By Sharon Remis
As the pilot descends the plane we all look out with anticipation. The topography is amazing and we can see the coast line as we fly in. Many thoughts… are we going to bond as a group, is this place going to be as special as everyone as said? What connections will we make?
We walk off the jet way and see the painted mural, “Welcome to Israel.” After going through customs and retrieving our bags we head out with our guide Dovev towards the bus. We pack into the bus (with more stuff than we need) and start the ride to our first adventure.
We have already begun to connect as a group, with people chattering about their lives at home as the bus heads to Neot Kedumim. We split into two groups to herd sheep and goats (!) and immediately began to recognize that team work gets the job done. If we work together we can accomplish anything. We come back as one to say the Shechyanu and a prayer for planting trees. We are reminded as we go off to plant our trees, to promote life and growth from the roots to the tree tops. Our connections with each other deepen as we looked out into the beauty of Israel.
We are seeing Israel for the first time and as each one of us points out a new find, it is truly amazing. Our journey on the Segways was remarkable as we zipped along in rush hour traffic, taking in the air from the sea. As we head back to the hotel on foot, we hear the sounds of the bustle of Tel Aviv and the company of each other. Our bond strengthens over dinner and a taste of the nightlife, as each person is slowly sharing who they are with our group, not by words alone, but by actions, expressions, and stories. Only time will show who we are, where we are going and our connection to Israel as individuals and as a group.
As we continue our journey through this land may our connections to each other and our love of this land grow deep from our head and toes, so we are rooted in Israel always.