Leaving America

Let’s start with the beginning of the journey to get to the Holy land. It was fate that got me here since the wrath of nature was in full swing as my departure approached. On Wednesday January 6^th I was sitting in Scottie Friedland’s house enjoying the single digit degree weather when he warned me of a potential blizzard that was inbound for Chicago. I immediately got on the phone and called my airline. They said there was an inclimate weather warning and if I wanted to change my flight it needed to be done immediately. I jumped on the decision to leave a day early to Philadelphia so I could spend some time in the city but it was with the sadden heart of leaving Scottie and our igloo behind (that’s right I built and igloo for the first time in my life and it was awesome). So I packed my things up and had a smooth farewell from Chicago. I was taken to the airport by Scottie and Rita two amazing friends any person would be lucky enough to have. I had an easy enough time getting through security and waited for my flight that left around 8:00. I made it to Philly with smooth sailing and was greeted at the airport by the always happy Sarah Richman. She was gracious enough to not only pick me up but also allow me to spend the night at her house (what a comfy couch).

My last day in America was spent enjoying the sites of Philadelphia. Sarah and I took the train into center city and met up with some of her friends and of course the one and only Aaron Smerling. I got a walking tour of the excitement. From sneaking into city hall to seeing the largest TV screen at the Comcast center. It was a beautiful chilly day that really made me enjoy life. Wrapping up downtown at the huge farmers’ market area for some amazing ice cream named after Elmo (that’s for my wheelniks). I came back to get myself ready to leave the country for another extended period of time which seems to be a recurring theme now, how come I can’t just leave for like a week or something. As I make my way to the airport the radio is announcing that the horrible storm front that was in Chicago is coming towards Philly now. I could not catch a break, it seems like the forces of nature are upset that I am leaving. Luckily it was scheduled to hit the city until an hour after I was supposed to leave so as long as nothing delayed my departure I would make it alright. I spent the last hours of my time in America saying goodbye to people. I called my family and close friends to bid them farewell for a little while. Of course the last person I was talking to on the phone before my plane took off was Roxy. She assured me I would love my time here and it would be another journey of a lifetime. My plane took off right on schedule and come 10 hours later and no sleep I arrived in Tel Aviv. To be honest it was insane coming in for a landing to the country that changed my life. I was in total shock for the entire hour we were landing. As soon as I touched down the words of Hatikvah slipped out of my mouth as though G-d was helping me. I got off the plane and took in all the sights that I had not witnessed for 2 years. I got my luggage and waited for Judy Oziel to land as well so we could both travel together to my cousin Leah Gaber for Shabbat which was coming in way to fast.

What is there to say but it is amazing to be back here. It is the beginning of my next adventure in Israel. Nativ was amazing but seems like a far off memory that served its purpose and makes me smile and laugh. I cannot wait to see what is in store for me this time around. I hope that you are all ready and eager to embark on this journey with me. I am a little trepidatious but so ready for it to begin. Now I have 2 weeks to explore until Ulpan begins, so ready or not Israel here I am.