The official journey began on June 2, when I drove to New Jersey to stay with my cousin Geri. She then drove me to JFK airport on Monday, June 3 to meet the group I would be traveling with - 40 complete strangers. All Jews. But even before that, I had to be accepted to the trip. I applied for Birthright, specifically, Sachlav Israel on the House (a free 10 day trip organizer for individuals who consider themselves Jewish) over two years ago. I did not get accepted which meant my name got bumped to the top of the list if I applied a second time. So I applied. And I got in. But I did not accept the offer. I was too afraid. Afraid of safety, afraid of not knowing anyone, just afraid. So a year passed and I applied again. And I was accepted again. And I told myself I would not back out. There is an age limit on the trip, once you pass 26, you are no longer eligible, and I knew if I chickened out again I would continue to until I was passed the eligible age. I accepted the trip in February I believe and from there, there was no turning back, but it was months away - or so I thought. 

To soon it was only weeks away and then days and then I was at the airport, heart pounding not only in my chest but into my throat as I stood there, in a mass of people hoping someone would approach me. And luckily some one did. Alyssa was the first to interact, she was traveling alone as well. And to our happy surprise we liked each other right away. We went through airport security together and learned about each others lives. Other people on our trip actually thought we knew each other before hand. So some of my anxiety began to disappear. We did a brief introduction with all 40 of us, in the airport which wasn't the best idea because it was so loud that no one could hear anything. We then boarded our flight and 10ish hours later we were in Israel.