Home town and state: South Pasadena, California
Majors: Both Global Studies and Religion majors
What topic pertaining to the Holy Land are you researching?
I am studying Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls and how these have altered the way people practice and view religion, especially the Bible.
What idea have you found inspiring as you’ve prepared for the abroad and/or prayed for the Middle East?
An idea that I loved came from the article “The Problem of the Hickory Tree” by Louise Wheatley. I specifically loved where she wrote, “Suppose we try a little harder to remember that it is not “our” tree at all, but God’s. Suppose we try to make its stubbornness, its ugliness, its perversity, less of a reality, and to remember instead that the real tree and the real man are perfect ideas in Mind, and that, as such, God is ever conscious of them. Suppose we try to remember that God’s work is already done; that the hickory tree, to Him, is already as beautiful as the weeping willow, because He can see that which is still hidden from our dull eyes — the perfect, finished spiritual creation; and that in His way (not ours) and in His time (not ours) this eternal fact will be made manifest to human consciousness.” God is protecting and loving every single one of His individuals, just as He is for you.
What biblical character or site would you want to be or do you feel you are like?
I took the BuzzFeed quiz, ‘Which Bible character are you?’ and according to it apparently I am like Moses because they say,” You’re a naturally gifted leader. You’re bold and valiant in the face of adversity, and people are consistently looking to you for your wisdom, guidance and bravery.”
What is the place or activity you are most looking forward to on the abroad?
I am most looking forward to interacting with individuals to break the misconception that the Middle East is a war zone and there is no love. I am so excited because I love meeting people! With that I am excited to visit holy sites and why they are considered sacred. I am also excited for the food.