classic jerusalem: omar's olive wood

Beautiful, no? 

Omar the olive wood carver is a celebrity at the JC. His talent is exceptional and his student discounts are even better. Omar has a cute little shop full of LDS-themed pieces: carvings from Greg Olson's works, the Liahona, Joseph & Hyrum - his market is somewhat captive here and, naturally, he is doing very well. 

I thought about this piece throughout my whole first month, wary of getting it because of the cost (which, I promise, really was such a deal - I'm just trying to pinch my pennies). But the time for a visit to Omar's came again, and I could not leave without snatching it - it was his very last one. Can't really tell you how much I love this. It depicts all of my Jerusalem - my experiences in getting here, in being here now, and those that will come. 

This girl may be the happiest on planet earth. Three cheers for Omar!

P.S. I promise I haven't neglected the rest of my Egypt pics! Midterms began upon our arrival, but the big ones are ending today. Be excited. Between Mr. Egyptian Bean, Mt. Sinai, and camels, you might be just a little jealous.