My dear American friends…
10 days ago I thought I was just going to be a medic in a trip called “Taglit” and guard some stupid American students that are “living in a movie” (it’s a Hebrew “slang”) and now, after I got to know you guys I can truly say that I Love You! You touched my heart! It was an amazing trip for me and it is all because of you (and of course because of Nahi’c the other medic … not really)
you are more then welcome to visit me next time you’ll be in Israel and if not you can just add me to your Facebook!
So… Toda Raba, I won’t forget you, now that I have 40 new American friends… hugs and kisses from me and my gun…
Maya Alkalay – your medic !
My E-mail address: mayaalkalay@hotmail.com
p.s – Jordan (Meir) don’t forget to “bring the light” and to diluteeeeeee it
This trip to Israel has been the most amazing experience of my life. Being able to relate so quickly to almost everyone on our bus was something I never expected. Having the Campus Entrepreneur (CEI) students on this trip made that possible. Their outgoing personalities and welcoming dispositions made it very easy to open up and become the close knit group that we are now. Coming into this trip I knew only one person and was nervous that I would end up clinging to her the entire time. As soon as people began arriving into JFK airport those fears were alleviated. She quickly introduced me to the CEI students she worked with and instantly a bond seemed to form and everyone settled in a large circle and we talked about anything and everything. From that point on I knew I would be able to make new and lasting friendships. Our entire bus just seems at ease with everyone. Our clothes are being shared; we talk about our pasts and personal lives and plans being made to get together back at school. They have taught me not to hide my Jewish heritage. I cannot wait to go back home, down to South Carolina and wear my Jewish star. I know now that when people ask me what church I belong to I can proudly say I don’t have one and I am Jewish. There is no reason to hide that piece of my life anymore and this experience and the voice of reason from the CEI students has proved that to me. Within these short 10 days we have become a large family that has had one of the most remarkable experiences of our lives and being able to share it with these people that I can now truly call some of my best friends has made it that much better.
Alex Hall
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Our skin IS-RAELI soft
Greetings from the Dead Sea!
After a long, cold night sleeping on the floor in the desert of a Bedouin tent, we thought a day at the spa was in order. But boy were we wrong! We first had to earn our beautification treatments by climbing Masada. The 5,000 year old ruins overlooking the Dead Sea and mountains of Jordan were awe inspiring! It looked like we were standing in a painting. It felt as if we were walking amongst the old kings. When we touched the walls it was as if we were touching history and we could almost hear the whispers of our ancestors who gave their lives for our survival.
Several hours and a 40 minute descent later we definitely were ready for mud baths and salt treatments! People spend hundreds of dollars in the States on mud baths such as these, so we knew we were in for a treat! We covered ourselves in the mud hoping it would remove the eau-de-camel, but little did we know we were in for something much worse. The smell of rotten eggs from the sulfur baths to remove the mud and complete the treatment nearly made us run back up Masada! The next stop on our spa adventure was floating on the dead sea, which felt as if we were rafting on the clouds. In fact, our skin was covered in salt so we even looked like we had been playing in the clouds. But in the end, our skin was glowing, giving us the confidence to browse Jerusalem for Israeli princes.
... and we're still looking.
Love from Jerusalem,
Randi Lieberman, Mandy Tehaan, Samantha Kurtz
Bedouin Camp (Day 6)
After visiting Beit Shean National Park we hopped on the bus for a short ride to the Bedouin camp. Immediately after arriving we unloaded from the bus and hopped on camels and donkeys that were there waiting for us. While most of the group rode on the donkeys, I ended up on a camel. The camels were making loud grunting sounds as they stood up; it was a startling sound to hear! It was funny to look over at the part of the group that ended up on the donkeys. This was only until the middle of the camel ride where the group ended up switching places. It was a lot less fun to be the part of the group looking hilarious on the donkeys.
