Before Leaving

When I found out that I was going on this trip I was really mad at my parents. It was horrible. While everyone else was jealous and really excited for me, I was really upset. I was going to miss my friends, my school, my family, and so many other things. On January 2, 2007 I spent the day with my friends. I knew, that by the end of the day, I would be crying. I was so upset. My friends gave me a scrapbook, and letters to open each month, but I was still really upset. That night, we went to my grandma’s house for dinner. My friends came and so did the rest of my family. I hated saying goodbye, but somehow, after crying the whole way home, I managed to fall asleep. I was nervous and a little bit excited. I was excited for my friend’s Bat Mitzvah, and to see Wicked on Broadway, but I was really upset to miss my other friend’s Bat Mitzvah, and getting back to school over winter break. I had mixed feelings about school.

I am looking forward to Israel the most because I know that there will be people there that I know, including, possibly, my friend Zoë. I am hoping that I will be able to learn Hebrew and be able to communicate in other languages.

I am least looking forward to the toilets. I have had the experience of non-Western style toilets, and do not, personally, find them very pleasant.

I am also kind of nervous about the Safari because I don’t really know what to expect or how to expect it. I am worried that it will be risky and that animals could come get me. I am scared of catching malaria, even with my medicine.