No countdowns, please!

Sunset from a friends roof in Yafo, Israel

During winter, the days couldn't go any slower. Now, the sun doesn't set until 8 pm and the ocean is the perfect temperature. I could lay in the white fluffy sand all day...and never go home. Too late, the plane ticket has been purchased. My year in Israel has been....well, unexplainable. There are no words that I can say to sum it up. Well I guess, perfect? I am not going to be going home fluent like I had planned, but I am pretty damn good compared to my level of Hebrew knowledge when I arrived here. I have met so many amazing people from all over the world - these people have become friends, really, really great friends. That is why I am not going to say, "goodbye." I know I will be back soon enough.

Enough about this going home business. I still have a month of adventures and excitement left here. What has been going on has been similar to a rollercoaster, or a double life. By day I am an English teacher to what are now my favorite children in the world. Nights and weekends are for parties of all kinds and "exploring Israeli culture." I put quotations for a reason, if you can't figure it out, I am sorry, but I am not going to tell you. I love the diversity of my life here. I love how I wake up feeling ready for each new day and each new activity. On a Monday I could be kayaking in the ocean and the next day I can be babysitting a three year old that speaks three languages. Nothing is linear, consistent, or in any kind of pattern. There is lack of balance and direction. Everything is just the way I like it.

Summer Sunset outside of Netanya, Israel

PRIDE

Conquering the Negev Desert

Now is a good time to explain what this crazy life has entailed. Last weekend there was the Tel Aviv Gay Pride Parade and Beach Party. Considering Tel Aviv is a top 5 gay capital of the world, it was up there with most amazing things. The crosswalks were transformed from their normal boring white zebra stripes to all the colors of the rainbow and gays and straights flooded the streets to support equal love for everyone. I am a supporter, so of course I was there marching with all the sexy people under the blazing sun all the way to the beach. Only a day later I had to say goodbye to my dear friend, Anna, she headed home a couple weeks early and I am so sad to see her go considering I spent maybe 18 hours of the day with her, everyday. I went hiking south in the biggest crater in the Negev, to a bachelorette party, a wedding, a three day music festival at the Sea of Galilee, and my students had a concert. Each and every one of these events has made me happier and happier. It has also brought me to the conclusion, or proven my hypothesis, that Israelis are the craziest, most fun, amazing, and wild people I have ever come across. Being in the presence of an Israeli is one of the best things ever. You are sure to a. learn something new and/or b. do something stupid/something you never would have thought you would do.

How is one supposed to leave their "happy place?" Head back to their family and friends and get a job? I need answers. In the Jewish Holy Land you would think a nice Jewish girl could find them. Nope, I only have more questions.

Holocaust to Revival

When I look around, all I can see are Israeli flags. The country is covered with them. There is blue and white banners lining the streets of every city. Remember after 9/11 when every American house suddenly displayed those historical, patriotic stars and stripes? Every year Israel does this too. Israel dedicates an entire week to remembering the events, victims, and survivors of the Holocaust. Followed by a day of commemoration to the Fallen Soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force, the victims of terror attacks, and the families who have lost a loved one. The final celebration is Independence Day - think 4th of July, but (even) better. My students at school put on a beautiful ceremony to remember the Holocaust. They all wore white to school and sang songs. A loud siren played for two minutes through the country. Everything stops. People, cars, restaurants. Everyone stands in silence. The students at my school all rose and bowed their heads during the siren. All these kids understand what happened to their family members during World War 2, it's unbelievable and an experience I can't forget. The program I am in, Israel Pathways (a reminder because I have been such a bad blogger lately), set up a seminar for us starting right after Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Rememberance Day) through Yom HaZikaron (rememberance day for fallen soldiers and terror victims). We visited Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem), Har Herzl (military cemetery), Menachem Begin Museum, and Israeli Art Museum. We had a beautiful ceremony in Latrun that commemorated fallen soldiers, specifically "Olim Hadashim" (people who move to Israel). "Lone Soldier" is a term for someone serving in the Israeli Army that has moved to Israel without any family. They are given a lot of great benefits including a place to live, usually on a Kibbutz. Unfortunately, these soldiers lose their lives too. We heard their stories and testimonials from their families. It was almost unbearable for me. These kids, yes kids, are 19, 20, 21 years old. They fight for an entire country. And they die as heroes. I felt so much pride for Israel this night, even more than I do on a regular basis, and I still continue being stunned at the fighting that goes on here. The final morning of our seminar, we were invited to attend the government ceremony honoring the fallen soldiers and victims of terror at Har Herzl. This is an extremely beautiful cemetery and the event is honor to be able to attend. Even though it was all in Hebrew, we got to hear B.B. Netanyahu (the Prime Minister of Israel) speak. Lastly, we said Kaddish for those we have lost.

