I didn't want to leave the beautiful friends and family I made along the way, the lifestyle I had grown accustomed to, the pushiness of people, the crazy drivers, the Mediterranean Sea, the green in the north, the desert in the south, the late nights spent with friends all around the country, the fresh vegetables and juicy fruits, the exotic (or erotic) sunsets, a never-ending list of Shabbat dinners to attend, and a strong bond between strangers who just happen to be on the same program. How was I supposed to leave a tiny little country that I accidentally fell in love with?
The last blog on here was from volunteering in the Israeli Army- the IDF. After those amazing two weeks, I didn't return to Yerucham just yet..I went back to Tel Aviv instead. I'm not going to lie, school was over and there really wasn't much work for me there to go back to. So I spent the weekend in Tel Aviv and then returned to Yerucham solely to see all my wonderful gymnasts and madrichim. After all, time was limited now.
Soon, all of OTZMA would come back together for our final tiyul in the north. Many of us had grown close over the months and for those of us (mainly ITC) that lived farther away from everyone else, it was a chance to see everyone together one last time.
Our trip consisted of a BBQ and swimming in natural springs, hiking along the Israel-Lebanon border, hiking through waist-high murky water breaking our toes, relaxing on a chair out in the Kinneret soaking up the sun, a nice dinner in Tiberias, and a final ceremony/party. It felt like a vacation with friends.
Our last day was basically a closing ceremony, completing the program or "going full circle," which meant we finished how we started. We started at the overlook in Jerusalem, with a Kiddush and blessings, and we finished at the same overlook with a Kiddush and blessings. I got chills thinking about myself on the first day of OTZMA. Not knowing what I was in for, uneasy that I had no expectations, jumping in blind. I thought about how much has changed over the past 10 months, and how much we all have changed. Tears were flowing all around the circle, and memories were flashing before my eyes. I hate to sound cheesy, but it really was this emotional and genuine.
I still wasn't ready for this whole thing to end. And the reality didn't hit me until I watched the bus full of OTZMA leave for the airport. I knew I wasn't leaving with the majority of the group because I have planned to go back to Yerucham for the gymnastics show, which would be my last day.
But before I went back to Yerucham, I stayed with my adoptive family in Ashkelon for one last time.I believe I was really lucky to have them as my family for the year. Although I was moved from Ashkelon, traveling to see them was like a little get away or some R & R from time to time. Suzi, Kobi, and the boys Gidi, Ishai and Yaron really made me feel comfortable and at home. I am grateful to have had parents that took care of me when I was sick and brothers that lent me their rooms when I visited. Not everyone "clicked" with their adoptive families, so it makes me appreciate my experience with them so much more. Of course, I was sad to leave them, but I just kept the thought in mind that we will stay in touch and I will see them again.
Back to the desert for the last two days....
That was one of the best decisions of my life...to stay and be there for the people that had kindly taken me in as part of their family- my gymnastics family. They had worked hard all year, and we were able to form a special bond over the time I was there. There was no way I was missing this final show. It was not until my last day, the day of the show, that I truly saw how special these people were to me, and how special I was to them. There were laughs and tears before my departure. I was given lovely flowers and a beautiful necklace, which I will cherish forever.
Leaving them was also one of the hardest things to do. I kept telling myself, I'll be back. I will. Leaving them also helped me realize the significant impact they made on my time spent in Yerucham. Coaching gymnastics twice a week was something I always looked forward to. It became a major part of my routine and not only was I doing something that I loved, I was around people that I grew to love. Words can't describe this family of amazing human beings in that tiny town that will forever be in my heart. I miss them so much.
One of the partnership coordinators, Nili, basically our ima (mom) of Yerucham, set me up with a cab ride to the airport. Thank G-d for her, otherwise I would have been stuck hauling my 3 bags, two of which were about 50 lbs each. I don't know what I would have one with Nili there during my time in Yerucham. She was always there to talk to and if we ever needed anything. I am so grateful for her and the things she has done for Shauna and me.
So this cab ride was quite entertaining. I had a driver named Schlomo. He refused to speak to me in English once he found out I knew Hebrew. He also corrected almost everything I said. We talked the entire two hours to the airport. We also stopped for food. We ate these HUGE barekas (potato or cheese filled pastry), HIS TREAT! Schlomo, what a guy. Then I got to the airport and was lost. There were so any people and for a second I really had to stop and think about what I was doing. Was I really going home? Did I need to wake up from a dream? What the hell was I doing?!
I finally found the long line I needed to be in. And waited. And waited. And you know the rest of the story.....I fly out of Tel Aviv at one in the morning, land in Brussels, Belgium at 5am, and board my plane to New York at 10AM. I finally land around 12PM (think about the time zone difference people). Then I wait ANOTHER 4 hours to get on my flight to Atlanta. Yup: 4 airports in 24 hours. I couldn't help but notice the huge lump in my throat the whole time.
So, being at home is an adjustment right now, and well...after two months, it still is. I am in the beginning stages of making plans to return to Israel next year, most likely for Aliyah. I can't choose where my heart belongs, I can only follow where it is.
PS. I'm not done writing. :)
