I just moved to a new base to start a new course for two months. My first week there I just came home and I am loving it. This place is called Mitkan Adam and its near Modeim - it has a very cool history of counterterrorism training and lotar. The entire base is built like a kibbutz it has a lot of trees and flowers and a mini bus to take us from place to place on base. My course is built out of 35 people - including guys and girls. The guys in my course are mainly combat soldiers that fell from their position based on injury so they are a little bitter but they are really really nice.
The girls are most of my friends from the previous course and otheres that joined from education branches and airforce.
We have no distance with our commanders - I call mine by her first name (Anna) which is Hebrew for I am a Russian girl who has pretty blonde hair and am going to speak really fast so you dont understand anything in Hebrew about your weapon.
I got really lucky and got a Micro Tavor which is one of the newest weapons in the IDF I call her Lucy.
The food is pretty crappy and my cot isnt the greatest but the company of my friends and the many Americans on the base makes up for it .
I love the more chilled out atmosphere and I am learning a lot of really cool things .
Everything and anything about the weapon and the balistics behind it .
I love you all,
Shabbat Shalom going to celebrate my new years in style in Tel Aviv with my Garin family,
Michali
Friday, December 30, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
16th post
Finishing my course was one of the most exciting things that have happened to me since I have been here. There was a long ceremony where I marched left right left and got a pin, a new rank , and a ribbon that I wear that means I am fit to teach .
We got our new positions - infantry instructor is more basic and within that there are different things I could teach on, I was assigned a weapons instructor. I will be teaching reserves and special unites how to shoot on a number of weapons. This was my first choice and on the day they called each of us into the room to tell us I was very nervous. They call it Mesdar Dmaot (everyone cries)
They played around asking how I felt about Hummers - I said not so good. ahhhhh and then they told me that I was to be a shooting instructor! YAY! : D
So now things will be different I moved to a new base . It is beautiful there everything is so green and beautiful and looks like a Kibbutz. This week I had a week off before I start this new two months course and then start instructing. It was a bit lonely this week but I saw Bat El and my grandmother and Ayelet just came home so its all wonderful .
Thinking about how lucky I got to be here with my amazing host family who came to the ceremony, and a great roomate that doubles as a best friend and a supportive garin family, it makes my first Chanukah away from home bareable. I still miss everyone. a lot.
Lots of Jelly Doughnuts and sugar kisses,
Michali
We got our new positions - infantry instructor is more basic and within that there are different things I could teach on, I was assigned a weapons instructor. I will be teaching reserves and special unites how to shoot on a number of weapons. This was my first choice and on the day they called each of us into the room to tell us I was very nervous. They call it Mesdar Dmaot (everyone cries)
They played around asking how I felt about Hummers - I said not so good. ahhhhh and then they told me that I was to be a shooting instructor! YAY! : D
So now things will be different I moved to a new base . It is beautiful there everything is so green and beautiful and looks like a Kibbutz. This week I had a week off before I start this new two months course and then start instructing. It was a bit lonely this week but I saw Bat El and my grandmother and Ayelet just came home so its all wonderful .
Thinking about how lucky I got to be here with my amazing host family who came to the ceremony, and a great roomate that doubles as a best friend and a supportive garin family, it makes my first Chanukah away from home bareable. I still miss everyone. a lot.
Lots of Jelly Doughnuts and sugar kisses,
Michali
Saturday, December 3, 2011
15th post
Getting up at 5 am to do a run with your army vest and crawl through sand dunes while not having changed your underwear for 3 days really puts your life into perspective. I just finished my week of army camping. As someone who has never camped before in their life - it came as a shock.
we get to our campsite - i was apprehensive and pensive. This is what the epitimy of army life is when it comes down to it , roughing it ; eating sand and being one with nature while you kick some ass, right?
The first thing we did was put up tents. Watching 90 eighteen year old girls put up tents is really a funny sight. It took us 2 hours and several bruises later. Soon after being the spoiled only child I am i looked around for a porta-potty, to my shock and dismay there wasn't one. What was to serve us for the next week as a toilet was the back of a sand dune . aka the dirtiest piece of earth. EW. So after pooping in front of 90 other girls I can say I conquered a fear. After we put up the tents , the flag (which if there was an enemy and he was confused as to where we were staying - he needn't be with this flag.) and settled in we were given a safety pep talk. The usual don't separate in night time, don't get eaten by coyotes, step on scorpions or let anyone into the camp sight .
Great.
After that horribly moving talk we had lessons about camouflaging- ourselves and our movements, how to attack in formations, how to scower the fields and grounds , about the history of attack and element of suprise. I was amazed at how much i connected to this information and wanted to learn more. Between learning the proper way to step to the different techniques the IDF takes in fooling its enemy it was amazing.
I am not proud to say that the first night I hit a little breakdown and cried. We had been running up and down rocks and gravel for an hour in formations. I couldn't see an inch infront of me and was supposed to keep up with my class and be sneaky and not fall all over myself. This was very doable during the day but at night it was horribly and I slipped and fell all over and down slopes. It was not my idea of a good time. I started crying and as the temperture dropped significantly from - oh its really freaking cold to I will never feel my nose again I broke down and told my commander I was going home. um no I wasn't she informed me. Right so this is what it means being in the Army. haha.
I decided to go to bed (well it really wasn't my decision you go to sleep when they tell you to). In this tent the size of Harry Potter's closet, fit 4 of us girls. You had your dirty army blanket under you, a sleeping bag over you (because they are small and fit pod people) and you slept in the same uniform you just finished crawling in the entire day. You spooned with your M-16 and you couldn't turn around since there wasn't enough room and your water canteen was attached to that side of the belt anyhow. It was such a wonderful nights sleep : (.
I just realized sarcasm doesn't really carry online . sorry.
Anyways, every night we were woken up for guard duty, and a different drill. Some times you have 3 mins to put your shoes on and run outside, get into laying down position and pretend you are shooting at the enemy. Ash ash ash (fire fire fire) and other times you need to get your shoes on in 3 mins and run away from an imaginary fire. After a really long day in field this is really not what I wanted to do .
Ok and this was the food situation. you get one box for 11 girls . Each box is for a different meal but has the same continents inside.
The meal for the week includes:
Loof
Tuna
a can of corn
a can of beans (bad choice and everyone is farty, as if we don't smell enough)
a can of vegetarian spread
a loaf of bread
pickles
being a vegetarian and eating corn, pickles and beans on bread for breakfast lunch and dinner made me lose a good 5 lbs.
When the second and third day came a whole new wave of enthusiasm and energy and a willingness to be there came over me. I decided I was going to love camping and living out in the field. I was going to love being tired all the time, sand where sand should never be and going from really hot to really cold in this desert. And I did.
The fourth day of us being there we were taken up to a rocky hill top. It overlooked a Bedouin camp sight and we could see all the way to Ber Sheva. It was the most peace of mind I have had all week. We learned we would be shooting an M24, Mag and Machach. I got really excited and never missed a target. Knowing that there is a history to these weapons and that they win and lose wars (more correctly that the people that use them win and lose wars with them made me feel empowered.)
