Right now, I’m watching the sunset while writing this on the swings outside my dorm. Similar to the beautiful sunset ending the great day I had, the sun is setting on this amazing trip. It’s bittersweet, as I had the most amazing time, and I want to see my friends back home, but I also never want to leave this amazing country and the amazing people I’ve met here. Four months ago, I wrote down my goals as I started the journey that is now behind me. Looking at them now, I feel like I have achieved each one of them.

My first goal was to learn more Hebrew. Although I am nowhere close to fluent, I have definitely improved a lot, and can hold a conversation pretty well. I’ve ordered food in Hebrew a couple of times, and have been able to communicate with people in the streets. I’m really proud of myself and the improvements I’ve made in learning the language.

My second goal was to make new friends, and I’ve definitely done that. It’s safe to say that I am friends with each and every person on this program. While I’m closer with some than others, I love each and every person on this trip, and feel comfortable around all of them. I have made some of the best friends of my life on this program, and I can’t imagine life without any of them.

My third goal was to step outside of my comfort zone, and I can say that I have definitely done that. Coming here, I was super picky, but I’ve really broadened my food taste. I’ve found myself liking a lot of new foods that I didn’t think I’d like. I even decided to go vegan while I’m here. I said that I was excited to try falafel, and I fell in love with it. It’s one of my favorite foods.

My last and main goal was to grow as a person and a Jew. Over these past four months, I’ve been through a lot. I was emotionally and physically tested, I learned so much about my Jewish history, and I met some amazing people and teachers. Because of all this, I was able to watch myself grow and develop. It’s safe to say that I am not the same person I was walking off the plane. Being in this country, I’ve never been more happy, and I’ve never felt more Jewish. It’s going to be hard to leave everything behind, but I’m really glad that I was able to experience this amazing program, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.