Say Bye-Bye

This past week has been a roller coaster as I prepare to leave Israel and say good-bye to friends and loved ones. My A-type personality created a to-do list a kilometer long with daily reminders built into my calendar. I ran around closing my bank account, selling furniture, shipping belongings to both London and Minneapolis and soaking in Israel as much as possible before I cease to call it home. I know in due time I will feel excitement about my next adventure in London, but right now all I feel is sadness for the chapter in my life that is coming to an end. I have been here to two years, built a life beyond what I ever imagined and was reminded on a daily basis why I love this country, which is so at the core of my being. And I recognize that by embarking on one path, I ostensibly miss out on another. I will miss my niece's second birthday this upcoming October. I will miss relaxing shabbat dinners with my family and hectic Friday morning trips to the shuk for the upcoming week's fruits and vegetables. I will miss humid Tel Aviv days spent at the beach and crisp nights in Jerusalem's hills. Hopefully within this disconsolateness, I will find comfort in knowing that Israel will be home once again... someday.