One of my most vivid, oldest and favorite memories of Israel is when I was 16 years old. It was the longest plane flight I had been on with a group of kids I barely knew. I went with a BBYO group but only two others were from St. Louis. All of this was so new and exciting but a little tiring and overwhelming too. As we walked down the stairs of the plane and our feet hit the tarmac I felt like there was already much meaning the earth held below me. An elderly Israeli gentleman looked down at me and said, "Smile! You are in Israel!" That statement would resonate with me throughout the trip. On another occasion during the six weeks I was there, a local woman thanked me for coming to Israel. I had been lucky enough to travel to and sight see many US locations and never did a local thank me for coming to visit there. Over and over again you have the feeling of being "Home", of being where you should be, where you are appreciated for your interest of the history and everything Israel offers. I was blessed to go on a JWRP women's trip in 2013 and as it was very different from my first trip, it was beyond wonderful. Even though I had previously been, several things seemed new and I observed from older, more experienced but also new eyes. I could go on and on about the things I hold dear in my heart about those trips. The ones that often come to mind are: the sense of community as you see children running and playing in the streets, the bustle of the shuk on Friday afternoon and the sights, smells and tastes that come with that, the sound of other religions being called to prayer several times a day in the old city, the feel of the salty water and cleansing minerals of the dead sea, the beautiful sound of people speaking in Hebrew and the overall, overwhelming feeling that you belong somewhere very special. I dream of when I am able to return.
No comments:
Post a Comment