Arrived and Alive!

I'm sitting in an internet cafe in Jerusalem, but in my head I am still not completely in Israel. It seems odd that it has not hit me yet, and I wonder when it will. It didn't seem like I was going to be in Israel last week while I was packing and saying my goodbyes, just seemed like a small vacation. It didn't seem like I was going to Israel when Lauel left me at the airport. The reality of my destination seemed a little clearer when I met up in the international area of JFK and was surrounded by 60 of my new unknown friends for the next year, but not quite there yet. On a side note, it is quite amazing to bring together a group of people who know nothing about each other and watch them laugh and talk in a matter of hours like they've been friends forever.

Reality then sunk in a tad bit more on the plane. Intermixed with our crew of 60 college grads were families speaking Hebrew, orthodox Jews praying during the flight, Hebrew subtitles on the movies(in the back of our seats... it was sweet!). But then we arrived at night time and were bused to a youth hostel. After a few ice breakers and an hour (or two) of Set, I was off to bed.

Today has been filled with lecture and beginning info for the trip - part of the reason I haven't been exploring Jerusalem and why I believe I feel this disconnect of actually being in Israel. We had an incredible hour cram on the Gaza Strip. Wow. The history that I am and will be witnessing first hand is going to be such an incredible experience.

I learned later that evening that after the next two months, I will be volunteering in a group of six first hand with the Israelis that are being removed from the settlements. We will be interacting with families that have just been up rooted and doing what we can to help with their adjustment. We had dinner with our supervisor, who is this amazing Israel guy, he had us cracking up and basically told us he'd bend over backwards for anything we needed, help us in any situation, and take us out if we were just bored! He psyched us up so much for this experience that it's all I can think about even if it will be in two months.

So for the next week we will be hiking and celebrating Shabbat in Jerusalem. Next week half of us will move to Be'er Sheva and work with recently immigrated Ethiopian Jews.

There is quite a lot on my plate, but even though, this feeling of disconnection has been haunting me. Though as the hours pass, I feel it slowly coming together. The walk down the street of flashing Hebrew signs, the language surrounding me is completely unknown - but I feel not for long, and oh wow the food - hummus at every meal, breakfast is more incredible then even oatmeal could ever be! Israelis eat these incredible fresh cucumbers and tomatoes for breakfast! With this yogurt that tastes like nothing I've ever had... but amazing!!
I'm am having such a wonderful time and will post more news soon!


If anyone wants to contact me my phone is 011-972-52-604-2265... I'd love to talk to you, call me - incoming calls to Israel are free for me!

also I accept care packages and presents at
OTZMA
Jessica Mauer
POB 4390
91043 Jerusalem
Israel

(that's right, zip code before city.. those crazy Israelis!)

Take care, I miss you all!
-Jess