On our way to Israel!!!

At 6am we were all at the airport ready to start the three week adventure in Israel. As everyone checked their bags, which were needless to say, over-packed, it really started to sink in that we were going to be in another country in 24 hours. The hugs and kisses goodbye were bittersweet but we knew we were being sent with immense amounts of love, support, good blessings and safe travels. After our typically long Jewish goodbye it was time to head to our gate.

Security in SFO wasn't long and by the time we were all through we had over an hour by our gate... Better to be safe than sorry! Breakfast and snacks were bought by all and then the friendship string and iPods starting to come out. By 8:30 we were all ready to board the plane but were temporarily delayed and had to wait about 20 minutes. As we took off I couldn't help but worry about the 14 hour plane ride ahead of us. The ride to LA was really fun. The flight was practically empty and so we got to take up whole rows for ourselves. We were all happy and giddy, truly looking forward to the journey ahead.

After the quick hop to LA we got our bags and left the area to go to the international terminal. In order to check in with El Al we were each individually interrogated by a flight representative and asked a variety of questions. Although it was slightly intimidating, it was a unique experience that we definitely do not deal with when flying to other foreign countries. We then made our way through the very long security line in LAX and grabbed a quick lunch in the terminal before meeting up with the LA cohort. They were very friendly and in order to get to know each other we played bingo. Shortly after, it was time to board.

Our passports and boarding passes were checked once again and then we loaded the plane. It was a fairly fast taxing and 40 minutes later we were in the air! Aliza and Lara and I sat next to each other for the first couple of hours, engaged in conversation about Diller, our different Jewish education experiences and our lives in general. It was a great way to start this reflective journey. I started checking how much time we had left after about 2 hours in the air, so I was slightly disappointed to learn we had 12 hours left. It was difficult to sleep because of all the adrenaline and hype but movies, different conversation and stories helped to tide us over; we even started a quotes to remember page of funny quotes said during the trip. Of course the list is starting to develop quick nicely.

As I write this we are 5 minutes from landing and I can see the Holy Land from the window. It is so surreal to be returning. Although I have already been to Israel, it will be a completely different experience with Diller, especially now being with people that have never gone. And now the turbulence is getting slightly more significant as you can feel your stomach fly up into your upper diaphragm, but the wheels are done and in seconds Israel will no longer be a concept, it will be a reality once again. In three, two, one... And we have landed and the whole plane erupted in applause. So, here's to a fantastic, safe, engaging, and enlightening trip!

And to their request, here's a shout out to my parents. Thanks for everything. Xoxo

-Aidan