i love you and all the dangerous ways.

yesterday was pretty awesome, but nothing too exciting. went to ulpan, learned about the days of the week and learned the infinitive versions of some verbs. walked home and by our falafel place, getting home with just enough time to shower before work. yaacov picked us up. at work, we just called people for interviews. freakishly enough, i called this kid from columbus, ohio. of course i mentioned that i made good friends on my birthright trip from columbus, later ambush-visiting them. and columbus is a small place, so he asked me their names. turns out, and this it too fucking weird, this kid went to high school with one of the guys and used to hang out with the other one. unreal!

anyway, after work, al and i bussed it to tel aviv and went to this sweet little place for a drink that we HAVE to go back to. by the time we left the place, it was 3AM. from 3AM to 5AM sheruit taxis don't run. so we basically just sat on this bench talking until 4:45AM. we talked about how amazing it is to be here, how we feel this uncanny friend connection and that our interactions are so easy that we almost don't believe it's possible to maintain, but that's only because that's what we've experienced our whole lives. we talked about the fact that anytime we get annoyed or angry with anyone, even recently, it is a reflection of some aspect that we dislike or get angry with within ourselves so, we decided to make a pact that we would both try to be less judgmental and critical of others and ourselves. that we would share and not let our insecurities ruin the good vibes we have going. we talked about traveling and living our lives the best we can and not being scared. we talked about changing and acknowledging stifling behaviors in order to change them and how israel was meant to be for both of us, even though i fought coming here so much. how it's completely right, and how crazy it is that it's not that crazy. we talked about africa and how i even feel like i'll be there eventually. and how we are actually very different people, but so kindred. being here makes me feel free in a way that i've never experienced. because nothing is for certain, and anything can happen. and it's perfect. for now. and that's all that matters. even though i miss my family. i know they want me to have this feeling. even though they miss me too.

it was a great night. if i think of more stuff that we talked about, i'll post it. fucking phenomenal. i honestly live for conversations like that. it opens my heart and my chest and my mind and its the most freeing feeling.

so we got a sheruit home by 6AM and crashed. woke up this morning and naama picked us up so that we could have a meeting with the lady that runs the volunteer TV station in ramla. i am not exaggerating when i say i was totally dumbstruck by this place. its actually really close to our ulpan so we can walk there, but it is located inside this high school. there's a studio, editing bay, sound room, and camera control room. it is the coolest fucking thing ever and they are going to let us edit and run sound for TV shows produced there! AAAAAAND they might even allow us to make our own documentary about our program, and if they like it, they will broadcast it on their station!!! it's channel 98 in ramla. i could hardly believe they are going to give us this opportunity. i would die to try something like this in the states because it can open doors to other creative things that i can do for the rest of my life. its like a dream that i get to do this stuff. i can actually tell myself that i have taught photography and edited TV shows after this is over and i know that's not all. some very exciting things are on the horizon and i can't even believe they're happening. but it's not going to stop and its only going to get better.

tonight we're going on a night trip to jerusalem, but not until we eat momo's famous schnitzel that he is cooking especially for us :) ask anyone when i say i have been waiting for this moment ever since he told me i'd be eating at his house during closing session of the birthright trip that i staffed. can't even contain myself, i'm so excited. also, one of my soldiers (matar) and my medic (zur) from this last birthright trip are meeting us tonight. i found out that we are going to the 'slichot' (from the hebrew word, 'slicha' meaning 'sorry') which is basically preparation
for the high holidays in the old city. i don't really know what this will entail, but i'm bringing my camera. i think i'm getting braver with it, by the way. it must be because i'm getting more comfortable in my surroundings. metzuyan ('excellent'!)!!!!

beseder (OK). ani ohavim atem (i love you all)

xo,

sally