Flying

It's been just about a month since I made aliyah and became an Israeli citizen, and I'm still trying to figure out where the time went. It's been a crazy month full of excitement, challenges, friendships and adjustments, but the fact that it's gone by so quickly assures me that I've been enjoying most of it. Even on my bad days here, there's an inner happiness that I just can't shake. Do you know how great that feels?

Speaking of happiness, I'm going to meet Lauren at the airport in Tel Aviv today! When you get off the plane in Israel, it's an incredibly emotional and moving experience. I'll be one of the many holding signs that read "Baruchim Habayim" (welcome home) and waiting with flowers and treats! It'll be great and I'm so glad to be able to welcome Lauren. Mom & Dani are on their way soon, also! There's a link to my mom's blog on the right hand side of this page (Shalom Sharon) if you get the chance you should def check it out. Good stuff, Mom.

We watched the inauguration here on Tuesday, which was a greattt experience. Our teacher ended class early so we could watch coverage in Hebrew and work on our news-watching skills. Around 630pm we switched to Sky News (and english station) and watched the ceremony. Hearing Obama speak was one of the first times in a very long time that I remember listening to a US leader and feeling proud to be American. His message was universal, strong and genuine. There is a lot of skepticism about Obama here in Israel, is he a friend or foe? Will he help Israel more or the Palestinians? These aren't questions I'm asking. I know that Obama supports Israel completely. It is certain that he won't support Israel the way Bush did, blindly and without criticism, but rather he will be a true friend and one who helps strengthen through both support and criticism where needed. Check out the pics!

In other news, 1 week of ulpan down and 19 to go. Hah. My class is a bit hard for me, but I'm studying a lot and managing to keep up so far. I really need to work on vocab though, so I can speak more. We have a test today that I'll have to make-up since I'm going to get Lauren!

This weekend was perfect! I helped Abe schlep his stuff from Jerusalem to Haifa so he could move into his new dorm on Sunday. Shiri & Karin were so generous, picking us up and hosting us like royalty. I'm so truly blessed to have such great friends in Israel, it makes life so much more comfortable and enjoyable. Shiri had a birthday on Saturday as well, which was a blast. We went to a 'party' (club), had a gourmet lunch with her family and sat with friends at BarBarossa on Saturday night. It was so great to see the Haifa crew and we really missed Dina! Shout-out to Canada: Dina if it weren't for you I would never know these great people! You are truly missed mami.

I'm trying to get involved with some organizations to start doing work outside of my bubble community here at the ulpan. (No offense, I totally love this bubble!) So that's my goal for the week. Get after it.