Here's what I loved most about living in Bat Yam:
1. The scouts. My real life Israeli friends. Getting to know them has been one of the funnest experiences I've ever had. They're from all over Israel, and yet everyone is so friendly. I've made some real friends in them, and words can't even begin to describe how much I'll miss them. I guess because I started the year out with them, I feel like they're part of Section 2. So I'm dreading this big hole I know is coming in the next two semesters without them. So here's a shout-out to my Tsofim (in no particular order):
- Noy: You're an absolute ray of sunshine. I love your hugs, and your smile, and how cute you dress.
- Tal: You were one of the first scouts I became friends with. I know that I can always expect to laugh around you, even if its at ourselves.
- Guy: Oh Guy, what to say about you? I poke fun at you a lot, that's for sure. But I know, if I ever needed to count on anyone, I can always count on you.
- Shir: You're SO incredibly nice. I can talk to you about a million and four things forever. You are an absolute doll.
- Daniel: If I have a hostile relationship with any of the scouts, obviously its you. We hate each other with a fierce passion and can't stand being around each other ever. I'm not going to miss you ever. It's funny and meaningful because I mean the exact opposite of what I just said.
- Maya: I'm like 86% sure you just think I'm really really weird, but you like me for it, so its ok. You're WAY to sweet for words.
- Gal: You make me laugh all the time. All the time. You're great and fun to be around and I better get to hang out with you while I'm at Yemin Orde, otherwise I'll cry.
- Itamar: You were the first guy scout I talked to. You were really nice, you still are. I personally believe you're the nicest scout, really quiet, but really nice.
- Shani: Remember that time I mistook you and Maya for Americans? Yeah. Great start. I know I can always be myself around you. Its been that way since the start. And you've always been so delightful to be around, it can just brighten up my day.
- Sapir: Our first real connection was that we can both bend our elbows backwards. From there it was history. You're so friendly and charming, it hard to be unhappy around you.
- Yair: The smartest of the scouts, for sure. Just wait, soon you'll be Prime Minister or something fantastic like that. Because that's what you are, fantastic and awesome, and kind of silly sometimes.
- And of course, I've saved the best for last, Adi: These past three months have been awesome living with you. And I've said it once, and I'll say it again (even with all the other scouts potentially reading), you're by FAR the best scout. I don't think its possible to even be angry with you. All you are is nice, and sweet, and pretty. Plus you put up with living with me. Which you should get an award or something for. Its going to be weird living without you. Its actually something I REALLY don't want to do. You cook food I eat, and you don't make fun of me when I'm weird, and you're one of my best friends. I love you!
- But also, I love you all. Don't let me leave :(
- For those of you who didn't know, I volunteered at a community center teaching English to the elderly. I absolutely loved it. I'm so sad I had to leave. At first the idea of teaching English really scared be, I can barely speak Hebrew, how am I supposed to each people who only speak Hebrew English? But eventually, the language barrier was broken. I'm sure I'll tell everyone back home stories of the friends I made there. I wish I didn't have to leave
- Ok, so we didn't always get along and our apartment was usually dirty. But whatever. I always felt the apartment was a safe place, it was our home. I'll always be grateful for that.
While section two is infamous for its known shenanigans and pandemonium, I wouldn't trade you guys for any other section in a million years. This is a mishpacha, a family. Its going to be sad not being together all the time, but I know we still have Jerusalem, so there's a light at the end of this upcoming three month tunnel of darkness without each other.
Aside from sadness, I am looking forward to my second semester in Yemin Orde, with my village homies. For my readers, you'll be hearing quite a lot about Ali G, Ellie G, Eli S, Ari G, Jacob B, Nadav C, Jonathan B, Nora S, and Danielle M. In February, get ready for Rwanda! Less than 150 days to go!!
Thats all for now! Feel free to shoot me and email or facebook message about a T-Shirt, or just to say hi!
As Always,
Julia Rose