The party starts at sunset - Yom Ha'Atzmaut! Independence Day! Israel is 64 years old and I have the honor of living here, making friends here, and teaching here. I celebrated for myself, for the Israelis that risk their lives to live here, and for Jews all over the world that have a place like this to call home. I went to a few different parties and had a great day at the beach. The whole country goes wild. There are people in the streets and in all the bars. There is a lot of conflict with this idea. Those who lost a son, daughter, friend, brother, sister, or anyone in this war spends the whole day mourning and then they are expected to celebrate for this country that yes, indeed, is still pretty messed up. The State of Israel is 100% something to celebrate every year, but it is so hard for a family to do this directly after grieving a loss. I don't connect as deeply to this, so it was easy for me to wave an Israeli flag and be proud following a week of commemoration, but I do understand where they are coming from.

So many things in this country need to be fixed. The litter problems, the price of gas, the price of cars, and the price of homes, the racism, the war, the list goes on. But I have never felt so proud to be somewhere as I felt this past week. I miss my family and friends with everything I have, and going home to hug them all sounds amazing. But after my experience, after being surrounded by these young men and women wearing their uniforms because they learned that they are here to live for each other and not for themselves, that makes me proud. I am proud to see my students, 6 years old to 12 years old, respecting a moment of silence for those who died in the Holocaust and for understanding that Jews have struggled for freedom for many, many years. I am proud to have a second country I am allowed to call "home."

(I thought I lost my camera charger, so no pictures, sorry. And no worries, I found it! Phew.)

Slicha...

Shlomit & Yaki's Wedding with Amanda.

Wow...I am terrible. I love to write. I love keeping a journal - especially when I am abroad. But why o' why have I sucked at keeping up this blog? I'll be totally, totally honest...laziness. Winter took hold of my body and I just didn't find the chance to sit and my computer and do what I love most...type away. So much, well too much, has happened here in Israel since my last post. I will try to remember the quick version, as much as I can of it. There was Purim (f***ing amazzzzing), a visit to the children's hospital, Tel Aviv Street Party, Afrojack!, my Sister and Jeremy came to visit (lots of driving, and eating, and driving, and floating in the Dead Sea, climbing Masada, all the tourist stuff again), a HUGE Israeli wedding (Mazal Tov L'Shlomt v'Yaki), an Engagement Party (Mazal Tov L'Avigail v'Chuck) teaching and teaching and teaching, then no teaching during Pesach break, and a camping adventure just last night. Phew! Now here we are...I have had 2 weeks off for Passover. I had a really nice dinner with the Levy's, minus a seder which is ironic, but still fun nonetheless. I am obviously still having a ball. I love every minute that I am here. I won't lie - there are many things I miss about home too. But it's just too hard to be homesick when I have the sand in my toes and the Mediterranean Sea staring me back in the eye.

Global Warming Purim Party - Dead Sea

Delivering gifts to the Children's Hospital for Purim!

With my time in Israel fading (too) fast, I have started to realize that I need to figure out my future. I need to make plans. I know, I know, I am growing up and grown ups work and pay bills and settle down. But why does that just not seem right? I still have a lot I want to do before all that. Once you do all that, then what? You just do that until you retire? No thanks. I don't want regrets and I want to go and travel now. Of course money is a factor, maybe the only factor, and I plan on making some of that green paper right when I get home. But why is it so bad to just work really hard anywhere I can and then go on another trip? Why do Americans have rules about what age to go to school, work, get married, have kids. It will all come and happen when it is supposed to happen. But what is the rush? I am very happy for all the friends and family in my life who have done those things, but those are the things that happened to them...I just have different things happening to me. In June I will be 23. That is young. Too young to not do what I want to do. Maybe this is selfish, or maybe my family reading this wants to strangle me for being such a "chunty bunty" as we call it in Israel, but I can't help it. I find my happiness in traveling. If you do too, don't deprive yourself of it. Everyone deserves the luxury of traveling. When I say luxury, I don't mean 5-star hotels and lobster dinners on the beach. I'm the girl who stays in hostels and eats street food. I just mean the luxurious benefits that traveling brings to your mind, body, and soul. The clarity it gives you and the amazing beauty of places unknown.



So that's my plan...no plan at all. Just the way I like it :)

Playin' Hooky & Plantin' them Trees.

Not because I want to. My door won't lock to my apartment, sooo I have been waiting for the locksmith to come for almost 2 hours now. I missed my whole day of school with the kids. I'm bummed. Today is Tu B'Shvat - the birthday of the trees (very similar to Earth Day in America). There was lots of yummy treats at school and fun activities and I missed out! On a positive note, my roommate and I finallllllly got our curtains up that we bought 5 months ago (so sad) and I have been sitting in this room enjoying them.

I have missed a good amount of time writing on this blog for whatever reason, but it's February, its Tu B'Shvat, it's almost Valentine's Day, and well, I'm locked in my room. So what better time to blab? 