Back to the bus to grab a day pack. Our group was then led over to the tent that we had been assigned to. It was a fairly large tent and every one ventured in to grab a sleeping bag and a ground pad. Then it was off to stake out a sleeping location. On my way to the tent I ran into a friend who is on birthright through the University of Wisconsin. This was a pleasant surprise.
After getting situated we were sent over to a tent with some of the Bedouins. They made coffee and tea, both of which were good but a little on the sweet side. These were made over a fire in the tent. The Bedouins are always very welcoming people but if they give you a full cup of coffee it is time to go.
The group was gathered up by Sue and Larissa, who had us follow them out away from the camp. As a group we discussed what was important to us and reflect on the parts of the trip that we had experienced this far on this already amazing trip. After the discussion Sue described to us a meditation technique which involved sitting still for one hour. Most likely after one hour you will be in discomfort and dealing with this will help you reflect on and appreciate everything else that you experience. We all sat in silence in the cold desert night for about 45 minutes and watched the sun set.
Dinner was amazing! It consisted of turkey kabobs, rice, pita and a delicious salad. Immediately after dinner they told our group to go over to a tent for a drum circle. “If you get lost just listen and follow the music” they told us. The drum circle was very entertaining. During the drum circle the brought out a bunch of bongo’s and taught us how to play.
Then it was time for more free time. We enjoyed building an amazing fire. This was only after struggling for some time due to the fact that they left wet wood at our camp site. I decided to call it an early night to catch up on some sleep. An exciting day laid ahead with hiking Masada and floating on the Dead Sea on tomorrows Itinerary. ”
Alex Niderberg
After a long, cold night sleeping on the floor in the desert of a Bedouin tent, we thought a day at the spa was in order. But boy were we wrong! We first had to earn our beautification treatments by climbing Masada. The 5,000 year old ruins overlooking the Dead Sea and mountains of Jordan were awe inspiring! It looked like we were standing in a painting. It felt as if we were walking amongst the old kings. When we touched the walls it was as if we were touching history and we could almost hear the whispers of our ancestors who gave their lives for our survival.
Several hours and a 40 minute descent later we definitely were ready for mud baths and salt treatments! People spend hundreds of dollars in the States on mud baths such as these, so we knew we were in for a treat! We covered ourselves in the mud hoping it would remove the eau-de-camel, but little did we know we were in for something much worse. The smell of rotten eggs from the sulfur baths to remove the mud and complete the treatment nearly made us run back up Masada! The next stop on our spa adventure was floating on the dead sea, which felt as if we were rafting on the clouds. In fact, our skin was covered in salt so we even looked like we had been playing in the clouds. But in the end, our skin was glowing, giving us the confidence to browse Jerusalem for Israeli princes.
... and we're still looking.
Love from Jerusalem,
Randi Lieberman, Mandy Tehaan, Samantha Kurtz
Bedouin Camp (Day 6)
After visiting Beit Shean National Park we hopped on the bus for a short ride to the Bedouin camp. Immediately after arriving we unloaded from the bus and hopped on camels and donkeys that were there waiting for us. While most of the group rode on the donkeys, I ended up on a camel. The camels were making loud grunting sounds as they stood up; it was a startling sound to hear! It was funny to look over at the part of the group that ended up on the donkeys. This was only until the middle of the camel ride where the group ended up switching places. It was a lot less fun to be the part of the group looking hilarious on the donkeys.
Back to the bus to grab a day pack. Our group was then led over to the tent that we had been assigned to. It was a fairly large tent and every one ventured in to grab a sleeping bag and a ground pad. Then it was off to stake out a sleeping location. On my way to the tent I ran into a friend who is on birthright through the University of Wisconsin. This was a pleasant surprise.
After getting situated we were sent over to a tent with some of the Bedouins. They made coffee and tea, both of which were good but a little on the sweet side. These were made over a fire in the tent. The Bedouins are always very welcoming people but if they give you a full cup of coffee it is time to go.