It is a weird type of feeling you get.
I am not really sure how to describe it or why it suits me but it does. Right before you pull the trigger you are supposed to take a breath so that you are as stable as can be on the ground. You are supposed to close both eyes then open one and then aim again.
With that breath the world goes away. You don't hear the other guns firing, the girls talking or anything else. There is just you on this hill top, the wind, the cold winters sun and then you exhale and pull the trigger with the middle part of your finger.
I think i found out I want to be a shooting instructor in this way. Knowing the importance that weapons have in protecting our troops and soldiers I love. I want them to know everything about the weapon, just like I want to know everything about hte weapon and be amazed by its amazing power used for good and bad.
Coming back from the shooting range we had some bonding activities dry runs with our M-16. (earnie)
and went to bed. The final morning I woke up my friend who slept next to me was itching her head. She informed me she had lice. Then I saw one on her jacket.
MMmmmmmmmmm..... greaaaaaaaaaaaaat.
Just what I wanted. we informed our commander we had lice and within the hour they had a truck waiting to take us to base to shower and get our stuff ready to go to the army base dr and then out to get product to kill our new pets.
I can' t say I expected lice or wanted lice or even thought it would be an option of going into the field and getting lice but sometimes you have to go with the flow. Coming back home none of the girls were home. I was panicked but my Garin came to my rescue and two of my firends sat patiently and combed out my hair. Boys are very sweet sometiems.
It's nice knowing you can count on your family here and mine is my garin. I can't explain how much it means to me coming home to them, knowing that through everything we go through we have each other. I know that is kitchy and cliche' but hey I had lice so give me a break.
Yours,
Michali
we get to our campsite - i was apprehensive and pensive. This is what the epitimy of army life is when it comes down to it , roughing it ; eating sand and being one with nature while you kick some ass, right?
The first thing we did was put up tents. Watching 90 eighteen year old girls put up tents is really a funny sight. It took us 2 hours and several bruises later. Soon after being the spoiled only child I am i looked around for a porta-potty, to my shock and dismay there wasn't one. What was to serve us for the next week as a toilet was the back of a sand dune . aka the dirtiest piece of earth. EW. So after pooping in front of 90 other girls I can say I conquered a fear. After we put up the tents , the flag (which if there was an enemy and he was confused as to where we were staying - he needn't be with this flag.) and settled in we were given a safety pep talk. The usual don't separate in night time, don't get eaten by coyotes, step on scorpions or let anyone into the camp sight .
Great.
After that horribly moving talk we had lessons about camouflaging- ourselves and our movements, how to attack in formations, how to scower the fields and grounds , about the history of attack and element of suprise. I was amazed at how much i connected to this information and wanted to learn more. Between learning the proper way to step to the different techniques the IDF takes in fooling its enemy it was amazing.
I am not proud to say that the first night I hit a little breakdown and cried. We had been running up and down rocks and gravel for an hour in formations. I couldn't see an inch infront of me and was supposed to keep up with my class and be sneaky and not fall all over myself. This was very doable during the day but at night it was horribly and I slipped and fell all over and down slopes. It was not my idea of a good time. I started crying and as the temperture dropped significantly from - oh its really freaking cold to I will never feel my nose again I broke down and told my commander I was going home. um no I wasn't she informed me. Right so this is what it means being in the Army. haha.
I decided to go to bed (well it really wasn't my decision you go to sleep when they tell you to). In this tent the size of Harry Potter's closet, fit 4 of us girls. You had your dirty army blanket under you, a sleeping bag over you (because they are small and fit pod people) and you slept in the same uniform you just finished crawling in the entire day. You spooned with your M-16 and you couldn't turn around since there wasn't enough room and your water canteen was attached to that side of the belt anyhow. It was such a wonderful nights sleep : (.
I just realized sarcasm doesn't really carry online . sorry.
Anyways, every night we were woken up for guard duty, and a different drill. Some times you have 3 mins to put your shoes on and run outside, get into laying down position and pretend you are shooting at the enemy. Ash ash ash (fire fire fire) and other times you need to get your shoes on in 3 mins and run away from an imaginary fire. After a really long day in field this is really not what I wanted to do .
Ok and this was the food situation. you get one box for 11 girls . Each box is for a different meal but has the same continents inside.
The meal for the week includes:
Loof
Tuna
a can of corn
a can of beans (bad choice and everyone is farty, as if we don't smell enough)
a can of vegetarian spread
a loaf of bread
pickles
being a vegetarian and eating corn, pickles and beans on bread for breakfast lunch and dinner made me lose a good 5 lbs.
When the second and third day came a whole new wave of enthusiasm and energy and a willingness to be there came over me. I decided I was going to love camping and living out in the field. I was going to love being tired all the time, sand where sand should never be and going from really hot to really cold in this desert. And I did.
The fourth day of us being there we were taken up to a rocky hill top. It overlooked a Bedouin camp sight and we could see all the way to Ber Sheva. It was the most peace of mind I have had all week. We learned we would be shooting an M24, Mag and Machach. I got really excited and never missed a target. Knowing that there is a history to these weapons and that they win and lose wars (more correctly that the people that use them win and lose wars with them made me feel empowered.)
It is a weird type of feeling you get.
I am not really sure how to describe it or why it suits me but it does. Right before you pull the trigger you are supposed to take a breath so that you are as stable as can be on the ground. You are supposed to close both eyes then open one and then aim again.
With that breath the world goes away. You don't hear the other guns firing, the girls talking or anything else. There is just you on this hill top, the wind, the cold winters sun and then you exhale and pull the trigger with the middle part of your finger.
I think i found out I want to be a shooting instructor in this way. Knowing the importance that weapons have in protecting our troops and soldiers I love. I want them to know everything about the weapon, just like I want to know everything about hte weapon and be amazed by its amazing power used for good and bad.
Coming back from the shooting range we had some bonding activities dry runs with our M-16. (earnie)
and went to bed. The final morning I woke up my friend who slept next to me was itching her head. She informed me she had lice. Then I saw one on her jacket.
MMmmmmmmmmm..... greaaaaaaaaaaaaat.
Just what I wanted. we informed our commander we had lice and within the hour they had a truck waiting to take us to base to shower and get our stuff ready to go to the army base dr and then out to get product to kill our new pets.
I can' t say I expected lice or wanted lice or even thought it would be an option of going into the field and getting lice but sometimes you have to go with the flow. Coming back home none of the girls were home. I was panicked but my Garin came to my rescue and two of my firends sat patiently and combed out my hair. Boys are very sweet sometiems.
It's nice knowing you can count on your family here and mine is my garin. I can't explain how much it means to me coming home to them, knowing that through everything we go through we have each other. I know that is kitchy and cliche' but hey I had lice so give me a break.
