For Fourth of July all the students dressed up in any patriotic things we could find and made the best of our day in the non-American country. We decided to go to Hezekiah’s Tunnel. We went there on a field trip recently but this time we went through the 1/3 mile tunnel with no lights. It was super scary at first but we had so much fun. My group got ahead a bit so we hid in this corner we found the first time and waited to scare the people behind us. We sang God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and I’m Proud to be an American while we walked through the pitch black tunnel. I couldn’t even see my hand touching my nose in front of me but we grabbed each others backpacks or something to hold on and talking and singing was fun, it was nice to know someone was in front of me and I could just follow them. It was so much fun and a great way to spend the afternoon.

All patriotic and proud to be Americans!

No Fourth of July is complete without a popsicle!

For dinner, Achmed made us an American barbeque! He is so amazing. We had hamburgers, corn on the cob, ice cream, apple pie, it was so good! We listened to an American playlist and ate outside. After dinner, we had a center activity with all the students and faculty with their families and played minute to win it games.

Hailey and I are so excited to eat an American dinner!

I have so many beautiful and amazing friends.

Steph and I at the activity

Sister Ludlow made two delicious cakes decorated as the flag and we lit sparklers for candles. It was so amazing and we all were facing the cake as the sparkler went off, singing The Star Spangled Banner and I’ve never felt so proud to be an American. Being away from that lovely country reminds me why I love it so much.

Melia and Marissa helping finish the cakes

Best candles ever!

We went outside and we were able to catch some fireworks, they happen nightly but it was even better to see them on the 4th!

It was sad to miss all the Royal City and Christensen family traditions as well as just being in America, but I think we found a memorable way to celebrate it here in Jerusalem! 🙂