Today I managed to oversleep. So I missed davening alone out on the observation deck. Also, I didn't cry at all today. Partly I think because of the nature of today's activities and partly because I was busy being car sick. But mostly, when I sat down at the end of the day to analyze my feeling, I think I finally feel at peace here. Which is not to say the depth of emotion has changed, because it hasn't. I'm thinking more in terms of an ocean, where for a few days there was a massive storm going on and tons of turbulence. Today though, the same ocean is calm and quiet. But, as the saying goes, still waters run deep. And every day that goes by, I feel more at home.
If someone had asked me a week ago if I would ever consider living in Israel I would have said no without hesitating. Now, though, when I think about living here, it seems well within the realm of possibility. I'm not ready to pick up and move here right away, but I can see myself here. One thing I know for sure is that I'll be coming back as soon as possible to visit and explore some more. I'd love to spend the summer here.
Moving on to the events of the day. Today was a lot of fun. We started the morning in Atlit, the largest detention camp that existed. We saw a short movie on the subject, then toured the shower rooms and barracks quickly. To be honest, I wish we had had more time there. We were in and out so fast I didn't get to process anything. I was fascinated by the subject but I wish I'd had more time to absorb the feeling of the place and the history.
Next on the agenda was a tour of the Golan by jeep. There were 7 people on the jeep plus the driver. We had an amazing time. We drove through what used to be Syria before 1967. We talked and laughed and had fun as a group which was something I felt had been missing so far. We drove to the edge of the Galil Sea and saw for ourselves how far it has receded. Quite scary actually and it does remind you that you're in a desert and how much we take important things like water for granted. That Galil is the only freshwater source in Israel. 31% of all of Israel's water comes from it and it is vanishing at an alarming rate.
But I had a great time on the jeep. I am surprised by how affected I am by the Golan. I really thought that Tzfas with its artists and mystics and quaint alleys would appeal to me more. But the Golan speaks to me more. It's breathtaking and I understand what the woman from Kfar Haruv meant when she said she moved there because the Golan was calling her. Sadly, as is often the case in Israel, there just aren't words to describe it. You just have to be here.
The only real problem I had with the jeep was the car sickness. But I was determined not to let that interfere with the experience and it worked. I wish that would work on the bus. All the time on the bus is killing me.
After the jeep tours we ate lunch and then we took the buses to go to where we were supposed to take a little hike to see a wterfall but the park had closed early for some reason and they refused to open for us. So instead we went to a little stream behind a McDonald's and drank hot tea and played a couple little getting-to-know-you games. Personally, I was just painfully relieved to be off the bus.
We watched the sunset which as stunning. We saw something that appeared to be a UFO. Inside the McDonald's there was a birthday party for a little kid. A clown had music on and was dancing with the kids. Some of the people from our group went in and joined the dancing. Then it was time to board the buses again. It was a real miracle I didn't vomit.
We came back to Nir Etzion for our last night here. Sometime on one of the many bus trips today, Shmulik came over and spoke to me. We chatted a little about chassidus, me and my life, him and his life. I asked him if he thought all Jews should live in Israel, even before Moshiach comes. He said yes, because everyone moving here will bring Moshiach.
After dinner we had a group activity. It was a little corny and not really my thing as I prefer to be alone and anti-social among people I don't know and have little in common with, but it was fun over all. Lots of laughing and people actually seemed to be getting into the spirit of the trip which I appreciated.
I know this entry is short compared to the last 2 days but we have to be up early, packed and ready to go. We move on to Jerusalem tomorrow afternoon. I really will miss this place and Northern Israel but I'm DEFINITELY looking forward to Shabbos in Jerusalem!!
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