Yours,
Michali
Saturday, October 29, 2011
14th post - finishing bootcamp
I just finished bootcamp. that might be one of the most exciting things so far in my new life here in Israel. The ceremony was simple - dress in your uniform stand in attention and go to the commanders . scream i vow i vow i vow. It was emotional even though our parents and friends were not allowed to come. This symbolizes that I have overcome a hard part of the army.
Some of my experiences in these 3 weeks of Bootcamp include :
Kitchen duty- where i feel into a huge bathtub container filled with disgusting dishes from the day before, soap and a little water. I came out drenched , with bits of food on me and a whole new outlook on life how to do everything to get out of kitchen duty....
Shooting Range- It was one of the coolest things I have done in a very long time. We did night and day shooting. I would get 5 out of 5 bullets in my target everytime at 25 meters from laying down, crouching, and standing up positions.
Losing parts of my gun - the M16 is a very complicated weapon with very small parts. Yours truly lost a very valuable part when I was cleaning my gun and then when I went to shoot it didnt work and my comanders and I couldn't figure out why - turns out you really need these parts to make the gun work- go figure.
They laughed at me, how can you not only I would do something so silly.
Going into the ABACH tent. In Israel sadly there is a very real posibilty of nuclear warfare. Being prepared accoridingly is a must. We underwent lessons on how to put on our gasmasks, how to stick ourselves with a sort of anti chemical epi pen and finally the time came to practice what we learned. We were lead into the sand and saw two small tents piched before us. We were told to make a chet- the formation we stand in that looks like half a table . (the letter Chet) and told we were not allowed to look back until it was your turn. I was scared but didn't think much of it . I had already undergone runs and pushups and it wasn't too bad. They made us put on gasmasks run sprints and pushups with it on. Then they sent us into the tent with a very concentrated form of tear gas. This was one of the hardest experiences I have ever gone through. With the gasmask on you feel a stinging but nothing too bad. They make u run around the tent and then they order you to take off the mask. As soon as you do you panic. The air is unbreathable. Your eyes sting and shut and tear. Your throat closes up. You cough and want to vomit. Your nose runs. You have no control over your senses . They tell you to sing to them . You choke up and panic and wheeze while coughing. After 15 seconds of hell they tell you to run out. You still cant breathe it is the most paniking feeling. I vomited as soon as I left the tent and started shaking. It is amazing how much gasmaks will help us but it is terrifying to think of the warfare that inspired them.
Being constantly reminded of me not understanding things. Meeting amazing girls. Remembering that I am older then the MP and every other girls . I am learning a lot. I am growing a lot. i am doing a lot of pushups.
The girl with the muscles,
Michali
Some of my experiences in these 3 weeks of Bootcamp include :
Kitchen duty- where i feel into a huge bathtub container filled with disgusting dishes from the day before, soap and a little water. I came out drenched , with bits of food on me and a whole new outlook on life how to do everything to get out of kitchen duty....
Shooting Range- It was one of the coolest things I have done in a very long time. We did night and day shooting. I would get 5 out of 5 bullets in my target everytime at 25 meters from laying down, crouching, and standing up positions.
Losing parts of my gun - the M16 is a very complicated weapon with very small parts. Yours truly lost a very valuable part when I was cleaning my gun and then when I went to shoot it didnt work and my comanders and I couldn't figure out why - turns out you really need these parts to make the gun work- go figure.
They laughed at me, how can you not only I would do something so silly.
Going into the ABACH tent. In Israel sadly there is a very real posibilty of nuclear warfare. Being prepared accoridingly is a must. We underwent lessons on how to put on our gasmasks, how to stick ourselves with a sort of anti chemical epi pen and finally the time came to practice what we learned. We were lead into the sand and saw two small tents piched before us. We were told to make a chet- the formation we stand in that looks like half a table . (the letter Chet) and told we were not allowed to look back until it was your turn. I was scared but didn't think much of it . I had already undergone runs and pushups and it wasn't too bad. They made us put on gasmasks run sprints and pushups with it on. Then they sent us into the tent with a very concentrated form of tear gas. This was one of the hardest experiences I have ever gone through. With the gasmask on you feel a stinging but nothing too bad. They make u run around the tent and then they order you to take off the mask. As soon as you do you panic. The air is unbreathable. Your eyes sting and shut and tear. Your throat closes up. You cough and want to vomit. Your nose runs. You have no control over your senses . They tell you to sing to them . You choke up and panic and wheeze while coughing. After 15 seconds of hell they tell you to run out. You still cant breathe it is the most paniking feeling. I vomited as soon as I left the tent and started shaking. It is amazing how much gasmaks will help us but it is terrifying to think of the warfare that inspired them.
Being constantly reminded of me not understanding things. Meeting amazing girls. Remembering that I am older then the MP and every other girls . I am learning a lot. I am growing a lot. i am doing a lot of pushups.
The girl with the muscles,
Michali
Saturday, October 22, 2011
13th post - 2 weeks of bootcamp
Things I have learned from my first two weeks of bootcamp in the Army:
1) Gravel is god- don't step on it . otherwise you will be sentenced to stay 3.5 hours at closing while everyone comes home.
2) buttons should be buttoned- you will be yelled at.
3) They give you 2 mins to go to the bathroom- but it takes you 3 just to undo your belt and buttons.
4) You need to ask permission from a 19 year old to scratch your nose.
5) that said 19 year old is on a power trip and will probably tell you no.
6) One hour of free time a day is not enough to be a real person
7) showering with 90 other girls in 3 shower stalls is not the best time you have ever had.
8)When you don't know the answer to who was the 6th head of the Army and his dates- make up a Hebrew name and when that is wrong you will get yelled at anyways for thinking on your feet.
9) what is the name of the girl standing next to you in line? DON'T LOOK AT HER WHEN YOU ARE ANSWERING ME!
10) being the oldest one on the base become ironic and funny when you realize you are just fresh meat (tofu)
11) all you want to do is poop in peace.
12) you miss your parents but only spend your one hour of freedom complaining to them about how you want to go back to your Kibbutz.
13) during kitchen duty you will do your best to use your gloves and not touch any left over food plates that seem to be growing things on them- but get laughed at /screamed at and then not use your gloves ever again.
14)your pants will never fit- they will be the size that fits your father and you will never be able to run comfortably without them falling down.
15) running is not supposed to be fun.
16) stretches are mandatory.
17) you realize your commanders were born in the 90s .
18) the desert does not take kindly to your hair.
19) no matter how much you shower - you are still dirty you only have two pairs of uniforms you wear straight for 2 weeks.
20) 3 am gaurd duty becomes the only time you have for yourself- but is also ironic because you don't know how to fire a gun and are not sure what you are supposed to be gaurding.
21) 6 hours of mandatory sleep is more like 2.5 at best.
22) 5 :30 am wake up is late wakeup.
23) you are willing to share things you never thought you would - like bras, deodarant, and your last piece of toilet paper.
