It seems like just yesterday I received my email letting me know I would be going on Birthright and found out I would be going to the Holy Land for the first time (even before my parents or grandparents got the chance to go). Getting there was no easy feat – from lugging my bags all down the NYC streets to the closest Subway Station, to the time spent at JFK waiting for our 4:00am flight (not to mention the questioning by the airline security almost gave me a heart attack) and a 12hr flight that began with someone getting sick right as we were lifting off.

We landed in wondrous Tel Aviv, Israel at 8:00pm, stiff, tired and a bit rattled by the change of scenery wondering how 40 people on a bus for 10 days would get along, but nonetheless thrilled for the adventures to come. I can’t believe it was a year ago I met some of the best partners in crime who would spend our off times searching around the city for some cheap bottles of wine (or any wine at all), getting yelled at – and almost kicked off the trip- by our leaders, joking (and crying) like we had known each other for years.

It was an incredible 10 days with even more incredible set of people.

I am forever thankful to Hillel at Florida State for allowing me to take this free and marvelous trip and my best friend Lindsey for encouraging me to apply for an opportunity not everyone has. Had it now been for them I would have never known that all along I had a home waiting for me on the other side of this world.

A year later I am still missing it all. From the early mornings, to the late nights, and even the “ice breakers” and superlatives that left us forever branded with names like “Boner Brad” and “Turnt Tiana” (oh the things you’ll say after a sleepless night and a long climb to the top of Masada).

My visit to Israel is without a doubt in my mind the most wonderful opportunity I have ever received – it was a chance to find a new home, create a new family and learn about the most resilient of people in history of the world.

If you haven’t seen my post about my trip in Israel – check it out here!