We made it!
Our trip to Israel began like many other trips that were taken before ours. Students and young professionals who had signed up for an all-expenses paid trip to Israel, gathering at JFK, coming from different parts of the nation. Some participants already knowing each other, many not having met before at all. All of us wondering what lie ahead of us in the Holy Land. What we all knew for sure, was that the ninja turtle child and his posse causing chaos in the terminal was going to be the greatest challenge of our flight.
We all boarded the jet, the air buzzing with our collective energy. Upon our arrival, we swiftly claimed our luggage and were met by a group of extremely enthusiastic Israelis and a camel named Corey, all of them cheering and singing. We were all overwhelmed by the warm welcome having just traveled 11 hours with a seven-hour time change. Many of us were unsure as to what time or even day it was, however, we rallied with the help of our new Israeli friends. We huddled up, 50 strong in the middle of the airport, and performed a dance. All the while chanting "Simcha" and "Achim", meaning "joy" and "brothers", respectively.
We boarded a bus, bound for the kibbutz we would stay at for the next two days. We arrived at the kibbutz, tired and worn, but pleased to have arrived safely.
Sincerely ,
Sam Salmon