Did you ever just jump and hope there was a safety net?
When I made the decision to study in Israel, I took a leap of faith that I would land on my feet. I've been here for 21 days (3 weeks). It's not always been easy. Many days, I went the wrong direction, had to figure out where I was and how to get to where I was going. All not speaking and/or understanding the language. I have had to depend on gestures, my little Hebrew and the kindness of strangers each day and everyday.
People have said, oh you must have family and friends in Israel, if you are willing to move there. Well not really, I know a few people, but no family. Thank goodness for all of my friends* in the States who started introducing me to people right away. One friend introduced me to Ori Tal and his fiance Tal Nisim. When I spoke with Ori before coming to Israel he said, please come stay with us until you find an apartment.
3 days has now turned into 3 weeks. They couldn't be sweeter. My own personal ulpan (Hebrew immersion). They have become my family. Another friend introduced me to one of her best friends. And of course, we have become fast friends too. Each of them introducing me to the day to day living here.
The kindness of strangers and the immense amount of humility I need to summon everyday is not lost on me.
Oh Elul... I'm taking the whole introspection concept seriously.
The softest part of the landing was seeing my Aleph Ordination friends who were studying here this summer. I am forever gr8ful that I had other friends who were visiting Israel this summer too. I saw one of my besties from growing up. We haven't seen each other since we left for college. Amazing connections made in life coming together in Israel. Leaping into this new life knowing I had my safety net right here, made for a softer landing. Thank you all!!
One quick funny story, I must not look so much like a tourist these days, because I keep getting stopped by Israelis and asked for directions. Most of the time I can even answer them back in Hebrew. :-)
One quick funny story, I must not look so much like a tourist these days, because I keep getting stopped by Israelis and asked for directions. Most of the time I can even answer them back in Hebrew. :-)
Knowing all of you are cheering me on, supporting me and sending me love, keeps me from jumping back on a plane and just coming home. WhatsApp, emails and Facebook has helped me stay connected to all of you. Thank you for sending me messages, it really helps combat the homesickness.
With so much love/אהבתי,
Tamy
With so much love/אהבתי,
Tamy
Hope you enjoy the photos :-)
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| Esther and Stephanie on my first night here |
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| Rob from Greensboro, NC |
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| Roommates reunited |
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| Kolby and Noam |
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| Life long friendships together in Israel |
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| New friend Michelle introducing me to her favorite coffee house |
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| Adventures in Tel Aviv with Kat |
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| Salzman/ Levin family at the Kotel |
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| Orna Barel, my favorite artist in Tel Aviv art fair market |
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| Spending time with Esther |
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| Tal took me to Mark's new wine bar in Jerusalem |
* If you have family or friends you would like to introduce me to, please introduce us via email or whatsapp. I'm always happy to make new friends.
PS Please don't be upset if you introduced me to someone and either we didn't take a photo or I didn't mention them. I'm gr8ful for you and each contact I've made in the last 3 weeks as well as those yet to come. xxoo
PS Please don't be upset if you introduced me to someone and either we didn't take a photo or I didn't mention them. I'm gr8ful for you and each contact I've made in the last 3 weeks as well as those yet to come. xxoo
