Posted November 2, 2020 by Wheaton College
Tags:
Relationship-Oriented
Stephanie Gilsenan - Experience the World Together
By: Stephanie Gilsenan '21
Six weeks. Israel, Greece, and Italy. Walk where Jesus did.
That’s all I needed to know to decide to participate in Wheaton in the Holy Lands the summer after my sophomore year. I wasn’t expecting it, but the 47 other Wheaton students joining me on this journey were one of the most impactful parts of my time abroad.
Of the many incredible experiences we shared, one of my favorite memories was when we went to Ein Gedi, an oasis in the Judean Desert in Israel.
We were five days into our time abroad and had spent the entire day hiking through the desert. We were hot and exhausted. After taking a break for lunch,we discovered an oasis. There were pools of water in a string working their way down a desert valley. At the end of one of the pools was a waterfall. One by one we laid back in the waterfall and felt the cool water rush over us as the rest of the team cheered and chanted our names. I felt pure joy as we experienced and celebrated the relief of that moment together.
All of the friendships that I made abroad have continued into my life on campus. I am so thankful for the amazing memories we have together, but also the new ones that are still being formed as we continue life at Wheaton together.
Interested in studying abroad? Here's more info for you!
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