Homeland

Back from the homeland. It was fabulous but not what I was expecting. We had 6 Israeli soldiers being tourists with us for our 10 day trip which was great 'cuz now I have friends in Israel. I also made some new friends which is always nice! We hiked SO much in the first few days that my legs were SO sore; it was so painful to even climb the stairs on the bus. But now I can say I've hiked in the golon heights for 3 hrs, hiked in the Jillaboon (a water hike), climbed up Mt. Masada on the hard snake path, rode a camel, slept in the desert in the Bedowin (sp) tents, shopped on Benyahuda (sp) street, prayed at the kotel (Western Wall), among other things. My sadness over the trip was my lack of emotion with it. One of my favorite memories is on Shabbat which we had in Jerusalem. We stood outside, and one person said how at home, we always face east- in the direction of Jerusalem, and now we were actually here- and she took off her shoes to say that there was now nothing between her and Jerusalem. From that point, most of us also took off our shoes and chills ran through me. However, that was about as good as it got. A few people started to cry when we reached Jerusalem. Many got emotional at the Wall. Most were fascinated to be on Mt. Masada. I on the other hand felt very little. Yes, it was very cool to be at the wall, a place where I've seen so many pictures of and heard about it all my life. But I didn't cry. I wish it all would've meant more. But I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited the homeland and have people wish me a "Shabbat Shalom" like it was no big deal (clearly it isn't there but it's weird to hear that while you're shopping on a Friday afternoon). I am grateful to know that I will always have a place in Israel and can call it home. Pictures of the trip are up on my website, in which I will soon add captions and other people's pictures. L'hetraot and Shalom.

My newest adventure..

I'm off to Boston today, where my friend Rachel K. lives. Our friends Rachel P. and Amy will be there! School reuinion SO soon! From there, Rachel K., Amy, and myself will be heading off to ISRAEL! I'm still in shock that I'm actually going! Shalom and I shall talk to everyone towards the end of May. Leave love for my return.

Not just a hop, skip, and a jump away...

It hit me. Right now. 11:41pm. I laid down to go to bed to realize I missed my twin extra long. It hit me that I can no longer go upstairs to hang out with a boy. I can no longer go across the street to endless people's rooms. To walk to all of my friend's house will take more then 5 min. And I'm sad. I'm lonely. Already. It'll get better- I know. I went through this exact thing 9 months ago when I moved in. And everything worked out famously. I just- I'm just not ready yet. My bags will remain unpacked and my old pillowcases will remain on my pillows for one more night. And tomorrow will be another day.