So many miles, and so many roads...

Hi! So after an excruciating long wait at the airport in JFK, losing my ticket, then finding it, the ticket counter finally opened so I could check in. They asked me so many questions, and kept looking at my passport, and going to show someone else my passport, I got nervous that they weren't going to let me into their country. But they did.

Everyone is really nice. There are 9 other people in my Israel Teacher Corps, and they are all really cool. There are 40 other people in the regular Otzma volunteer group, who are also all really nice.

We went on two long hikes, the first through creeks and streams in Ein Gedi, right by the Dead Sea, where we got to swim afterwards. I did not go in because I think the Dead Sea is absolutely disgusting and it burns my skin. The second hike was so much fun! We climbed up a desert mountain and it was amazing. We had to climb up ladders, ropes, and boulders to get to the top and it was so exciting. When we got to the top we could look over what we had just climbed up, with the Dead Sea far off in the distance. It was beautiful. I have a pair of Keens that I got specifically for hikes in Israel, and they are the most comfortable things I have ever put on my feet, they are amazing and I think everyone should get a pair. They were great during climbing, as well as the treks through the streams, they dried really quickly, and best yet, they let your feet breathe so no stink!!

We arrived today in Be'er Sheva where we will be spending the next month living in two 3 bedroom apartments, 5 to an apartment. I am living with 2 girls and 2 boys, and the girls played rock paper scissors to see who got the single room, and I won! So I have my own room for the next month. In October, I will be moving with 2 of the girls to Ashkelon, (on the beach, bitches!) and I am really excited.

So far I am having a lot of fun, and I like everyone a lot, we have already become really good friends, and we are having a great time.