Home

I've been home in the US now for over a week, and the reality of it is beginning to set in. It seems so crazy that I just spent three and a half weeks in Israel, half way around the world, with strangers...and now I'm back in Virginia viewing everything with an adjusted lens. I think the moment that contrasted most in my mind was last Wednesday at work I was watching the children at camp fly across inflatable obstacle courses in a gym, and realized that a week before I had been sitting with future Israeli diplomats in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs discussing our future plans and how to best utilize local consulates. That my friend, is a juxtaposition of two worlds and I realized my brain has been teetering back and forth between these two realities. Now, both can be reality in my life, but life was all a blur after stepping off of a plane from across the world.

I am anxiously anticipating my return to campus in two days. Obvious reasons, my boyfriend and my best friend. Also I am thrilled to be moving into an apartment and living with some awesome girls. I am excited to have my own room again and be able to organize my life as much as I can. I am excited to see my Bongiorno girls and spy on Allison and Marissa as new RAs. As my last year in undergrad I know that I have many decisions to be making soon and I have received some solid advice over the last week. and I plan to implement it, as well as I can.

Reflections

Back in Jerusalem with stable internet, so I can update once more. Since I wrote last we left Tel Aviv, went to the Galilee and am now back in Jerusalem. Here's a list of what we've seen so far: Independence Hall, Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Issafiya, Efrat, Nazareth, Mt of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tiberias, Golan Heights, Zefat, and Bethlehem in the West Bank. Busy schedule nay?

I swam under a waterfall, hiked a volcano, visited two army bases, and went through the Palestinian check point out of Bethlehem. Today we spent time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hearing lectures and interacting with cadets who are in training to be diplomats. There's only a few days left before we fly back. I've uploaded almost 800 pictures on Facebook, so its like you can see everything I've seen. Almost. :)