We are almost a week into our session at AMHSI and I have a lot of conflicting emotions. I’m really enjoying being in a new country with new amazing friends however, I miss my friends and family at home tremendously. I hope to get over this soon because if not the next four months are gonna be quite difficult.

On our first trip we went to Tel Gezer which is about 30 minutes south of Hod Hasharon. We drove up a large hill where were surrounded by a beautiful scenery filled with large cities in the distance, beautiful fig trees, olive trees, grape vines, and the Mediterranean sea in the far distance. Once we got to the top we walked around to numerous different places that the Canaanites had lived nearly three thousand years ago. We went to caves, beautiful view, ancient ruins of buildings and we found old pieces of pottery from thousands of years ago.

My goals are too increase independence, adaptability and flexibility. As well as to understand cultural and geographic differences and reflect on personal values. To be independent I need to be able to rely on just myself and if I face a problem find a way to solve it myself. I will know I have achieved this when I don’t feel the need to have others help me when I am in a difficult situation. I want to be able to adapt to what happening around me and be flexible in order to thrive in many scenarios. To understand cultural and geographic differences I must soak in the environment around me and keep a positive attitude even if I don’t necessarily enjoy the activity we are doing. This will help me in the future once I complete these goals because I will have a better view on the world around me. If I become more independent, this will prepare me for college as well as just growing up. If I have a better understanding for the world then I will have a better idea of how to respond to world issues.