Israel, Prepare to Meet Chavi!

Just before Shabbos, just before turning off my Blackberry to the world and shortly after dealing with bus drama while trying to get to Hartford, I got an email from the Birthright organization I had reapplied to for a winter trip. While sitting on a gigantic stone slab at the bus stop, watching an already over-packed bus drive away, leaving about 20 of us stranded, I smiled.

I am going to Israel! 

(Insert hollers of excitement and elation here.)Yes, after all of the drama from earlier this year , I am set to depart from Newark for Israel on December 17. I'll be in Israel from December 18-28, with the option to extend my trip -- anyone want to keep me for an extra week?

I've never been more excited about anything in my life. I am, however, concerned that once I get there I'll never leave. Look out!