I love the beach!

The day after we got back from our trip to Jordan we were off to Tel Aviv which is about an hour from Jerusalem and on the mediterranean sea. While we were there we started out with a tour of the Diaspora Museum, which features the stories and history of Jews spread out all over the world. We learned about the different kinds of synagogues established around the world as Jews began to flee Israel and the lands of Europe to escape the brutality of the various nations that had ruled their land over the course of its existence. The diaspora or dispersal of the Jewish people to America has caused many to establish their own way of life in the different corners of the world.
We then moved on to Independence Hall, the building where Israel was granted its independence from Britain on May 14, 1948. It was really cool learning how quickly the decision was made to make Israel a soverign country; only 2 days before the event were invitations sent out. It was supposed to be a well-kept secret with only the few hundred invitees in attendance but over a thousand people showed up. At the end of our tour they played the exact recording of David Ben Gurion pronouncing the status of the new country- so cool.

After an exciting morning we were let free to roam around the city so a couple of girls and I headed towards a shopping area and then went straight to the ocean!

Our shoes were off and we went straight to the water. The day was so sunny and the water was beautiful. Perfect beach day and it was in March. I love it!
Chels and I jumping for joy because we were so excited to be at the beach
We then met up with our teachers again and we went to the exact spot where Jonah tried to escape his calling from the Lord and was swallowed by a whale. This is just a little whale to represent it.
Marianne, Cate and I chillin in the sun! The beach makes me so happy! :)