Adapted from one of my GCC application essays...for those of you looking for "better" posts =)

I pulled the shawl closer to my body as the cool night air whispered around me. The moon shone brightly over the gorgeous July night. Leaning against the cold stone wall, I looked out over the square. My eyes scanned past the crowds of people and toward the Western Wall. Behind it was the illuminated Dome of the Rock, which sat defiantly on top of the Temple Mount. I paused at the top of the stairs for what seemed like an eternity, allowing the mental picture to fully seep into my mind. I wanted to savor every moment of this experience.
Eventually I made my way down the steps and into the courtyard. It was Friday night: Shabbot. It seemed as if the entire Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem had come down to celebrate the beginning of their Sabbath. I paused for a few moments in the middle of the courtyard to observe the different faces passing by. Hassidic Jews strode briskly across the courtyard, their long dark curls bouncing as they walked. There were also many Jewish families walking down together. Some of them were experiencing the sight of the Wall for the first time in their lives. I imagine that their faces had the same awe-struck look mine held.
Making my way down to the partitioned area I watched various groups of Jews gather to worship, trying my best to soak in everything. To one side was the designated worship area for men. I gazed out over the sea of bodies. Some men were deep in prayer; because of Shabbat, most had gathered with family and were singing, dancing, and celebrating. Tearing my gaze from the scene, I looked across to the women's section. Before the Wailing Wall stood countless women praying in a fashion that I had never seen or experienced before. Their whole bodies were rocking back and forth as they held their prayer booklets. Some were whispering prayers while others were fervently calling out; but many were at the point of breaking down. They were crying and praying at the same time, and their pleas came out in short sobs and loud moans.
The whole scene was staggering. I took a moment to sit down and reflect on what I had seen. That night, amidst all the singing, crying, and praying, God taught me a lesson that would drastically affect my beliefs and attitude of worship. I was completely surrounded by a people who worshiped with a fiery passion; who served God with such a desire in their hearts! The only thought in my mind at the time was how much more I should be worshiping God and proclaiming His love because of the truth that has set me free.
At the Western Wall, on that one summer evening, God revealed Himself to me in a very unique way. I was able to see Him through the eyes of the Jewish worshipers. That night was the spark that ignited something deep inside of me. In that evening, I began to understand God's passion for the lost. I started to see His desire to have bold witnesses for Him in other countries and desired to share an active part in His eternal plan. It has been two years since I have felt the smooth surface of those stones. My greatest desire is that one day I will be able to return to that place of worship and to the old city that I now consider home.