24) toilet paper is godsend and does not exsist in the army- neither does soap. and they wonder why you get sick
25) coming back home to your Kibbutz makes me you most happy.
more to come- i love you all
Michali
1) Gravel is god- don't step on it . otherwise you will be sentenced to stay 3.5 hours at closing while everyone comes home.
2) buttons should be buttoned- you will be yelled at.
3) They give you 2 mins to go to the bathroom- but it takes you 3 just to undo your belt and buttons.
4) You need to ask permission from a 19 year old to scratch your nose.
5) that said 19 year old is on a power trip and will probably tell you no.
6) One hour of free time a day is not enough to be a real person
7) showering with 90 other girls in 3 shower stalls is not the best time you have ever had.
8)When you don't know the answer to who was the 6th head of the Army and his dates- make up a Hebrew name and when that is wrong you will get yelled at anyways for thinking on your feet.
9) what is the name of the girl standing next to you in line? DON'T LOOK AT HER WHEN YOU ARE ANSWERING ME!
10) being the oldest one on the base become ironic and funny when you realize you are just fresh meat (tofu)
11) all you want to do is poop in peace.
12) you miss your parents but only spend your one hour of freedom complaining to them about how you want to go back to your Kibbutz.
13) during kitchen duty you will do your best to use your gloves and not touch any left over food plates that seem to be growing things on them- but get laughed at /screamed at and then not use your gloves ever again.
14)your pants will never fit- they will be the size that fits your father and you will never be able to run comfortably without them falling down.
15) running is not supposed to be fun.
16) stretches are mandatory.
17) you realize your commanders were born in the 90s .
18) the desert does not take kindly to your hair.
19) no matter how much you shower - you are still dirty you only have two pairs of uniforms you wear straight for 2 weeks.
20) 3 am gaurd duty becomes the only time you have for yourself- but is also ironic because you don't know how to fire a gun and are not sure what you are supposed to be gaurding.
21) 6 hours of mandatory sleep is more like 2.5 at best.
22) 5 :30 am wake up is late wakeup.
23) you are willing to share things you never thought you would - like bras, deodarant, and your last piece of toilet paper.
24) toilet paper is godsend and does not exsist in the army- neither does soap. and they wonder why you get sick
25) coming back home to your Kibbutz makes me you most happy.
more to come- i love you all
Michali
Friday, October 7, 2011
12th post- bakum
So starts my Army experience. With a wave and a bus ride I was off to start my new journey.
I had woken up at 5 am to shower and get ready for 6am where my adopted family would take me and two of my very good friends from the Garin to the drop off point for everyone enlisting. (pardon the rough translation from Hebrew to English I am not always sure what everything directly translates to in English)
We had a good car ride in which both my adopted family and Gal and Danny tried to calm me down.
We got there promptly along with the other Americans which are in Garin Tzabar (overall there are 12 girls from different Garins going into Chir as madrichot) which is great and a very big number.
Then we waited. ... and waited and waited.
and about 10 am we got on the bus and left. The wait seemed unbareable since I was so anxious to begin with . Saying goodbye wasn't as emotional since I was more tired then scared at that point
We got on the bus and got to the Bakum two hours later. I slept the entire bus ride and didn't talk to any of the other girls.
When we go there we joined a bigger group of girls and shuffled into the building.
The bakum is the place every soldier first goes to in the IDF to recieve equiptment, unifroms, fills out forms, gets shots and waits.
My first stop was getting my teeth scanned. This is incase chas ve chalila anything is to happen to you during the service they will be able to identify your body. During these two stations they were not very nice and constantly made remarks as to why you are not hurrying up enough.
Don't worry- these soldiers hate their jobs its not you.
The second teeth station as I had an x-ray vest on and a machine whizzing around my head the soldier tried to make conversation with me and since I couldn't answer back ( my teeth were clenched on this machine) he even asked me on a date. - no thank you.
After that I went and got my picture taken for my Choger- which is a tiny card that identifies you as a soldier in the IDF and lets you ride public transportation FOR FREEEEEEE!!!!( that is the coolest part )
my Choger picture came out horribly - as everyone's does.
But i was a rebel and smiled even when they told me not to. take that!
After that I waited in another line to get a short interview where I gave them my bank account information that tells them where to put my chyal (soldier) money.
and was asked about my parent's history.
Throughout this process I was sarcastic and charming and met a lot of great girls that are going to also be Madricot chir who were equally sarcastic and charming.
When ever someone found out i am American and a lone soldier and 22 they made a very big deal out of it and made me feel really great about being here.
Excpet one soldier who called me a frier for leaving America and joining the Israeli Army.
I told him to go screw himself since he works in the Bakum.
I take no poop from no one.
After that a lot more waiting.
And then I went and donated blood- in which I was sort of tricked into it. I didn't notice what was going on and before I had teh time to respond they had taken my blood.
oh well haha
then they poked my finger and smeered it on a page in two big circles for DNA samples.
After I went and got my tetnis shot and Manangitus shots .
These really do hurt. Don't listen to the soldier that does them. he is trained to lie to you and tell you they don't.
Then we were ushered to lunch that was really great consisting a lot of different salads, snitzel corn and breads and Chummus.
We had to wait soem more . With each station we gave them another sticker out of our row of identifying stickers. With every sticker gone I felt more relieved.
Then the last station and last sticker goes to the soldiers that give you your UNIFORM!!!i didn't know my Israeli sizes so they guessed and gave me a uniform 5 sizes too small. After 4 or 5 tries and returning it I got a Kit bag that includes 3 green t-shirts for the field, 3 pants , 3 long sleeved shirts (this makes up the uniform ) a belt, socks, a kumta (that funny looking noob barret) rubber bands to hold your pants in, a pair of boots that I made sure fit right, a towel, pepper spray? , veet, a shower holder, some snacks and my dog tags.
The bag you have to carry during bootcamp is designed in such a way that no matter how you carry it is is uncomfortable. score one for the IDF 0 for me.
So we were told we would come home the same night because of the Yom Kippur Chag. I was so relieved . But I realized i would have to carry two big bags now home in my uniform. The commanders (Mefakedot) screamed at us to hurry out of the changing area. I grabbed my new Kitbag and started to run out of the room. On the way out a soldier's eyes caught mine in the mirror. It was weird I stood there confused . There I was in Uniform . It didn't feel real - like some dress up game for Purim . I was really really excited until I realized this would be my outfit for the next two years. Tachlas It was so new and such an amazing feeling.
They ushured us out in the courtyard where we were told that we would have to come back to the Bakum on sunday in full uniform and not to be late.
We then waited for 3 hours for the bus. This is how I gather the Israeli Army is going to be - a lot of rushing you around and then a lot of waiting for nothing. During these three hours I met a lot of amazing Israeli girls and girls from Garin Tzabar. I am so excited that this journey is going to happen with women that are also passionate and excited about this job and giving back to the state of Israel.
most are 18 or 19 after a year of volunteering called (snat shirut)
When they found out I am 22 they were shocked.
