The Garden Tomb

One of my favorite Sabbath day activities is to visit the Garden Tomb. The route to get there takes us through some loud, bustling streets, and the site itself is located right behind a big bus station. However, as soon as I step through the gates to enter the Garden Tomb there is a wave of calm and peace that washes over me, and the city noise is instantly drowned out by the quiet reverence that fills the air. Even on busy days when there are lots of tourists visiting, I still feel peaceful when I enter and walk around the gardens. The feeling in the air is just different...I don't know how to describe it. I am so grateful for special sanctuaries where I can go to ponder and reflect and "take a relax moment" (to take a line from the hot chocolate machine in the center). Moments when I can just breathe, and leave the world behind for a little while. Moments when I can fully devote my thoughts and gratitude to my Savior. 

The tomb itself, where Jesus Christ may or may not have been laid for the 3 days before He was Resurrected. The point of the Garden Tomb is not to show the exact physical location where Jesus was laid--the precise location is unknown. What's emphasized instead is Christ's life and ministry, and the new life that we receive through His suffering for our sins and His death.  

"Gingers Without Borders" 

Every time we go, we sit and sing hymns for a good 30 minutes. It is an incredible experience for me, because my testimony grows so much through music. Music is a very powerful way for us to share our testimonies in a place where we aren't allowed to explicitly discuss our religion or beliefs. I especially love this experience because the other people visiting the Garden Tomb will often stop for a few minutes and listen to us sing. I think they are amazed to see a group of young people who are so dedicated to their faith, and also appreciative of the music and spirit that we bring to the site. 

Entering the tomb. There is a sign on the door that says "He is not here, for He is Risen"

Bailey, me, Boone, and Letty. Oh, and where's Wesley? 

 

                                                               

Our sweet roommate Ashley, reading her scriptures in the garden.

So glad Wesley captured this hilarious moment, the moment right before a picture is taken and everyone is refining their look. 

The beauties of 303

I love these girls so much.