The group was gathered up by Sue and Larissa, who had us follow them out away from the camp. As a group we discussed what was important to us and reflect on the parts of the trip that we had experienced this far on this already amazing trip. After the discussion Sue described to us a meditation technique which involved sitting still for one hour. Most likely after one hour you will be in discomfort and dealing with this will help you reflect on and appreciate everything else that you experience. We all sat in silence in the cold desert night for about 45 minutes and watched the sun set.
Dinner was amazing! It consisted of turkey kabobs, rice, pita and a delicious salad. Immediately after dinner they told our group to go over to a tent for a drum circle. “If you get lost just listen and follow the music” they told us. The drum circle was very entertaining. During the drum circle the brought out a bunch of bongo’s and taught us how to play.
Then it was time for more free time. We enjoyed building an amazing fire. This was only after struggling for some time due to the fact that they left wet wood at our camp site. I decided to call it an early night to catch up on some sleep. An exciting day laid ahead with hiking Masada and floating on the Dead Sea on tomorrows Itinerary. ”
Alex Niderberg
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Mysticism of Safed
Day 4:
Today we traveled to the old and historic town of Safed in Northern, Higher Galilee. Already before reaching the city winding through the rising hills surrounded by the fading mist of morning one is struck by the aura of the Israeli frontier and the idea of mysticism that was to be the defining point of the day. Upon reaching Safed I was struck by the remote beauty and the sheer vastness of the valley spreading beneath the town, a beautiful rainbow spreading across it as if to herald the rest of the unfolding day. We went to two ancient synagogues and perused the art section of the city, browsing through the shops and developing a sense of the essence and spirit of the old town. We discussed the idea of mysticism pervading throughout our Jewish history and heritage which truly struck home while sitting inside the beautifully sculpted and designed synagogues. On the way through the town’s art shops and stores I was drawn into one small room by a religious man named Avram and he showed me how to put on the tefillin and say the appropriate prayer. After doing it I was struck with both sadness and nostalgia, a sadness when I realized how long it had been since I had put tefillin on as well as a nostalgia for my days back in Hebrew school where I had learned and first taken part in this custom. I realized that what I was feeling was something I hadn’t felt in a long time, a complete comfort and satisfaction with being Jewish that I haven’t felt since before high school and certainly not in college. I don’t know if it was the atmosphere or the kindness of the man that affected me most but for the first time in such a long time I felt like I had completely reconnected with my Jewish roots. I sent a picture of myself in the tefillin to my father, and as the rain came down walked back to the bus through the quiet streets I think I understood the message of the mysticism of Israel and our heritage.
Guy Topaz
- Also I was constantly informed by all that I have a very Israeli name…go figure
Today we traveled to the old and historic town of Safed in Northern, Higher Galilee. Already before reaching the city winding through the rising hills surrounded by the fading mist of morning one is struck by the aura of the Israeli frontier and the idea of mysticism that was to be the defining point of the day. Upon reaching Safed I was struck by the remote beauty and the sheer vastness of the valley spreading beneath the town, a beautiful rainbow spreading across it as if to herald the rest of the unfolding day. We went to two ancient synagogues and perused the art section of the city, browsing through the shops and developing a sense of the essence and spirit of the old town. We discussed the idea of mysticism pervading throughout our Jewish history and heritage which truly struck home while sitting inside the beautifully sculpted and designed synagogues. On the way through the town’s art shops and stores I was drawn into one small room by a religious man named Avram and he showed me how to put on the tefillin and say the appropriate prayer. After doing it I was struck with both sadness and nostalgia, a sadness when I realized how long it had been since I had put tefillin on as well as a nostalgia for my days back in Hebrew school where I had learned and first taken part in this custom. I realized that what I was feeling was something I hadn’t felt in a long time, a complete comfort and satisfaction with being Jewish that I haven’t felt since before high school and certainly not in college. I don’t know if it was the atmosphere or the kindness of the man that affected me most but for the first time in such a long time I felt like I had completely reconnected with my Jewish roots. I sent a picture of myself in the tefillin to my father, and as the rain came down walked back to the bus through the quiet streets I think I understood the message of the mysticism of Israel and our heritage.