Overall my first day in the Army was very tiring and very exciting.
On the way home through the train station with Noy another girl in Garin Tzabar that is going to be a Madrichat Chir and lives in the neighboring Kibbutz we got laughed at a little for not knowing how to put on our kumta and our uniforms looking so new and not knowing how to claim our free tickets for the ride.
But it was such a nice expierence knowing that so many people could come and help even if they did call us noobies and laugh at us when we tripped over our own boots.
We made it back to Nahrya and my adopted mom and brother picked me up I was exahusted.
Getting back to my room people from my Garin swarmed me with kisses and hugs and I realized how nice it is to say I am going home to them.
My madrich came and showed me the proper way to tie my shoes (which is an art in the Army) and broke my dog tags to put in each boot. It was wierd telling everyone about my first day and showing them my new geer.
I leave on sunday for 2 weeks of bootcamp and then after I close two weekends in a row I am allowed to come home. I am nervous but very excited and cant wait till when i am not so green and new.. well i always will be green - but hey it is a good color on me and makes my butt look great.
Lots of Ahava (love)
Michali
I had woken up at 5 am to shower and get ready for 6am where my adopted family would take me and two of my very good friends from the Garin to the drop off point for everyone enlisting. (pardon the rough translation from Hebrew to English I am not always sure what everything directly translates to in English)
We had a good car ride in which both my adopted family and Gal and Danny tried to calm me down.
We got there promptly along with the other Americans which are in Garin Tzabar (overall there are 12 girls from different Garins going into Chir as madrichot) which is great and a very big number.
Then we waited. ... and waited and waited.
and about 10 am we got on the bus and left. The wait seemed unbareable since I was so anxious to begin with . Saying goodbye wasn't as emotional since I was more tired then scared at that point
We got on the bus and got to the Bakum two hours later. I slept the entire bus ride and didn't talk to any of the other girls.
When we go there we joined a bigger group of girls and shuffled into the building.
The bakum is the place every soldier first goes to in the IDF to recieve equiptment, unifroms, fills out forms, gets shots and waits.
My first stop was getting my teeth scanned. This is incase chas ve chalila anything is to happen to you during the service they will be able to identify your body. During these two stations they were not very nice and constantly made remarks as to why you are not hurrying up enough.
Don't worry- these soldiers hate their jobs its not you.
The second teeth station as I had an x-ray vest on and a machine whizzing around my head the soldier tried to make conversation with me and since I couldn't answer back ( my teeth were clenched on this machine) he even asked me on a date. - no thank you.
After that I went and got my picture taken for my Choger- which is a tiny card that identifies you as a soldier in the IDF and lets you ride public transportation FOR FREEEEEEE!!!!( that is the coolest part )
my Choger picture came out horribly - as everyone's does.
But i was a rebel and smiled even when they told me not to. take that!
After that I waited in another line to get a short interview where I gave them my bank account information that tells them where to put my chyal (soldier) money.
and was asked about my parent's history.
Throughout this process I was sarcastic and charming and met a lot of great girls that are going to also be Madricot chir who were equally sarcastic and charming.
When ever someone found out i am American and a lone soldier and 22 they made a very big deal out of it and made me feel really great about being here.
Excpet one soldier who called me a frier for leaving America and joining the Israeli Army.
I told him to go screw himself since he works in the Bakum.
I take no poop from no one.
After that a lot more waiting.
And then I went and donated blood- in which I was sort of tricked into it. I didn't notice what was going on and before I had teh time to respond they had taken my blood.
oh well haha
then they poked my finger and smeered it on a page in two big circles for DNA samples.
After I went and got my tetnis shot and Manangitus shots .
These really do hurt. Don't listen to the soldier that does them. he is trained to lie to you and tell you they don't.
Then we were ushered to lunch that was really great consisting a lot of different salads, snitzel corn and breads and Chummus.
We had to wait soem more . With each station we gave them another sticker out of our row of identifying stickers. With every sticker gone I felt more relieved.
Then the last station and last sticker goes to the soldiers that give you your UNIFORM!!!i didn't know my Israeli sizes so they guessed and gave me a uniform 5 sizes too small. After 4 or 5 tries and returning it I got a Kit bag that includes 3 green t-shirts for the field, 3 pants , 3 long sleeved shirts (this makes up the uniform ) a belt, socks, a kumta (that funny looking noob barret) rubber bands to hold your pants in, a pair of boots that I made sure fit right, a towel, pepper spray? , veet, a shower holder, some snacks and my dog tags.
The bag you have to carry during bootcamp is designed in such a way that no matter how you carry it is is uncomfortable. score one for the IDF 0 for me.
So we were told we would come home the same night because of the Yom Kippur Chag. I was so relieved . But I realized i would have to carry two big bags now home in my uniform. The commanders (Mefakedot) screamed at us to hurry out of the changing area. I grabbed my new Kitbag and started to run out of the room. On the way out a soldier's eyes caught mine in the mirror. It was weird I stood there confused . There I was in Uniform . It didn't feel real - like some dress up game for Purim . I was really really excited until I realized this would be my outfit for the next two years. Tachlas It was so new and such an amazing feeling.
They ushured us out in the courtyard where we were told that we would have to come back to the Bakum on sunday in full uniform and not to be late.
We then waited for 3 hours for the bus. This is how I gather the Israeli Army is going to be - a lot of rushing you around and then a lot of waiting for nothing. During these three hours I met a lot of amazing Israeli girls and girls from Garin Tzabar. I am so excited that this journey is going to happen with women that are also passionate and excited about this job and giving back to the state of Israel.
most are 18 or 19 after a year of volunteering called (snat shirut)
When they found out I am 22 they were shocked.
Overall my first day in the Army was very tiring and very exciting.
On the way home through the train station with Noy another girl in Garin Tzabar that is going to be a Madrichat Chir and lives in the neighboring Kibbutz we got laughed at a little for not knowing how to put on our kumta and our uniforms looking so new and not knowing how to claim our free tickets for the ride.
But it was such a nice expierence knowing that so many people could come and help even if they did call us noobies and laugh at us when we tripped over our own boots.
We made it back to Nahrya and my adopted mom and brother picked me up I was exahusted.
Getting back to my room people from my Garin swarmed me with kisses and hugs and I realized how nice it is to say I am going home to them.
My madrich came and showed me the proper way to tie my shoes (which is an art in the Army) and broke my dog tags to put in each boot. It was wierd telling everyone about my first day and showing them my new geer.
I leave on sunday for 2 weeks of bootcamp and then after I close two weekends in a row I am allowed to come home. I am nervous but very excited and cant wait till when i am not so green and new.. well i always will be green - but hey it is a good color on me and makes my butt look great.
Lots of Ahava (love)
Michali
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
11th post. ARMY TIME
"Michal I have good news for you, you are going to be a Madrichat Chir"
I sighed in relief. this was the news I was waiting for. I got my first choice in Army jobs.
