July 2nd at 4:46 Tel Aviv Time!!!

Yay, I’m here! A long journey! But wouldn’t change a thing Everything went smooth as silk in Cleveland and when w e got to Newark, all was really nice;we met up with more folks from our group and had enough time for a relaxed lunch together. There was extra layers of security and we had to go through carry on bag inspection and wanding to get into our gate area. It was a little bit daunting, but understood! Then we had delays….2-1/2 hours long by the time all was said and done. When we got to board the plane it was really becoming REAL. I was actually on my way! And by myself….and knowing that I was meant to go by myself!

10.5 hours of a flight…I think we made it in 10 or so but the wait for the runway at Newark airport was long! Did my best to get some sleep; slept in bouts of 45 minutes at a time or so…that’s all I can muster up on a plane. I got to sit next to new friends from our group and that made it really nice. I even watched some TV shows and then, when we were within an hour ro so from landing, I got overwhelmed within myself with emotions and water started pouring from my eyes! No, I’m not trying to be a dramatic writer here…I didn’t feel like I was crying, I swear…just over flowing with emotion and peace and joy and relief and thrilled to know I’d soon be off the plane…and in Tel Aviv!!!!

We quickly got our bags and onto the bus…and off we wenton our way. Our guide explained to us about many of the inventions from Israel. Did you know the Cherry Tomato was invented in Israel?!? Hebrew University scientists have studied and worked at hybriding fruits and vegetables and even developed a tomato with longer “shelf life” before it over-ripens in order to give it time to be exported better! Most Intel chips have some or all of their components invented and/or made in Israel. When we exited the airport, on our right were the hills of Judea; on our left were the hills of Sumaria! As so we moved on to Neot Kedumim. This is titled The Biblical Landscape Reserve in Israel. Anyone who’s ever filled out one of the coin saver cards or otherwise given to “plant a tree in Israel” growing up, would absolutely want to come here! We each planted a tree! The landscape was gorgeous now that it is returning to its lavish self as described in the Bible! Wheat and Barley were out of season but we saw Olive, fig, date grapes and pomegranates aplenty! But nothing was as special as planting my own tree:

What an honor to plant my own tree at Neo Kedumim

Neot Kedumim

Time to shower and dinner in the Yemonite Quarter of Tel Aviv!