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In a few days, it will be Two Months since I arrived in Israel (Hodshayim, as I learned today!).  So much has happened, and it's hard to believe we're so far into the program already.  We're settling nicely into life in Karmiel, even as I prepare to leave for the MDA course in a few days.  I still love working with the kids, I love the classes we're taking, I love learning Hebrew, and I love the place.  The nine of us decided on our, 'family roles,' last night.  We have a grandfather, a mom, a crazy Spanish aunt, an uncle(?), an older sister, two bickering twins (I'm one of them), a preteen sister, and a little brother.  Then we had dinner and a small chocolate food fight; I'm sure pictures will be online soon.  Stereotypically, our mom (Becca W.) cleaned up after us.
A few of us have started a Saw marathon, which does nothing to help our lack of sleep that we typically get.  It's actually pretty terrifying walking around the pitch-black flat after watching one of those movies, especially if the boys are deliberately trying to scare us.
I discovered a trail that starts on one side of our little mountain, goes through a park/forest, down the side of the mountain, and wraps up the other side.  To be fair, Ariel helped me find it when he got us lost on the way to soccer practice one time, but I followed it and it's a really nice trail.  We've also found the best pizza place and the best shnitzel place and the best ice cream place, which does nothing for our waistlines.  We've heard that everybody gains weight on Shnat and it's no use trying not to, but we all still have our hopes.  Hopes that are fading, however, as we learn that our gym passes are being delayed over and over again.
It's really amazing.  Everything is amazing.  From discussions about Israeli Jewry versus Diaspora Jewry (which is so interesting, it might warrant a whole other blog post), to missing the bus to soccer practice, to, 'who used my toothbrush?!' it's just all so amazing.  We're a family that lives and loves and fights and argues and shops and talks and plays together, and we're also a piece of the Karmiel community.  We have to fight the battles of public transport and budgets but also get to relish in the kehilah that gives us numerous invitations to Shabbat dinners around town.  There are a mall, two parks, numerous sports fields, shops, food places, bus stops, and so much more within walking distance of our flat.  And our flat has become a frequent visiting place for other youth groups we've made connections with.
But it's also hard.  I get to point out the planes to the three year olds and show them how to run around with their arms spread wide making, 'whoosh,' noises, but how and when do you explain to them that those are army planes, practicing to defend the country from an attack, which is an ever-present threat here?  Do we stay out of the Kfar for fear of harassment, or go to experience the so-called best humuus place in the north, a place that is owned by a friend of a friend whom we trust very well?  As teenagers on a budget, we tend to ignore the, 'on a budget,' part, and shop relentlessly, but then have to decide whether to order pizza for dinner or go to Ultrasound next weekend, do both, or do neither.  But whatever we choose, it's our decision.  We have to live with the rewards or consequences, and then use them to make our subsequent decisions.  I love it.  I love it all!