This next week, I will be leaving my family and friends to travel to Hod Hasharon, Israel. I cannot believe it almost time to leave! I have come to the conclusion that this type of journey is an experience that you mentally do not know how to prepare for. Thinking of leaving all of my family, friends, and city for 4 months seems undeniably terrifying. As for my expectations; I have only heard amazing things about Alexander Muss. My cousin had gone last semester and had convinced me after a week that I NEEDED to go and that she had truly found herself along with her Jewish identity. I fear that I will miss my family but hope I can keep constant contact with them. I cannot say that packing for four months has been a smooth sailing. The more I had packed, the more I had realized the time I would be gone, the events I would miss, and the people I would miss. Although, after making that realization, I then thought about all the adventures that would soon be coming my way, the people I would meet, and the amazing food I would taste! By the end of these four months, I hope to immerse myself into the Israeli culture and try new foods and activities whenever possible. I chose to apply for the fellowship because it seemed that it would be an amazing opportunity to meet new people, experience Israeli culture, and learn the language. I cannot express my excitement for what these next four months have in store for me!