhoun
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