Day 3 began with everyone up early for another gorgeous hike. Today's adventure was a bit difficult, yet rewarding; Mount Arbel, where in addition to hiking on trails, we heard about the history and stories of the IDF from this place and about the importance of paying attention to heat advisories in Israel. The lesson was well timed - it was extremely hot up there.

We talked about what it's like to actually live in this country that we've all grown to love and face the issues that they do. Many of these issues have to do with serving in the army, which is a part of most Israelis' lives in ways that we can't really imagine, even though we've gotten a pretty good idea of the experience through our new Israeli friends' perspectives.

I'm learning so much about Israeli culture from the Israelis on our trip.

The science research facility was incredibly impressive, the work they are doing is extremely important for the future of science and the birthday party for Holocaust Survivors was heartwarming. Our group had the honor of spending time with the families of our Israeli participants on our trip at their homes. It was an amazing afternoon that opened our eyes to the life of our new Israeli friends.