Sacrifices.

Wow. I don't know what to do with myself. I just paid for the majority of my Jerusalem fees in one lump sum. It is a LOT of money! It wasn't a coincidence that my friend Jason and I were in the "no sshhhh" zone at the same time I logged onto My Financial Account through route Y. As I entered my password and got emotionally prepared to part with my life savings, he reassured me that it is worth every penny. Jason convinced me that I will consider my money well spent after just 5 minutes in Israel.

People tell me you can't pay for the experience of living for 4 months in the land where Jesus lived. Jason showed me a place in Joseph Smith History where Oliver Cowdery describes the events in Jerusalem as the "days never to be forgotten." Clicking submit payment earlier today took all my strength. Every ounce.

Going to Jerusalem is a sacrifice. Don't get me wrong, I want to go more than anything in the world, I would leave today if I could! But it is a sacrifice because I am giving up good things to go. I am sacrificing all the money to my name, time spent with people I love, experiences in a ward I really enjoy, learning and growing on BYU campus, phone calls with my family every day, friendships that are important to me... the list goes on... Opportunity cost. But the great news is that I am sacrificing all these things for something even better! I know that going to the Holy Land is the right thing for me to do right now. It is just right! Isn't it so SO great that when we do what it takes to have the Spirit in our lives, He will guide us and comfort us in making big decisions?

Now I just have to get over the idea that I no longer have any money. This is a test of faith for me. I am putting all my trust in others' positive experiences, the curriculum and Jerusalem center promotional pamphlets, and primarily my own yearning to focus on Christ's life. This better be worth it!!!