Guy Topaz
- Also I was constantly informed by all that I have a very Israeli name…go figure
Shabbat by the Sea
Day 3:
The view here at Ohalo is amazing. I started the day with group yoga on the lawn. The sun was shining and the breeze was perfect. We meditated while staring at the beautiful mountains lining the Kinneret. I was excited to hear Ma-tov-vu, my favorite prayer since I was in Hebrew school many many years ago. After a fruitful lunch, everyone put on their summer clothes and played throughout Ohalo. There was an ultimate Frisbee game in the field next to a group of boys passing a football. Everyone was smiling and laughing and taking pictures. My close friend had family visit: her Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and little cousins. It was heartwarming to see how happy their family was to be reunited after such a long time apart. After lunch, we went on a nature walk to a cemetery close to the Kibbutz. Although it is unlike Jews to visit a cemetery on Shabbot, it was ok because we were celebrating the life of well known Zionists who were buried there. After deciding the walk we took was not full of as much nature as we expected, a couple of friends and I ventured away from the group and walked along the beach. The view along the shore was positively surreal. My friends seemed annoyed at the fact that every other sentence out of my mouth was “Oh my God, we’re in ISRAEL! Do you see what I see? Oh my God…” We stood at the end of a pier in the middle of the Kinneret. I was surrounded by beautiful water, tree covered mountains, millions of birds, and a couple close friends. It was all I needed. This was honestly the most peaceful, restful, and BEAUTIFUL Sabbath I have ever experienced. No Shabbot will ever be the same.
By the way, hearing “Shabbot Shalom” as you pass by every single person you see is a beautiful thing.
Shabbot Shalom everyone,
Jordan [Jackson]
p.s. Uncle Wayne, I did this for you. And don’t get mad at my grammar. I love you!
The view here at Ohalo is amazing. I started the day with group yoga on the lawn. The sun was shining and the breeze was perfect. We meditated while staring at the beautiful mountains lining the Kinneret. I was excited to hear Ma-tov-vu, my favorite prayer since I was in Hebrew school many many years ago. After a fruitful lunch, everyone put on their summer clothes and played throughout Ohalo. There was an ultimate Frisbee game in the field next to a group of boys passing a football. Everyone was smiling and laughing and taking pictures. My close friend had family visit: her Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and little cousins. It was heartwarming to see how happy their family was to be reunited after such a long time apart. After lunch, we went on a nature walk to a cemetery close to the Kibbutz. Although it is unlike Jews to visit a cemetery on Shabbot, it was ok because we were celebrating the life of well known Zionists who were buried there. After deciding the walk we took was not full of as much nature as we expected, a couple of friends and I ventured away from the group and walked along the beach. The view along the shore was positively surreal. My friends seemed annoyed at the fact that every other sentence out of my mouth was “Oh my God, we’re in ISRAEL! Do you see what I see? Oh my God…” We stood at the end of a pier in the middle of the Kinneret. I was surrounded by beautiful water, tree covered mountains, millions of birds, and a couple close friends. It was all I needed. This was honestly the most peaceful, restful, and BEAUTIFUL Sabbath I have ever experienced. No Shabbot will ever be the same.
By the way, hearing “Shabbot Shalom” as you pass by every single person you see is a beautiful thing.
Shabbot Shalom everyone,
Jordan [Jackson]
p.s. Uncle Wayne, I did this for you. And don’t get mad at my grammar. I love you!
