Two Weeks In

I realize that it's been too long since my last post, but honestly it's hard for me to decide what to write about.

Stream of consciousness?

The past two weeks have definitely not been real life. First of all, I'm back in Israel. It's awesome! People speak Hebrew, I buy food in The Shuk, I ride the bus, and the Humus is delicious. Secondly, life is like a vacation. I'm not working, almost all my time is free time. I've been walking everywhere. I've explored like half of Jerusalem and most of Tel Aviv. Lastly, I've been reconnecting with friends who in some cases I haven't seen in 6 years! These are good people, happy people. People that pick up our friendships right where we left them.

The last two weeks have had NO structure. I started my army paperwork, but still have a number of things I need to complete. My first day I walked to the Western Wall, very emotional. I am planning on having Shabbat services there tonight.

My friends here are all very different from when I last knew them, but they are also the same. Political views change, Religious views change, Hebrew improves, but what makes each person unique is definitely there.

Now that I've had some time to settle in and I'm not going crazy trying to see everyone I've created a routine that I can start next week to start regulating my time here and focus on the goal at hand, joining the army. December 15th. Everyone I know who has been through the army each took something out of their experience, but most did not enjoy their time and all have said that it is very hard. I hear them, but I am confident. Confident in myself and in my decision. I know I am making the right choice.

For those of you who have not had this conversation with me, here's why I am joining the Israeli army:

Israel exists. The realities of Israel being in existence necessitate the need for an army to defend itself. Israel is the Jewish Homeland. If I want my future children and their children to have the opportunity to experience and/or live in Israel, then I have to do my part to help defend it. There are, of course other factors I considered, but that is the core of the reason for my return to Israel.

I definitely miss my family, friends, dog and car back home... but I am happy here. Over the past couple of years, I definitely felt as if something was missing and over the past two weeks that emptiness has started to fill.

Lastly, I know my mom is probably having a hard time with her two boys away from home. I love you mom. Thank you for being supportive of me and my decision. I am doing well, I will continue to do well, and you will see me again.

Peace.