...I celebrated my aliyaversary. Well maybe not...

I have been here for a year.  It seems like the time has flown by, but at the same time, my first steps into the country as a citizen still seem fresh.  I can easily recall the emotional turmoil I felt and thoughts that ran through my head upon landing.  I am still filled with uncertainty about the future, but then again, who isn't?!  And at least I know, a year later, that whatever my future will be, in one year or five years or 65 years, it will be here.

I have been thinking for a couple of weeks about how to write this blogpost.  I didn't really come up with much.  A lot has happened in my year.  I have worked three jobs, lived in four apartments, hosted at least 46 shabbat meals, seen the monthly bus prices go down...and then up again, attended one (only one!!) Passover seder, passed my driver's license test, spent a day in Rome, greatly improved my Hebrew (I am constantly surprised by how far I've come), and most importantly, I have found inner peace.  I am living a full life, and when I come home at the end of the day (or in the middle), I feel satisfied and happy!

The country I am living in might seem, to some, to be one of turmoil or unrest.  I feel safe here.  I feel settled.  I feel at home.  There are days that I have walked instead of riding the bus.  I have heard the "tzeva adom" siren.  I felt utter panic upon finding out about the bombing at a bus station in Jerusalem.  I have also taken part in the rich culture of the city.  I barbecued in the park for Independence Day.  I love the street fairs and city-wide costume parties (PURIM!).  I go dancing at outdoor shuk parties/concerts.  I do (a bit of) yoga in the park.  I am used to security guards at the malls, bus stations, and restaurants. I see soldiers on and off duty throughout my week.  Living here, I take nothing for granted, but that doesn't mean that I am living in fear.  I know that living in Israel isn't for everyone, but if this year is any indication (even with the ups and down), then Israel is definitely for me!  I have made a lot of friends along the way, and the community I have formed here along with the strong support from my friends and family in the States (and elsewhere) have helped in making my aliyah a success.

Sondra & Georgie (a sample of what an aliyaversary celebration might look like)

Last night and tonight, my roommate, George (http://amigrantstale.blogspot.com/), and I celebrated our respective aliyaversaries.  Yesterday we had drinks and danced at the Shuk Party and tonight we went out for a yum dinner. A year ago we weren't friends and we weren't Israelis, but now WE ARE SO ISRAELI... Mazal tov to Georgie and to all of our friends who have recently (and not so recently) celebrated their aliyaverseries.  Wooohooo! Looking forward to many, many more.