10 years in the making

It is official.... I am an ISRAELI CITIZEN! After 9 years of dreaming and a year of planning it has finally happened and I am extatic!!

I landed in Israel yesterday,monday, afternoon after a 14.4 hours flight from Los Angeles. The flight flew by adn for the first time, probably ever, I actually spoke to the people next to me and made friends with their 2 year old daughter. She was VERY entertaining and made sure to inform me every time she pooped.

Yesterday was the first time I ever flew into Israel during the day. It was such a different experience. the weather was beautiful, 80 degrees, and the the skies were clear and i could see all of Tel Aviv as we approached the run way. However, I somehow managed to miss the largest Israeli flag on the planet that was supposedly displayed perfectly for all arriving flights to see... oops.

I was greeted as i was walking off the plane by a gentleman holding sign with my name on it, also a first for me, minus the time the syran-wrap twins picked me up (love you Hirsch and Elan) and i thought it was very cool. The man greeting me was from the AACI, which i think stands for Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel but I'm totally sure, was so sweet. He whisked me through passport control and right up to the Ministry of Absorption where i received my Teudah Oleh (my documentation that states i am a new immigrant) and my first of seven payments from the Israeli government. It was all very exciting!!

After collecting my 4 ENORMOUS bags from baggage claim i exited the airport and was greeted by my good friend Eliana, with a BEAUTIFUL sign, and her future sister-in-law Tamar. It was exciting and emotional and one of the greatest feelings I have felt thus far in my life.

Three of us quickly loaded the car and headed to Eliana's younger sister, Avital's, apartment so i could shower and get changed before we head to Yoni, Eliana's fiance's, graduation from training in the Army. It was such an experience to go from walking off the plane, to becoming a citizen, to going to an Arm ceremony honoring those who defend out country. It was also special for me to get to be with Eliana, Avital and their Parents because they are very much my family here and have been involved in my entire Aliyah process from day one 10 years ago.

Following the ceremony i did something very Israeli... we went to Hooters for dinner. If you missed that i was being sarcastic. But we did go to the only Hooters in Israel to celebrate Yoni's graduation and my Aliyah.

I finally made it home just before midnight, needless to say i was EXHAUSTED, but am very, very happy to be home. My good friend Sonya is staying with me for a few days and it is nice to have the company and the help to unpack.

Next thing on the agenda is Yom HaZikaron, The day of rememberance for all the fallen soilders, tonight, which is immediataly followed by Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel's independence Day and 60th birthday) the next day. Then it is back to real life and opening a bank account, getting health insurance and dealing with Israeli bureaucracy.

I had an INCREDIBLE visit in America!!! I am so happy that i got to see as many poeple as i did in that short amoint of time and was able to get in some quality time with many of you. Thank you for making an effort to see me as much as possible.

Much love from the Holy Land!!!