Twas Brillig: Christmas in Jerusalem 2009

The Clegg Family at Sunset

The Brown Family at sunset on the Galilee

Our Christmas "Vacation" this year in Jerusalem was shared with Julianne and Jason and their six children, and Scott and Jill and their six children. The 18 of us spent three weeks together. The youngest participant was Lily Brown, age 4 months. The oldest child was Tanner Clegg, age 14.

We visited as many sites as our ages would allow. We had beautiful weather and swam in the Dead Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. One of the highlights of our trip was the baptism of Spencer in the Jordan River on his eighth birthday.

One of the highlights of the season was our Branch Christmas Eve on Shepherds' Field and later a Carol Program at the YMCA. Kent gave the prayer, and I read a scripture. Brother Whipple, our Center organist, played several piano medleys, and played the carillon bells at the end of the program. All of Jerusalem heard a Mormon musician playing the carillon bells from the YMCA tower on Christmas Eve.

Now the dust has settled. We still see some little finger prints on the windows of the Jerusalem Center. We miss each family member. But for a few moments we had heaven on earth here.

The Winter Students arrived the day the Cleggs left, so I've not had much recovery time. Therefore, I'll post lots of random photos. I don't have time or energy to write about our whole experience. I am grateful that we could be together for the holiday season. I'm grateful that everyone traveled safely and remained in good health.