1. The Jerusalem Cross

2. The Jerusalem cross, also known as Crusaders' cross, is a Christian symbol consisting of
a large cross surrounded by four smaller crosses.
It is also known as the "Crusaders' Cross", because it was placed on the banner given
to the Crusaders by Pope Urban II for the First Crusade, and became a symbol of the
Kingdom of Jerusalem.

3. The four smaller crosses
are said to symbolize either the four books of the Gospel or the four
directions in which the Word of Christ spread from Jerusalem.
Alternatively, all five crosses can symbolize the five wounds of Christ during
his Passion.

4. During the Crusades,
many soldiers tattooed themselves with a cross on the
wrists or hands to show that they wanted to be buried as
Christians if they fell in battle.

5. Pilgrims to the Holy City
have also used the cross as a tattoo for centuries in order to
commemorate their journeys. Today, pilgrims choose the tattoo
design that speaks to them spiritually as a symbol of Christ's love and
an emblem of his Church.

6. One day on the bus, we were all listening to Usama
speaking about the Jerusalem Cross tattoos that pilgrims to Jerusalem have gotten, over the
centuries, to commemorate their pilgrimages. Suddenly I was filled with the inspiration to do just
that. It was crazy, because I have NEVER before wanted one. I turned around in my seat and
locked eyes with Kevin and Susanna who were sitting behind me. They had the same inspiration
that I did. We decided that we would look into it when we got to Jerusalem.

7. Usama and his son, George
We asked Usama for advice. Usama assured us that he would take us to an
establishment that was reputable and used the highest sanitary standards.
On our way to the Christian Quarter in Old Jerusalem, we met Usama’s
son, George, who was walking home from school. What a cutie!

8. Business Card
Business Card

9. Susanna went first,
because she knew exactly what she wanted. Besides, she already had one and knew what it would
feel like. She thought it would help me if I could watch hers.
I was quite nervous, and was afraid that I would get one partially done, and then chicken-out
because I couldn’t take the pain.

10. Susanna’s interpretation of the Jerusalem Cross. She used the lily on top
because Susanna means ‘lily” in Hebrew.

11. My Jerusalem Cross
My tattoo. I was very pleasantly surprised that the process did not
hurt. Maybe I was just excited enough that the extra serotonin in my
brain raised my pain threshold. I don’t know….

12. Usama Dalou and Pat
I did it! Can you see the relief on my face?

13. Now it was Kevin’s turn.

14. Kevin’s tat

15. Jim Kollar’s tat
When we got back to the hotel, we were showing people what we had
done. Jim Kollar liked them so much, that he went to Usama and had his
tattoo done the next day.