Entering the Desert

Hey guys! Sorry this is my first time writing since arriving in Israel, it’s been sooo busy. So much has happened already, so I’ll give a brief description of everything…well I’ll do my best.

The first 24 hours of my departure I had conflicting emotions—stress, anxiety, excitement. I pulled an extremely difficult all nighter on August 28th, said my final goodbye to my boyfriend, and then headed to the airport with my Mom, Dad, and Stepdad, Alan. Can't say it was an easy goodbye, but I knew it wasn't going to be. Finally got to JFK and was relieved to see that neither of my massive bags weighed over fifty pounds! I tried so hard to take out clothes—I kept packing, repacking, and packing some more the day before until they were finally both 49 pounds each. Thank God.

At the airport it was nice seeing a familiar face—my kindergarten bud Rachel. Unfortunately she’s in a different section of my program, along with most of the people on my flight. I’m in section three, which is what I requested! It has the best order of locations; first three months in the Negev (desert), then winter in Jerusalem, and lastly, summer in Bat Yam (near the beautiful beaches of Tel Aviv). The airplane ride was fairly uneventful; slept for the first few hours, had a long conversation with the person sitting next to me (who I met at orientation) and drew a bit with my new handy notebook/color pencils, given to me by my wonderful Grandmother, Sonia.

Ten short hours later we landed in Israel. Everyone clapped—It was clear that the entire plane was excited to be in Israel…and that’s just how it is. The ruach (spirit) is just ONE of the many things I love about this country.

After getting to Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, we picked up our colossal bags, loaded them onto the bus, and headed due south towards Arad. When we got to our apartments, I met my roommate, Tali. We instantly clicked…and even though we were stranded, just us, in the apartment for seven hours, we managed to talk, joke around, watch a movie, and attempt to unpack.

I also love all of my other roommates. Turns out I’m the only non-“Judaean” of the apartment (I wasn’t involved in Young Judaea throughout my life) so I was the “newbie” of the group. At first I felt a bit detached from the whole Jewish camp thing, but now I hardly even notice. They all seem funny, approachable, and willing to teach me everything there is to know about Young Judaea.

Our apartment bonding really solidified yesterday when we ventured to the Arad Mall to tackle our first grocery shop. Strangely enough, it was a thrilling experience. Finding the cheapest items, the right vegetables, and the most useful groceries is game that requires skill, attention to detail, and decent knowledge of Hebrew (something I’m going to work on during the next 9 months!)

Later that evening we cooked dinner and then headed out to a local bar called “Muzas,” one of two bars in the entire city. Our entire section was there, so it was fun AND legal ;)

Although Arad is dry, HOT, and rather desolate, I find it beautiful and peaceful—a nice break from reality, and from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Unfortunately I’ve got to run to yet another orientation session, but I’ll be back soon with updates on my new life in the desert.

Ps. There was a suspicious object right outside my apartment today so the police blew it up. Tali and I were so scared we were in tears, but apparently it’s a safety measure that happens all the time?

Only in Israel….