"Also you are going to Enlist next week on thursday."
Panic and disbelief washed over me in a horribly fast rate. I felt like I couldn't comprehend. What did my Mashakit mean next week? I was supposed to have another month at least. I was going to run more and get in shape. I was going to get emotionally prepared.
I asked her if she was joking. She was not, it seemed that she was too in disbelief.
So I was to join the IDF much much earlier then expected. Everything that I had set out to do was going to be tested in a much more rapid rate. I gulped and hung up the phone. I am still not sure if I said anything else to her after that like goodbye. I reported back to my adoptive family and they were overjoyed for me.
I called My real parents and their reactions were not so overjoyed.
I didn't know how I wanted people to handle the news since I was still in shock. So far everything we had been doing here to prepare for the Army had been fun,
Not stressful or realistic even.
We are living in a sort of get to know you bonding, touring pre- army camp.
Everything is so much more real.
I went from disbelief into panic within a walk back to my room. My roomate tried calming me down. I couldn't be calmed. I wanted to swallow my pride and cry for my mother. I couldn't do that since she was also in the same state.
She isn't in Israel I can't wrap my arms around her and tell her I am nervous and scared of the un known.
I was still in my own thoughts . Floating back somehow when My friends from the Garin spotted me and started clapping and sang me songs with country accents. I was reminded of what an incredible group of individuals made this journey with me . True I am going into the Army first before any of them will get to expierence uniforms or a screaming drill sargent I will already be calling them hysterically crying. They are proving to be some of the best people I have met in a very long time, and I have only been living with them for a month and a half.
I am not proud of the hysterical state I cried myself into and snotted on numberous shirts of well meaning huggers but I am greatful that they let me do so.
I have two more days till I go from a civilian to a soldier. I have never been more excited, terrified and have a constant feeling of vomiting / peeing my pants in my life. This journey really starts now . I will be in charge of other individuals that will be directly defending our borders, country and families.
But first Bootcamp....
Lots of terrified, nervous, and excited snotty kisses,
Michali
I sighed in relief. this was the news I was waiting for. I got my first choice in Army jobs.
"Also you are going to Enlist next week on thursday."
Panic and disbelief washed over me in a horribly fast rate. I felt like I couldn't comprehend. What did my Mashakit mean next week? I was supposed to have another month at least. I was going to run more and get in shape. I was going to get emotionally prepared.
I asked her if she was joking. She was not, it seemed that she was too in disbelief.
So I was to join the IDF much much earlier then expected. Everything that I had set out to do was going to be tested in a much more rapid rate. I gulped and hung up the phone. I am still not sure if I said anything else to her after that like goodbye. I reported back to my adoptive family and they were overjoyed for me.
I called My real parents and their reactions were not so overjoyed.
I didn't know how I wanted people to handle the news since I was still in shock. So far everything we had been doing here to prepare for the Army had been fun,
Not stressful or realistic even.
We are living in a sort of get to know you bonding, touring pre- army camp.
Everything is so much more real.
I went from disbelief into panic within a walk back to my room. My roomate tried calming me down. I couldn't be calmed. I wanted to swallow my pride and cry for my mother. I couldn't do that since she was also in the same state.
She isn't in Israel I can't wrap my arms around her and tell her I am nervous and scared of the un known.
I was still in my own thoughts . Floating back somehow when My friends from the Garin spotted me and started clapping and sang me songs with country accents. I was reminded of what an incredible group of individuals made this journey with me . True I am going into the Army first before any of them will get to expierence uniforms or a screaming drill sargent I will already be calling them hysterically crying. They are proving to be some of the best people I have met in a very long time, and I have only been living with them for a month and a half.
I am not proud of the hysterical state I cried myself into and snotted on numberous shirts of well meaning huggers but I am greatful that they let me do so.
I have two more days till I go from a civilian to a soldier. I have never been more excited, terrified and have a constant feeling of vomiting / peeing my pants in my life. This journey really starts now . I will be in charge of other individuals that will be directly defending our borders, country and families.
But first Bootcamp....
Lots of terrified, nervous, and excited snotty kisses,
Michali
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
9th post
This program and what I am doing through Garin Tzabar has given me amazing opportunities I would otherwise not get to experience.
The other night we were woken up at 3:30 am for a 3 hour hike on the beach to go to Akko. Our reward was hot Hummus for breakfast and then a day at a country club.
We also took a trip to a beer factory to see how beer is bottled and made and went to museums.
Overall I still don't feel that this stay is permanent but I feel very whole and very excited about the direction my life is taking me in.
We also received out Manillas which are the documents the Army offers us jobs. From there we are able to pick our top three choices. I got every job I wanted .
My first choice I put down is a Madrichat Chir- a weapons instructor in the field
The second Madrichat Totchanim- within this unit I would try and get into Moran which is a platoon of women who only teach combat soldiers on heavy machinery.
The third choice is a Madrichat Sport- which would be responsible for the fitness of the soldiers .
From these three choices the Army picks one for me they feel I am most suited for and the rest is history.
I am very excited and very anxious to hear what my job will be, but honored that I even got a selection since it is very competitive and a lot of women want these jobs.
On another note this is my first Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) away from my family and friends. It is a weird feeling not spending the holidays with my family.
Instead I will spend half the time with my Grandmother, and make her Pancakes.
and half the time with my best friend here.
All in all, this time is passing so quickly and even though it is almost October it is still in the 80s here.
Not a bad way to work on your tan in the winter,
Lots of good wishes for a happy and healthy holiday,
Michali
The other night we were woken up at 3:30 am for a 3 hour hike on the beach to go to Akko. Our reward was hot Hummus for breakfast and then a day at a country club.
We also took a trip to a beer factory to see how beer is bottled and made and went to museums.
Overall I still don't feel that this stay is permanent but I feel very whole and very excited about the direction my life is taking me in.
We also received out Manillas which are the documents the Army offers us jobs. From there we are able to pick our top three choices. I got every job I wanted .
My first choice I put down is a Madrichat Chir- a weapons instructor in the field
The second Madrichat Totchanim- within this unit I would try and get into Moran which is a platoon of women who only teach combat soldiers on heavy machinery.
The third choice is a Madrichat Sport- which would be responsible for the fitness of the soldiers .
From these three choices the Army picks one for me they feel I am most suited for and the rest is history.
I am very excited and very anxious to hear what my job will be, but honored that I even got a selection since it is very competitive and a lot of women want these jobs.
On another note this is my first Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) away from my family and friends. It is a weird feeling not spending the holidays with my family.
Instead I will spend half the time with my Grandmother, and make her Pancakes.
and half the time with my best friend here.
All in all, this time is passing so quickly and even though it is almost October it is still in the 80s here.
Not a bad way to work on your tan in the winter,
Lots of good wishes for a happy and healthy holiday,
Michali
Monday, September 19, 2011
8th post
Yesterday was our Yom Hamah. This day is meant for girls not going into combat and boys with a lower score on their physical testing to undergo several tests to measure which job you will enter.
