The night before

So, we are almost ready to leave. The bags are packed, music loaded into IPods, activities prepared for the plane and good byes have been said.  I wanted to take off early today from work but it was not to be.  There was a constant flow of crisis and tasks that had to be attended to before I left.  Finally, at 6 p.m., I left.  But now that almost everything is ready, I can sit down and write and begin the transition to Israel.  This is my third trip to Israel in the last 6 years and I feel much calmer about my return.  I have all the papers I need for the trip and I have more or less learned what I need to bring.  

I am looking forward to Marty and my travels together and to sharing his excitement on this experience.  I have, however, thought about my dear friend Billie, with whom I traveled to Israel in 2004 on a similar trip.  I will carry her in my heart as I return to some of the places we saw together.

We will leave early in the morning so that we can arrive early for our 4:05 take-off.  I feel very  blessed to be able to make this trip as I wasn't sure, a few months ago, that it would work.  I have put some other responsibilities aside for this important journey.  I look forward to writing more as we continue.