Shabbat Begins
Virginia Tech represented as we volunteered to lead the Birthright trips in prayers over lighting the Shabbat candles as well as the blessing over the wine and ha-motzey. Everyone had the chance to light their own Shabbat candles, and for many it was their very first time. We chose from two service options and a discussion about what Shabbat means to you. I chose to go to the conservative Kabalat Shabbat services because it had been a very long time since I had attended one. It was special to me to have shared it with a lifelong friend and the new ones I have made on our journey. The room filled with our voices as we all came together and sang aloud, and those familiar sounds helped to sink in that I was celebrating the Shabbat with my peers (something I don’t do very often anymore). I was reminded how good it felt to sing those psalms and mentally prepare yourself for receiving Shabbat. Dinner was an amazing feast of a vast arrangement of Mediterranean cuisine and everyone ate to their hearts’ content. After dinner it was a sight to see all the different schools sing together different Shabbat and Jewish songs. It was a good feeling to know that no matter where we came from or what different Jewish experiences we have had in our lives that we are able to come together as a Jewish community and embrace the holiday of Shabbat in solidarity and happiness. I would definitely say that this erev Shabbat was one experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life. It was almost too surreal to believe that we had finally arrived and received this holiday in our home land. I felt empowered as a Jew to know that we were doing something that our ancestors prayed for and we were able to live out their dreams.
Shalom and I’ll be home too soon,
Shayna
(just a quick hello to my family- I love and miss you!)
Shalom and I’ll be home too soon,
Shayna
(just a quick hello to my family- I love and miss you!)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Shabbat Shalom from the Sea of Galilee
Day 1:
At long last, we have arrived in Israel after months of anticipation and excitement. When we all gathered in New York you could feel the enthusiasm in the air. Finally, our Birthright experience was beginning, and we could not will the plane to arrive in Tel Aviv any faster. Despite our obvious exhaustion after having travelled overnight, the sights and sounds that greeted us in Israel were electrifying. It seemed surreal that we were standing in the place of our history, the home of our people. From Tel Aviv, we boarded our new mobile “home” for the next ten days and journeyed north to our first stop, the Ohalo Kibbutz on the southern coast of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret). On our bus, we met Mike, our Israeli educator or rather, our walking encyclopedia on all things Israel who brought us all eight belated Hanukkah presents to help us on our journey through the Holy Land. We were all on the edge of our seats waiting to see what was in store for us tomorrow, but now was time for sleep!
Day 2:
And now the adventure begins! Today we drove an hour north through the town of Tiberius to the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. The Sea is beautiful and the beach looked stunning (too bad it’s too cold for a beach day). Once we reached our destination, we boarded jeeps and took an off-road tour of the Golan Heights. As we made our way down the bumpy, sliding, muddy roads, the breathtaking sites of the Six Day War were all around us. Syrian bunkers from the front and second lines of defense stand eerily abandoned amongst deserted land mines (no worries, guys, we were safely secure behind the wired fence!) to remind us the extent to which our people have defended this land to preserve it for us and our future. Our next stop was a short fifteen minute drive northeast to the Syrian border. We looked out from the hills and could see Syria on the horizon!
After returning to the Kibbutz, sundown was approaching and it was time to celebrate Shabbos! We are all having an amazing time and it seems impossible that we have only just begun! I for one cannot wait until tomorrow!
With love from Israel,
Randi Lieberman
(p.s. Hi and big hugs to Mom, Dad, Pamela, Eric and Greg!)
At long last, we have arrived in Israel after months of anticipation and excitement. When we all gathered in New York you could feel the enthusiasm in the air. Finally, our Birthright experience was beginning, and we could not will the plane to arrive in Tel Aviv any faster. Despite our obvious exhaustion after having travelled overnight, the sights and sounds that greeted us in Israel were electrifying. It seemed surreal that we were standing in the place of our history, the home of our people. From Tel Aviv, we boarded our new mobile “home” for the next ten days and journeyed north to our first stop, the Ohalo Kibbutz on the southern coast of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret). On our bus, we met Mike, our Israeli educator or rather, our walking encyclopedia on all things Israel who brought us all eight belated Hanukkah presents to help us on our journey through the Holy Land. We were all on the edge of our seats waiting to see what was in store for us tomorrow, but now was time for sleep!