The day started at 7 am and ended around 6 pm.
It was broken down into 7 stations.
The first that my tzevet (group) went into was that of a 2 hour long computer test. In this test there were lots of directions in Hebrew, light math, reading graphs and my favorite - a ten minute activity where every time you saw a red square you had to press the enter key. This was meant to test your reflexes and the amount of concentration you had before wanting to throw the computer screen out the window.
There were some tests that I didn't really understand and don't think I really excelled at such as telling the difference between addresses, money, percents ect in the manner of seconds.
And one test where we read the weather.
Other then that the hardest thing I found about this station was staying still and concentrating on my Hebrew reading. I am still on the level of a Forth Grader when it comes to reading Hebrew - like a very slow dyslexic Hebrew 4th grader.
After this station we went into a situation room where we were given some situations and asked how we would role play to deal with it - mine was be a clerk in a store and tell someone they can't return something.
Story of my life.
Then we had to put together a puzzle together where we had to make a seires of slides form together and make a marble go down it. - I excelled and finished before time was up.
After that we had several stations like crawling through sand and placing sandbags on the floor to make a big map- working on our team work. We were also forced to do two public speaking practicals.
The first we were meant to stand in front of the class and speak about a topic for a minute then instruct on that topic and make it interactive. I taught everyone about Pilates.
We had another speaking practical where we were meant to read an article and then present it to the group. In the middle of the 4 minutes we would be interrupted and it would show how we would deal with interruptions.
My article was about how teenagers regard celebrities. Being so brilliant and well coiffed on this topic I started rambling about the Jersey Shore. Yes, on one of the most important test days of my life I spoke about a 5 foot orange bad influence. I am sure you are all impressed now.
Overall the day was very long and confusing, but I feel ok about it.
I am now waiting for my Minila folder to see my options.
Lots of Love,
Michali
The day started at 7 am and ended around 6 pm.
It was broken down into 7 stations.
The first that my tzevet (group) went into was that of a 2 hour long computer test. In this test there were lots of directions in Hebrew, light math, reading graphs and my favorite - a ten minute activity where every time you saw a red square you had to press the enter key. This was meant to test your reflexes and the amount of concentration you had before wanting to throw the computer screen out the window.
There were some tests that I didn't really understand and don't think I really excelled at such as telling the difference between addresses, money, percents ect in the manner of seconds.
And one test where we read the weather.
Other then that the hardest thing I found about this station was staying still and concentrating on my Hebrew reading. I am still on the level of a Forth Grader when it comes to reading Hebrew - like a very slow dyslexic Hebrew 4th grader.
After this station we went into a situation room where we were given some situations and asked how we would role play to deal with it - mine was be a clerk in a store and tell someone they can't return something.
Story of my life.
Then we had to put together a puzzle together where we had to make a seires of slides form together and make a marble go down it. - I excelled and finished before time was up.
After that we had several stations like crawling through sand and placing sandbags on the floor to make a big map- working on our team work. We were also forced to do two public speaking practicals.
The first we were meant to stand in front of the class and speak about a topic for a minute then instruct on that topic and make it interactive. I taught everyone about Pilates.
We had another speaking practical where we were meant to read an article and then present it to the group. In the middle of the 4 minutes we would be interrupted and it would show how we would deal with interruptions.
My article was about how teenagers regard celebrities. Being so brilliant and well coiffed on this topic I started rambling about the Jersey Shore. Yes, on one of the most important test days of my life I spoke about a 5 foot orange bad influence. I am sure you are all impressed now.
Overall the day was very long and confusing, but I feel ok about it.
I am now waiting for my Minila folder to see my options.
Lots of Love,
Michali
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10th post
The thing about Gadna: fake Army prep bootcamp
The thing about Gadna is that you wake up at 5:45 am after sleeping next to 20+ girls in a tent that is more made out of holes then canvas.
The thing about Gadna is that they give you uniforms meant to be worn by 50 year old men.
The thing about Gadna is that you standing at attention and making a chet ( the letter that looks like a table) becomes a bigger part of your life then anything else
The thing about Gadna is that they bring you into the field and teach you how to crawl on sand and rocks and thorns while you are shouting " sand is tasty, thorns are comfortable " in Hebrew to your 19 year old comander.
The thing about Gadna is that it is made to be a very big deal but isn't at all
The thing about Gadna is that you are put with 17 year old girls and boys who cry to their mothers when you really just want to chill out
The thing about Gadna is that you get to shoot an M16 that will totally rock your world and make you feel empowered.
The thing about Gadna is that they take you in the middle of nowhere and it makes you realize how incredible the Negev is (the Israeli desert) especially when you realize it takes over 60 % of Israel's land up and only 15% of the population resides there.
That is pretty much all that there is to know about Gadna,
and that it made me really excited for the Army in a couple of months.
Lots of excited hugs,
Michali
The thing about Gadna is that you wake up at 5:45 am after sleeping next to 20+ girls in a tent that is more made out of holes then canvas.
The thing about Gadna is that they give you uniforms meant to be worn by 50 year old men.
The thing about Gadna is that you standing at attention and making a chet ( the letter that looks like a table) becomes a bigger part of your life then anything else
The thing about Gadna is that they bring you into the field and teach you how to crawl on sand and rocks and thorns while you are shouting " sand is tasty, thorns are comfortable " in Hebrew to your 19 year old comander.
The thing about Gadna is that it is made to be a very big deal but isn't at all
The thing about Gadna is that you are put with 17 year old girls and boys who cry to their mothers when you really just want to chill out
The thing about Gadna is that you get to shoot an M16 that will totally rock your world and make you feel empowered.
The thing about Gadna is that they take you in the middle of nowhere and it makes you realize how incredible the Negev is (the Israeli desert) especially when you realize it takes over 60 % of Israel's land up and only 15% of the population resides there.
That is pretty much all that there is to know about Gadna,
and that it made me really excited for the Army in a couple of months.
Lots of excited hugs,
Michali
Friday, September 2, 2011
7th post.
Tzav Rishon was not as scary as I thought it was going to be - just a lot of waiting. I got a 97 profile which is the highest health assessment you can get and I am still waiting on my Cabba- which would tell me how I did on my Hebrew and Logic testing. Everyone in my group did well and I am proud of everyone.
Yesturday we went on a really beautiful hike and swim nearby that had a lot of historical significance. I will put up pictures soon of our day. All in all I think we have a good group dynamic and really great group of people. You know you start feeling at ease with your Garin when people fart at each other and talk about poop.
We also went to eat at our adopted family's homes yesterday. My family is great they made me TOFU!!!! how nice is that? and after we came back we sat around and hung out.
