Today, January 1st, marks a lot of things: the end of winter chofesh (break), four months spent in Israel, the end of the first incredibly happy week I'd spent with my mom in a really long time, the end of one of the most eventful years of my life, and the beginning of one with the potential to be even more fun, chaotic, up, down, and inspirational.
Mom flew in on the 24th and we had a blast traveling around the country. It was strange on many levels, but a lot of fun. Julie hadn't been to Israel since she was my age, and seeing the change in the country from the 1970s to now through her eyes was shocking. My Israel has always been what this country is right now. I knew through reading how quickly Israelis had advanced, but until I saw her shock, it never really hit me how drastic the changes had been. In the 1970s, Israel was the blooming capital of the world in every aspect you could think of. The shekel was growing, scientific advancement was skyrocketing, new technologies were being exported everyday, and the general feel of the population was motivation, dedication, and an understanding of how different skills were needed to create a new, thriving country. The Israel of 2009 (now 2010) is a very different place. Where there were once holy historical places, there are now tourist traps and falafel houses. Where there were once glorious hillsides, there are now endless shack cities. Where there was once the most incredible education in the middle east, there are now hordes of students leaving high school with detrimental english and no goals to go to college. When looking at the country over the summer of 2008, I was mesmerized by its beauty and by its culture, but that was looking through the cloudy lens of a five-week teen program. Living here, I've sadly come to realize that the Israel I thought I loved - that my mom met 40 years ago - is sadly disappearing. There are many elements still to love; the people who go out of their way to create the country Jews still dream of, the incredible beauty of the Golan and the Negev, but the spirit is lacking, and the fire that fueled the Israeli pioneers in the 30s and 40s appears to be diminishing. What does that mean for Year Course...?
Back to my trip with mom though... =) It was so great to have a break from the YC world and travel with Julie. We went to the Old City, down to Arad, through Ceaseria, Haifa, and Akko, up to Sfat and Tiberias. It was fantastic! It was also great to spend time with her and realize how much we've both changed since moving to Israel and New York (respectively). Considering how things were before hand, and how they were on the trip, I'd say without a doubt that the moves were good for both of us, even through times of hardship or regret. Love you, mom!
So now, Julie is headed back to NYC, and I'm facing the beginning of 2010. Oh, so many things I could write about! Looking back at 2009, I can't even believe that everything that happened, happened in one year. In 2009, I graduated high school, got into college, went to Ecuador, worked with James Conlon, lived in Israel, met literally over 300 new people, and learned so much about myself that I can't even imagine delving into five more months of self-discovery experiences. What do I want from 2010? Nothing more or less than life experiences. What more could one ask for anyway when one is living in a foreign country? I want to help people, I want to learn things that will blow my mind, I want to do stupid things that I'll regret, I want to appreciate the smart things that I'll treasure forever. Most of all, when I return to the states in June, I want to know more of who I am. So far, I think I'm on the right track.
I wish everyone here and back home a healthy and happy new year.
All my love,
Rachel
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