I rejoiced that they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
At last our feet are standing at your gates, Jerusalem!
Jerusalem, built as a city, in one united whole, there the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, a sign for Israel to give thanks to the name of the Lord. For there are set the thrones of judgement, the thrones of the House of David. (Psalm 122, 1-5).

The Postulants Lucia from Brazil and Andrea and Nancy from Costa Rica; we are thankful with our God for this amazing experience that we had in the city of Jerusalem. It was our first visit to this majestic place where you can see, feel, and learn about many cultures, religions and traditions.

First we went to the center of the new city. Andreas who is a friend of Sion led us through the city center where we could see the beauty of all the buildings, train station and shops.

We continued our journey walking with joy because we were enthusiastic to see the old city.

As soon as we got in the old city through Jaffa Gate, Andreas explained to us the city, the name of doors and quarters names. Then we went to visit a place called Bilda that is a Swedish Christian Study Center. Where people from everywhere can go to have a rest, drink a coffee or read a book. In this center there is a wonderful viewpoint where we enjoyed a beautiful view of the old city.

After resting for a moment we went to the Golgota in the Holy Selpucre and Jesus’s tomb. In those special places we prayed in order to give thanks to God for his love and mercy.

At the Western Wall (HaKotel) we were lucky because we saw a group of Jewish celebrating Bar- Mitzvah. This was one of the most important moment for us. Especially when they sang the Shema Israel.

We also had a nice lunch in Ecce Homo with NDS associates from Brazil, Costa Rica, Spain, Argentina, etc. Then we visited the apartment of our sisters where we met Sister Trudy and Sister Maureen. We had a good time with them.

Finally, we got in a place called The Garden of the Tomb. This is another interesting place where we could feel peace since there was an incredible cave and very nice flowers and trees. This environment made us feel a deep experience and sing with joy to God to give us this unique moment.
Thanks to God, Andreas, and Sister Flor Maria from Costa Rica and Valdete from Brazil who join us in our first trip in Jerusalem.

Nancy Mena, Postulant NDS