One Year

Seven days before the end of my adventures on Alexander Muss High School in Israel, I wrote a post on this blog titled "One Week." In accordance, seven days after I returned to Atlanta, I published another post titled "One Week: Second Edition." Thus, nearly ten months later, I publish this post "One Year." Exactly one year ago from today, I pulled on my tight jeggings and blue vneck which my friends had helped me pick out for my first impression. Exactly one year ago from today, I zipped my bags and closed my bedroom door. Exactly one year ago from today, I turned off my cell phone and abandoned my zip code, beginning a whole new way of life.

The past year has been a roller coaster unlike any other. Rather than just the typical struggle with school and friends and family and growing up, I have fought through how to maintain such a deep connection with my roots while being trapped over six thousand miles away. Last night, one of my best friends asked me to name the ways my life has changed since/from my two months in Israel. Unsurprisingly, I took her question very seriously and replied with a way too long text message. Here's a slightly (for personal reasons) edited copy of my response:

 - my interest in pursuing Judaism as a career field was confirmed

 - my relationships with my parents improved

 - my interest in BBYO diminished

 - my appreciation for friendships strongly increased

 - my amount of friendships strongly increased (haha)

 - my tolerance for other people grew

 - my understanding of more intricate thoughts and ideas developed

 - my  understanding of what a true teacher is came about (go reuven!)

 - my relationships with certain people struggled

 - my trust for others and especially myself was tested

 - my self confidence grew

 - my journey to discover the purpose of life progressed

 - my undoubted and unstoppable passion towards the state of Israel continued to burn even stronger

 - I thought a lot more often and about more intellectual subjects

 - I grew, every day, and continue to grow into who I am today and who I will later become

To be completely honest, those 56 days I spent in our homeland could not possibly mean any more to me and the dates November 29, 2011 through January 24, 2012 will forever be inscribed in my mind. No matter when it is, or where I am, or what has happened, I not only stand with Israel, I am part of Israel. שלום.