And we're walking, walking...and we're stopping

Working on the Hosting Committee, I have the opportunity to give tours to people who come to visit the Center. Sometimes groups sign up, and sometimes people from around here just show up, wanting to check it out. Most of my tours have been to locals and have gone pretty smoothly. But a few days ago, I had a group of 35 neuroscience and engineering professors- intimidating to say the least! Supposedly teachers are the hardest groups because they ask so many questions and I'd have to agree. It's so hard not being able to talk about the Church! But everybody mentions when they come the spirit that surrounds the Center and its grounds. They always mention that there is something special about this place and I definitely agree! "This fountain was designed by Daniel Osis..." yada, yada, yada.
We can only take people to the 7th and 8th floors, but they're always more interested in knowing where the students live. From this point on the 7th floor, you can look down and see all of the floors below. The building is built in tiers on pithons, so the foundation doesn't go down into the ground.
Outside, there are big models of Jerusalem during 4 of its different periods. This is the intimidating part- explaining to Israelis or Palestinians the history of their own land. It's fun hearing everyone expressing their opinions about things, though. I'm always surprised at how close-minded a lot of the people are toward whichever group they aren't a part of. I've gotten some dirty looks for trying to subtly stand up for Palestine, which I find myself favoring a little more.