My goals for this trip started out as just to be happy, enjoy and cherish every moment, get close with everyone, and immerse myself in the Jewish studies here.
However, I can say that as the first week has passed, my goals have changed.
I obviously know I can’t stay happy every day or moment of my life or every moment that I am here, but I do want to look for the positive in everything and make the most out of every experience here. I have to remember I only have limited time here so I have to cherish every moment that happens here. It’s not like I’m staying here for a year, I’m only here for two months. There is no use in wasting up my time here being negative and sad when I don’t need to and being cranky or picky when I do have to realize that I am in a different country, not comfortable in my own home.
I will admit, the first week here tested me emotionally and mentally in more ways than I can count. I have been to overnight camp for five years now so I know what it is like to be away from home for about two months with a large group of people I don’t necessarily know.

However, coming here was definitely different for sure. I had trouble adjusting to being without my family and everyday home life. Also, this was definitely the hardest for me- I had trouble making friends and knowing who I was getting close with and not.
Although, as the days have moved on, I feel myself making friendships that I know will last for a while and having the most fun I possibly can. At the moment, I can already feel myself dreading wanting to go home ever because I love it here more than I ever could have possibly imagined.
I really hope that by the end of this journey, our group as a whole will feel so closely bonded that our friendships will last a lifetime and continue out of these two months. I hope that we all feel comfortable with each other and feel like we can go to each other with any problems we all have!