The BEST news I can share is that my sister, Jessica, and her hubby, Jeremy, are coming to visit me in a month!!! I couldn't be more excited. I already have so many great things planned for us to do, but we only have a week so we are going to jam-pack it. It is Jeremy's first time and Jessica hasn't been in a little over four years so I can pretend to be a tourist all over again! 

My teaching partner...obviously not teaching at the moment.

Lately, being a volunteer, I realize a lot about money and spending it and making it. A wise guy (yes a wise-guy who is actually quite smart) recently told me, "Money? What is money? I am supposed to spend the money I make. Should I be taking it to the grave with me?" I like this. I am not dumb about my spending, but working everyday without making money...that is when you understand what is rewarding and what is important. You don't have to always work to get the paycheck. What about working just to do something good for someone else or for yourself? I cherish the fact that everyday I have to get up early and hang out with 9, 10, 11, and 12 year olds who don't speak my language and it's not for nothing. It's for something that I will keep forever, just a special feeling. Some days I can admit, I forget this thought and think why am I doing thissss? But when I get that first smile and "Shalom Alana!" from the kids...my heart melts. 

If you are missing something extraordinary like this in your life, it is never too late to volunteer!

L'hitraot,

xoxo

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY

Jerusalem with Rachel, Rosie, Jenette, Alyssa, and Tamara.

Yes, yes, I have not written for quite a few weeks now, and I swore to myself I would not let my blogging subside. Here's the thing, nothing new is going on in my Israel life. The weather sucks - its rainy and cold everyday all the time. School is always eventful, but nothing to write home about. And that's about that. 

Right now I am at my half way point. I return home to the states in almost exactly five months, but I'd rather not count. I am shocked that my first half has already came and went. I really feel comfortable here, but like I still have so much to do an explore. Now I have my sister and brother-in-law's visit to look forward to and I can once again be a tourist. 

Here are some things I am loving about Israel (cough, cough):

1. It is extremely rare to find someone who picks up their dog's poop from the sidewalk. Countless times have I had close calls into stepping into one of those mud pies. Just pick it up already!

2. The sizes in the stores are 1, 2, 3. Has the seamstress seen my booty? Not a satisfied customer!

"Do you love Israel? Come back for 10 more months!"

3. The city near by is 10 minutes away, but because Israel is the size of New Jersey, 10 minutes is just tooooo far. Lame excuse! 

4. I am also only am purchasing one item, so NO you may not cut in front of me for this reason. 

I love Israel, do not get me wrong. These are just some funny quirks I find on continuous occasions. I do have to say last all in one week I was given a free toaster, a free bicycle, and at a crosswalk a woman covered me with her umbrella during the rain. The little things and big hearts you find in this country supersede any of the other hoop-lah that may be frustrating. 

I hope you are finding special moments wherever you are living too.

L'hitraot!

xo

The Kotel - Both sides.

Twenty Twelve

We have 11 and 1/2 months until the world ends! Not. I don't believe in this nonsense. Things are too great for it all to just come to end. Yes, there is war and famine and poverty and natural disaster - but there is beauty, too, all over the world. There are mountains and oceans and there is delicious foods and wines, there is marvelous fashion, there is inspirational books, art, people, music - everywhere you go. If your mind is open to it, you will see colors and patterns that you didn't let yourself see before. The sounds of many languages all coming together like one beautiful song. It is there, don't look for it, just let your senses experience it. 

I don't believe in the "New Year's Resolution." Everyday you should wake up and make new resolutions, it is just easier this way. But to keep my mind open is my hope for 2012 (I also hope we make it to 2013...kidding). Lately, I have realized how wonderful things can be if you just let them be. Growing older and welcoming yet another year is not scary, it is not a damper on life, it is not the end of childhood. It is the welcoming of more knowledge, more experiences, more people to meet and risks to take. Pretend you have wings, spread them and fly. Too often we let money or other factors hold us back from living the way life was meant to be lived. Let your resolution for 2012 be to not let ANY factor stop you. I know, I know, it's reality. I have to fight off these thoughts like a dog fighting off fleas, but when you finally realize that money or something else is holding you back, you realize what a silly and insignficant disability this really is. The world is waiting to be explored by you. Books are waiting to be read by you. Music is being created for you to listen to. Visit a museum, spend a day in the park, trade driving your car to the supermarket for a bike ride, smell a flower, no, smell the whole garden, plant a garden, eat what grows in your garden, speak kind words about anything and everything, and remember that your life is for YOU. 

It is easier said than done, I know. You are looking at the master of easier said than done. But try. If you try you can always give yourself credit for trying. It feels better to try than to give up. I have multiple role models in my life that believe failing is just not an option and I am grateful for that. 2012 is a year of success and discovery. We had our hard times, they are over. So succeed, discover, grow, and let it ALL in.

Happy New Year!