I like this very calm feeling of flowing with everyone and getting to know everyone slowly but surly in order to create a family. I have already expressed my anxieties over GADNA- a mini week long Army pretender. Basically this week monday-friday we are taken on a base where we are exposed to how life in the Army is going to be, so essentially it is the first taste anyone is going to have of the IDF. Then after that sometime this month all the girls will go to YOM HAMAH. = which is an ackronym i am not sure what it translates to but we will be tested in our interactions with one another and how we work in groups in order to decide where we will all be placed. RA training all these years might actually come in handy.
This weekend we are also planning a camping trip = my very first super official one!!!! I hope I can cope with pooping in a hole but other then that I am very excited.
Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom from Israel,
Michali
Yesturday we went on a really beautiful hike and swim nearby that had a lot of historical significance. I will put up pictures soon of our day. All in all I think we have a good group dynamic and really great group of people. You know you start feeling at ease with your Garin when people fart at each other and talk about poop.
We also went to eat at our adopted family's homes yesterday. My family is great they made me TOFU!!!! how nice is that? and after we came back we sat around and hung out.
I like this very calm feeling of flowing with everyone and getting to know everyone slowly but surly in order to create a family. I have already expressed my anxieties over GADNA- a mini week long Army pretender. Basically this week monday-friday we are taken on a base where we are exposed to how life in the Army is going to be, so essentially it is the first taste anyone is going to have of the IDF. Then after that sometime this month all the girls will go to YOM HAMAH. = which is an ackronym i am not sure what it translates to but we will be tested in our interactions with one another and how we work in groups in order to decide where we will all be placed. RA training all these years might actually come in handy.
This weekend we are also planning a camping trip = my very first super official one!!!! I hope I can cope with pooping in a hole but other then that I am very excited.
Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom from Israel,
Michali
Monday, August 29, 2011
5th post - forgot to write number 5.
Tomorrow is Tzav Rishon. This is the beginning of the process of my Army career.
I am feeling really overwhelmed and very anxious. Tomorrow's process includes a physical, a computer test with math and logic parts. It even includes a Hebrew test and an interview.
It is really scary- especially when you are not sure what exactly you want to do in the Army and you still feel very uneducated.
I feel very nervous and I am not sure how prepared I am for this process to unfold. So far it has been fun and games and loving the Moshav. We have all been together but starting tomorrow - we are starting our next steps for the IDF and our lives.
I will update tomrrow if I am not too physically exhausted and mentally sleepy.
In any case I have been eating so much cottage and falafel.
Lots of peace and rest to those affected by the hurricane.
I hope everyone is ok.
Michali
I am feeling really overwhelmed and very anxious. Tomorrow's process includes a physical, a computer test with math and logic parts. It even includes a Hebrew test and an interview.
It is really scary- especially when you are not sure what exactly you want to do in the Army and you still feel very uneducated.
I feel very nervous and I am not sure how prepared I am for this process to unfold. So far it has been fun and games and loving the Moshav. We have all been together but starting tomorrow - we are starting our next steps for the IDF and our lives.
I will update tomrrow if I am not too physically exhausted and mentally sleepy.
In any case I have been eating so much cottage and falafel.
Lots of peace and rest to those affected by the hurricane.
I hope everyone is ok.
Michali
Thursday, August 25, 2011
6th post.
I have an hour to get ready till I go eat dinner with my host family on the Moshav.
Things are moving at a constant rate of scary.
I can't believe the army is in just three short months and our first steps are coming up next week!!! yikes
The other day the two madrichot ( army girls in charge of us) woke us up at 2 am as a surprise army starter. People ran outside half clothed, with kitchen spoons and thought the worst.
They made us walk and jog a little and make a chet a bunch of times.
It was really funny
they asked " DO YOU FIND SOMETHING FUNNY?!" ... i did i couldn't stop laughing .
So after that I got awake up call i decided its time to train for the army.
tomorrow i am going to do longer runs and really get the most of my Ulpan- Hebrew class.
I am still loving everyone in the group and especially my host family *adopted families they give us on the Moshav so we won't get lonely. They are two awesome super israeli parents and three boys. ages 10, 13, and 15.
i remember all names except for one - so far off to a good start.
I think it is funny how things fall into place.
I haven't started thinking about the states since I have been here - because once I do I will be saddened, but lots of loves and hugs and a lot of cottage cheese,
Michali
Things are moving at a constant rate of scary.
I can't believe the army is in just three short months and our first steps are coming up next week!!! yikes
The other day the two madrichot ( army girls in charge of us) woke us up at 2 am as a surprise army starter. People ran outside half clothed, with kitchen spoons and thought the worst.
They made us walk and jog a little and make a chet a bunch of times.
It was really funny
they asked " DO YOU FIND SOMETHING FUNNY?!" ... i did i couldn't stop laughing .
So after that I got awake up call i decided its time to train for the army.
tomorrow i am going to do longer runs and really get the most of my Ulpan- Hebrew class.
I am still loving everyone in the group and especially my host family *adopted families they give us on the Moshav so we won't get lonely. They are two awesome super israeli parents and three boys. ages 10, 13, and 15.
i remember all names except for one - so far off to a good start.
I think it is funny how things fall into place.
I haven't started thinking about the states since I have been here - because once I do I will be saddened, but lots of loves and hugs and a lot of cottage cheese,
Michali
Sunday, August 21, 2011
4th post
They tell you not to drink the water in Mexico- that might be true. but as of today some of us learned the hard- or should I say the soft way to feel the same about Israeli water.
The word Shilshul is Hebrew for a not very nice thing that happens to you- so since we have been eating rice and hoping for it to pass- sorry no more jokes.
Today we went to the shuk and to the strip mall by Regba. I bought three books in Hebrew of short stories to practice my Hebrew and a Hebrew stick on keyboard for my computer. We also woke up at 6am to run. I don't even know me anymore. We got our schedules and we have intensive weeks coming up of Ulpan (Hebrew class) and Gadna, and Tzav Rishon which all prepares us for the Army and tests us for where we could potentially get accepted. These days are super important since they affect the next 2.5 years of my life so I really have to give it my all. I think the reality of the Army is coming upon us and this is turning more into a plan of action.
SO as of today I am getting ready by running, reading and playing.
Lots of love and remember don't drink the water : S
Michali
The word Shilshul is Hebrew for a not very nice thing that happens to you- so since we have been eating rice and hoping for it to pass- sorry no more jokes.
Today we went to the shuk and to the strip mall by Regba. I bought three books in Hebrew of short stories to practice my Hebrew and a Hebrew stick on keyboard for my computer. We also woke up at 6am to run. I don't even know me anymore. We got our schedules and we have intensive weeks coming up of Ulpan (Hebrew class) and Gadna, and Tzav Rishon which all prepares us for the Army and tests us for where we could potentially get accepted. These days are super important since they affect the next 2.5 years of my life so I really have to give it my all. I think the reality of the Army is coming upon us and this is turning more into a plan of action.
SO as of today I am getting ready by running, reading and playing.
Lots of love and remember don't drink the water : S
Michali
Saturday, August 20, 2011
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