Day 2:
And now the adventure begins! Today we drove an hour north through the town of Tiberius to the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. The Sea is beautiful and the beach looked stunning (too bad it’s too cold for a beach day). Once we reached our destination, we boarded jeeps and took an off-road tour of the Golan Heights. As we made our way down the bumpy, sliding, muddy roads, the breathtaking sites of the Six Day War were all around us. Syrian bunkers from the front and second lines of defense stand eerily abandoned amongst deserted land mines (no worries, guys, we were safely secure behind the wired fence!) to remind us the extent to which our people have defended this land to preserve it for us and our future. Our next stop was a short fifteen minute drive northeast to the Syrian border. We looked out from the hills and could see Syria on the horizon!
After returning to the Kibbutz, sundown was approaching and it was time to celebrate Shabbos! We are all having an amazing time and it seems impossible that we have only just begun! I for one cannot wait until tomorrow!
With love from Israel,
Randi Lieberman
(p.s. Hi and big hugs to Mom, Dad, Pamela, Eric and Greg!)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
2 Days until we leave for Israel
As the conflict in Israel continues, I think about all the students and parents of Taglit-Birthright Israel trips that told us how grateful they are that they or their child had the opportunity to experience Israel firsthand and make personal connections with Israeli soldiers and citizens.
Watching the news each night, we know that this special relationship now takes on a new, important meaning at this time. There are currently thousands of Taglit-Birthright Israel participants in Israel having a wonderful time.
Safety is our number one priority. Our groups are going nowhere near Gaza, Be’er Sheva, Ashkelon or Ashdod. No trips have been cancelled and our agenda is staying as is at this time.
Well, we leave in 2 days! Get psyched!
May 2009 be a year of peace for the world and all Israel.
Sincerely,
Sue Kurtz
Watching the news each night, we know that this special relationship now takes on a new, important meaning at this time. There are currently thousands of Taglit-Birthright Israel participants in Israel having a wonderful time.
Safety is our number one priority. Our groups are going nowhere near Gaza, Be’er Sheva, Ashkelon or Ashdod. No trips have been cancelled and our agenda is staying as is at this time.
Well, we leave in 2 days! Get psyched!
May 2009 be a year of peace for the world and all Israel.
Sincerely,
Sue Kurtz
Friday, January 2, 2009
Student Reflections
Shauna
After a very long, 14-hour drive on Saturday, we were all anxious to arrive in New Orleans. However, we had no idea what to expect. Katrina hit about three years ago, and for those of us who had never been here, the devastation that still lingers left us all in complete shock. We began our work at a building that used to be a school and has now been transformed into a center for fine arts. The artists pay the rent by teaching classes, as it is slowly renovated back to what it used to look like before Katrina struck. Just by doing simple things like painting and laying carpet, we made such a difference by the end of the week, and it felt so great to know how much we helped these artists.
We also took a tour of the lower ninth ward where the levies broke, and watched a documentary on the disaster, which really brought everything home. This town still needs so much more help, and with what we learned and experienced on this trip, I know I will be back to help, as well as share my knowledge with others and encourage them to do the same.
Leah
Being such a culturally diverse city, New Orleans has had a lot to teach all of us. We have been so fortunate to be able to experience all that the city has to offer from the great Cajun and Creole food to the arts to the nightlife.
During the day, we have been busy helping to paint and lay carpet at a school, which has been converted to a community arts center and community center in the Lower 9th Ward district. Though we aren’t rebuilding houses, I feel so good about supporting the arts and helping to restore public buildings. On New Year’s Eve day, we went to the New Orleans Children’s Museum to volunteer with kids for their New Year’s celebration. We were also able to watch an Imax documentary about hurricanes in this area.
