January 10. 2020

Dear Family and Friends,

One week ago today, as we awoke to the news of the death of Soleimani in Iraq, we had no idea of what would take place in the next few days. We were told to evacuate as quickly as possible but LDSCharities had too much project money in the bank to just leave ------ and Ken was the only signature on the account. He couldn't see just leaving it so he asked for permission to wait until the banks opened on Sunday. He was able to get most of the money out and we flew early Monday morning to Ammon Jordan. While in the Ammon Center with Elder and Sister Zwahlen, (they teased US about being refugees--and were very kind to us!) we were told that our new assignment would be to the Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center.  (We were told it would be a possibility but refused to get excited about it.) The humanitarian couple there had to suddenly return home for family health reasons and it left the rest of the couples in a difficult situation because of the work load. When they learned that we were just 2 hours away, they said to come the next morning.

So here we are in the most beautiful campus with the most amazing BYU students, who just arrived yesterday, and the most friendly and helpful couples to serve with. Our assignments will be to give tours of the campus three days a week and to go on the tours around the Holy Land with the students, and to find some humanitarian projects to help with in the area. 

We loved our mission in Iraq. We loved the people we served and will miss many things about living and serving there. However, we are looking forward to this beautiful and amazing experience of learning more about the life of the Savior by living in this area. Today we took a walk with the students on a "City Walking Tour". Tomorrow, the Sabbath, we will walk to the Garden Tomb. As you can imagine, we are counting our many blessings as we finish unpacking and organizing this adorable little apartment. 

Thank you for all the messages and prayers that have been offered in our behave. We have been so inspired by your love and concern for us. We love you all but love the Lord more. If Jerusalem is where the Lord wants us to be NOW, then Jerusalem is where we want to be.

With Love and Gratitude,

Mom and Dad

Grandma and Grandpa

Ken and Joyce

A few photos from our walking tour today.

BYU Jerusalem Center overlooks 

the city. It is on the Mount of Olives.

Dome of the Rock--where the ancient 

temple used to be.

The Wailing Wall