Jason ’24 and Ellora ’26, reflect on an impactful visit to Mount Nebo.
Today was filled with extraordinary events, but one of the most impactful experiences of the day was our trip to Mt Nebo. As a Christian myself, I was honored to be able to visit the land where Moses received the 10 commandments. While standing at the east side of the memorial, I watched the golden, morning sunlight glisten over the holy land. From Jericho to Jerusalem, from the Dead Sea to Bethlehem, I was seeing the places I never thought I would be able to.
Laying down in the Dead Sea later that day with my classmates floating effortlessly in the aquamarine as the water cleaved the miracle mud from our bodies, I was reminded of our time on Mt Nebo and it made me remember how fortunate my classmates and I were to be in Jordan. To experience the beauty of the land, the breadth of culture, and customs. I was able to experience what God had created, part of the land he cultivated to be the womb of humanity. Regardless of whether you follow Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, I believe everyone can appreciate the origins of my faith, and of many others, sprouting from that land.
-Jason ’24
Today started with a rush as we hurried to pack for our four-day endeavor across Jordan and to say goodbye to our friends at Kings. We loaded into the bus and headed for Mt Nebo. The supposed resting place of Moses. Before today my knowledge of Moses and his relation to Islam, Judaism, and Christianity was limited. I never knew he was mentioned in the Qur’an. This revelation made me more curious about the interconnectivity of religions. And how today it can be easier to see our differences instead of similarities. Walking up to Mt Nebo we admired a modern sculpture, recently created by Italian artists (as Mt. Nebo is technically Italian land!). It was a tall rectangular structure with many engravings, some being the faces of those who carried religion through generations. These faces were not joyful they looked complex, troubled, even solemn. This is to show the difficulties of those who sought to teach others about religion. This can be applied to all religions. Our tour guide Mr. Mo, told us that though Mt Nebo, is technically a Christian Holy Place, because the Italians named it. However, the people of Jordan would simply call it a Holy Place, for all.
As we walked up higher we reached the Church of Mt Nebo. The view as we ascended was spectacular. I have never seen anything like it, it felt like I was looking at Earth. So boundless and peaceful. This feeling was echoed inside the Church where restored mosaics hung on the wall. I am not Muslim, Christian, or Jewish, yet I felt accepted and connected to Mt Nebo. In that moment all of us could share its wonder.
After this experience we headed to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. The sky was clear and sunny, we were so exited. The sea is so salty that you naturally float and the water burns your tongue. After, we covered ourselves in Dead Sea Mud. We had a blast! Our skin was glowing when we washed it off. We ended the day with a bowl of Um Ali, relishing in the memories of the day past.
-Ellora ’26