Before this trip, I had no idea about all the devastation and tragic circumstances that had come from Hurricane Katrina. This city needs not only our hands-on help, but the knowledge we can spread and bring back home to new people is so important. I have spoken with local people in the area about their personal experiences and have had a much more personal connection to the city than I would have expected. This has been an eye-opening experience for me and I hope to carry it with me for a long time.
See Photos From New Orleans
After a very long, 14-hour drive on Saturday, we were all anxious to arrive in New Orleans. However, we had no idea what to expect. Katrina hit about three years ago, and for those of us who had never been here, the devastation that still lingers left us all in complete shock. We began our work at a building that used to be a school and has now been transformed into a center for fine arts. The artists pay the rent by teaching classes, as it is slowly renovated back to what it used to look like before Katrina struck. Just by doing simple things like painting and laying carpet, we made such a difference by the end of the week, and it felt so great to know how much we helped these artists.
We also took a tour of the lower ninth ward where the levies broke, and watched a documentary on the disaster, which really brought everything home. This town still needs so much more help, and with what we learned and experienced on this trip, I know I will be back to help, as well as share my knowledge with others and encourage them to do the same.
Leah
Being such a culturally diverse city, New Orleans has had a lot to teach all of us. We have been so fortunate to be able to experience all that the city has to offer from the great Cajun and Creole food to the arts to the nightlife.
During the day, we have been busy helping to paint and lay carpet at a school, which has been converted to a community arts center and community center in the Lower 9th Ward district. Though we aren’t rebuilding houses, I feel so good about supporting the arts and helping to restore public buildings. On New Year’s Eve day, we went to the New Orleans Children’s Museum to volunteer with kids for their New Year’s celebration. We were also able to watch an Imax documentary about hurricanes in this area.
Before this trip, I had no idea about all the devastation and tragic circumstances that had come from Hurricane Katrina. This city needs not only our hands-on help, but the knowledge we can spread and bring back home to new people is so important. I have spoken with local people in the area about their personal experiences and have had a much more personal connection to the city than I would have expected. This has been an eye-opening experience for me and I hope to carry it with me for a long time.
See Photos From New Orleans
Thursday, January 1, 2009
We are always learning
We’re always learning.
New Orleans is such a unique place. It doesn’t feel like a part of the U.S. It has such a unique culture. The music is always playing. Songs of a love that is so strong the people can’t stop this passion for this place. A pride exists that unites the community.
The internet won’t connect even though I was promised free access. There are only 2 thin, small towels in the room. The water is not running with a strong force. People are living on the streets on every block. Buildings are being renovated everywhere. The music plays on. The hearts of the people beat hard. And they welcome us with a warmth and gratitude. “Thanks for coming to visit, to work”.
I only stopped at New Orleans to be able to share a small part of the trip with the 24 students who went there to help rebuild. On my way to Taglit-Birthright Israel I wanted to spend New Years with my husband who was staffing the trip. As always, the students taught me so much. They told their stories of their first 4 ½ days. Through their words I heard how they stepped out of their comfort zone to rip up floor boards, strip floors, paint walls. Their pride and effort showed through the spoken word. They spoke to the people; whispering first, voices getting louder and louder...............Were you here when Katrina came? What have you seen?
Tonight the students saved their leftover food and gave it to the homeless. They didn’t do that the first day. Today they grew and stretched and embraced their experience. We all shared something that will forever change us for the better.
The Garden district contrasts the distraught buildings we are working on. Slick and clean with new paint, crisp lines with sculptured gardens.... In contrast to chipped and fragile walls, wires revealing the guts of the buildings, bleeding with pain, and containing stories never told.
Life is fragile. Time goes fast. We are all part of precious communities. I hold close the incredible sacrifice and decision the students made to come here and work during their break. Thank you, Julianna, for all your work and organizing.
We are always learning.
With appreciation and love, Sue
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