The best time to reflect is when you're jet-lagged

That’s right, the best time is when everyone else is asleep except for you since you’re still trying to get to Eastern Standard Time. 

I’m not going to lie, I usually love writing these blog posts, but this last and final one I have been dreading.  I love telling my stories and listing all the places I’ve been and all the things I’ve seen.  But this post is different.  Writing one final post is my last step in finishing this chapter of my life, sewing up the threads of an amazing 4 ½ months I’ve had in a special and sacred land. 

It’s hard for me to fathom everything I’ve done in Israel.  Although I may be biased, I feel that I’ve changed as a person.  I came to this country feeling like a tourist.  But as I sat in the train from Jerusalem to the Ben-Gurion airport, taking in the final images of the landscape, I felt like I was leaving my home. 

A few nights before I left (so late it was the early morning) I couldn’t fall asleep.  My mind was racing with all of my responsibilities, such as taking finals, saying goodbyes, packing up, coming home, packing and going to State College for the summer, and just with the mere fact that I was actually leaving in such a short time.  So I got out of bed and went to the living room to look out of my 5^th story view of East Jerusalem. I stared and I thought.  

Jerusalem at night.

Jerusalem challenged me and intrigued me.  It is a city with historical sites, so much controversy, and different types of people that do not necessarily get along.  People are pushy, do not know how to wait in line (probably because lines do not exist) and often argue about things that are not worth arguing.  But I stared out into this land at 3 AM, the lights glimmering into the darkness, Jews and Arabs, everyone asleep.  It was peaceful, still, quiet.   Even though Jerusalem is neither the friendliest nor easiest place, I felt an emptiness in my stomach that I sure was going to miss this crazy place. 

Of course, I’m going to miss all of my experiences here, not just in Jerusalem.  I’ve seen a lot, whether it be going to a religious wedding, visiting a traditional kibbutz in the desert, or learning of people that uses the ancient Torah and still sacrifices animals in the West Bank. And even though I tried seeing as much as I could, there are still places I want to see and activities I want to do.  

Me at a fresh-water spring on the Kibbutz, Naot Smader.

The ancient Hebrew text of the Samaritan (Shomranim) people.

I guess that means I will have to come back!  I really had some incredible experiences while abroad, and there are many people I need to thank. 
Mom and Dad- You two have allowed me to embark on this crazy journey, and allowed me to be thousands of miles away for almost five months.  Thanks for supporting me and allowing me to do everything. 

Family in Israel- Thanks for taking me in, feeding me, housing me, showing me around and any other me’s I forgot to mention.  It was really special getting to spend so much quality time in Israel. 

Friends in Israel- It’s crazy to think that we’ve only known each other for 4 ½ months, because we got so close so fast, and I feel I can trust you guys with anything.  I am so lucky to have friends from all over the world. 

Friends from Home- Thanks for not forgetting about me while I was gone and keeping in touch, asking about my experiences, and picking things up right when I got back. 

Hanan- To an amazing boyfriend, who really taught me more about myself than anyone has.  You also showed me more places and things than most Israelis, and really immersed me in the culture. 

To you all- That’s right, all of you that are reading my blog.  Thanks for the support!

For any of you that have traveled, it’s a thrilling experience.  It can be scary being in a new place, but also exhilarating being lost.  Take advantage of your traveling experiences and try to immerse yourself by interacting with the natives finding the not-touristy-activities.  Just enjoy your time away, because within what feels like a blink of an eye, you will be wondering where your 4 ½ months went and if it were all a dream. 

 And now....an ode to all the goats I saw in Israel.  Going to miss these little guys.