The First Day

Well, I've officially survived the first day of being in Israel.

My day started at home waking my sister up, watching funny videos and eating Wan-yay's amazing french toast one last time.  Then a good ole cuddle sesh with Mommy Dearest.  Finally spending a good 30 minutes with my favorite neighbor ladies before walking back to the house.  Though I gotta say, what really broke my heart was that my Nana was planning to drive up and say bye, but her power was still out from the night before and couldn't get her car out of the garage :(

But I had to eventually hug sister goodbye with a few tears in my eyes, took some puffy eye-d photos in front of my house, and drove to the airport with Wan-yay and Mommy Dearest.  Like it should be, it was hard saying bye to Wan-yay.  He's the funny one at home even when he doesn't try to be.

Mommy Dearest and I went into the airport and I drank my last Starbucks because Israel doesn't have it...weird right?!  Had some good talks, very normal, just how I like it.  Then she handed me her favorite rosary to have and use while in Israel.  Not gonna lie, didn't know how much I was going to use it, but I couldn't have been more wrong.

We got to JFK just fine, but we were honestly rushing and cutting lines to get me to the flight in time.  Turns out we underestimated just how much security there was.  But because of that, I had to say an unexpected quick good-bye to Mommy Dearest.  Tears, yes.  She never fails to get me choked up.

But eventually I boarded the plane.  Then the major turbulence hit.  Seriously super scary.  Kids screaming,  people breathing fast, and well, I pulled out that rosary and started praying...never mind the fact I was probably the only Christian on the plane haha.  But all was ok and we landed fine.

Walking out of the baggage claim, I was surprised by my all time favorite girl...May!  For those of you who do not know...she is my best friend who is an israeli and lives in Tel Aviv!  Probably the best and only thing I wanted to see walking out of that terminal.

After seeing her, the group hopped on a bus and headed to the dorms!  If you would like my address for much appreciated letters, inbox me!  My roommate is named Dayna and she is fab!  She's super easy to live with and we totally agree about everything.

Later May came back over to help unpack, but even better, help us get our flat in line.  Our dorms have two roomy bedrooms, bathroom and small kitchen with table.  We have 3 out of the 4 of us here, and we're not sure if the 4th will get here.  The room is messy beyond belief and has no real kitchen utensils or anything for that matter.  So lucky for Dayna and me, May took us to the mall and told us all the cheap things to get and buy.  Plus May is the kindest person for letting me borrow a pillow and more.  We ate a good dinner at May's house knowing we weren't going to have a real one back in our flat.

Now after taking one real cold, but soooo needed and refreshing, shower...I'm ready for bed.  We take a tour and have orientation tomorrow!  I'll admit, I still have the homesick/throwup feeling in my stomach, but I'm sure with time it'll go away.

Love and miss you all!