Going from a land of cheesesteaks and hoagies to a land of falafel and Moshiko’s smoothies, I thought that I would have a harder time adjusting, but on our first Shabbat when I walked in the warm air to the dining hall, I was comforted by the sweet aromas of chicken soup, sweet potatoes, and couscous. I didn’t realize how much of the culture here I practice at home every day. I think it was easier for me to feel at home here because of this. I am loving my experience in Israel. It is interesting because in America, I feel like we are always having to define ourselves as this race or that religion or that gender or that sexuality. Here for the most part, everyone is just human, and I think that is beautiful. I am having a great time with all the people. We are a small group, so we all get along well and are very close. So far, we have gone to tel Gezer, the Sachne Springs, the Kotel, Sataf, Mt. Scopus, UN Hill and Hezekiah’s tunnel in the City of David. It was amazing seeing the stories I have heard about all my life come alive when we visited their locations. I have always felt a strong connection to Israel, but I could never understand why. Now, I think I am starting to realize that the reason I love this place so much is that it feels like home, no matter where I am or what i’m doing. The people here are all really nice and friendly. I feel really comfortable going up to random people on the street and asking them for help or having a conversation with locals. I was also touched by the energy here on Shabbat and at the Kotel. Coming from a community with very few Jewish families, I have always felt like an outsider. Because of this, it is hard to feel like you are a part of a unified Jewish community, and it is hard to keep faith in what you believe. I am amazed at the spirit I see within the people who live here. It is a magical place. Last time I was at the Kotel, I did not cry. This time, however, I felt something greater than myself when I was standing in the presence of the holiest site in the world, humbled by the experience of being there with people who are just like me, no matter where they came from, and I began to cry. I am having the best time here. I have not only made good friends with the people from my group, but also the kids who live and go to school here all year. Every time I talk to someone new, I learn so much about what life is like here. Everyone has their own unique story for me to learn something from. When I embarked on this journey, I thought I was leaving home and going to a new and unfamiliar place alone, but as soon as I landed I realized I had it completely backwards. I wasn’t leaving my home- I was coming home.