Wow. It’s hard to believe that we have less than two weeks left here in Israel. When I wrote my first blog, it felt like there was so much time left, that I was going to be here forever. Looking back on it, the time has flown by so fast, every week faster than the one before. There’s no way I can leave this country and these people that I’ve spent the past four months with.

So much has happened since we went to Poland. Thanksgiving here was interesting, to say the least. It was hard being away from my family and not having a delicious meal. However, it did make me appreciate what I have back at home a little bit more.

We also spent a week at Gadna, army training. Going into it, I thought that I would hate it and that I would be miserable the whole time. But, just like Yam le Yam, I actually really enjoyed it. I laughed my way through the whole week, met some crazy Israelis, and really bonded and learned how to work as a team with the people in my group. I was surprised that it wasn’t always just running around and standing in place. One day we visited David and Paula Ben Gurion’s graves and learned about an American who fought in the IDF. It was a refreshing change from the monotonous schedule on the base. In the end, I’m glad that I had the opportunity to have an experience like that, however, given the chance to do it again, I will politely decline.

I really enjoyed being in Israel for Hanukkah. I loved that after buying something at a store or just passing people in the streets, they say “Hanukkah Sameach” instead of “Merry Christmas.” When we were on tiyul and having dinner in the mall, someone from the Chabad came and lit a giant menorah and handed out sufganiyot to everyone. I think after being here for so much time I kind of forgot that I was in a Jewish state, and that was just a big reminder of where I actually am. I don’t know how I am going to go back to the States.

After being here for so long and learning so much about the history of Israel and the current conflicts, I feel a sense of responsibility to bring what I’ve learned back home with me. When I get back I want to educate people on what’s really going on Israel and to also be able to be an advocate for Israel. I think that a lot of people’s hatred or general disliking of Israel comes from ignorance and having a lack of knowledge on topics. I want to be able to inform people on Israel and hopefully show them just how great it is. I never would have learned or experienced this much if I hadn’t come on this program.

Being at Muss has taught me so much, not only about Israel, but also about myself. I’ve matured, learned how to manage my time better, and became much more confident. I’m not ready to leave all my friends and this beautiful country.