I finally arrived!



Me and Eyal at his family's home.

I made it to Israel! Two flights and 18 hours later, I landed safely at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. I had to get all of my official documents from the immigration office in the airport but after that I was free to go. Eyal met me at the airport with a lovely bunch of flowers and an awesome sign saying, "Welcome to Israel, Natalie!" We loaded up the car and drove back up north to his family's home. His mom made an awesome dinner of flat bread with peppers and sundried tomatoes baked on top along with delicious salads and a fabulous cake. I am very lucky to be welcomed so warmly. It was pretty hard to believe that this day actually came. I think I was in shock. I cried quite a few times, mostly from being exhausted I think. Eyal gave me lots of hugs, which helped a lot : D



Me and Omer, Eya's older brother.

I was really exhuasted after the flight, lugging around all my luggage and trying to believe that I was actually in Israel again. However, jet lag took over my brain and I woke up at 1:00 am and stayed up until 5:00. Eyal even stayed up with me! What a guy! Hopefully tonight I can get a full night's sleep.

Today Eyal and I bought a mattress for our apartment, visited his grandmother at her nursing home, looked into some different banks for me to sign up in, and went to an outdoor store so I could try on a certain type of sandal here in Israel. Everyone in Israel wears these sandals and Eyal told me a few years ago that if I ever moved to Israel he would buy me a pair. What do you think of the color?

Tomorrow night is the night of the Jewish New Year! We are going with Eyal's family to a kibbutz where one of his aunts lives to celebrate with apples and honey and other sweet yummy foods. I am very excited to celebrate the holidays here - it is a very special feeling. We are going to start cleaning out the apartment and picking out paints - expect pictures soon!!

"New immigrant. Natalie, Welcome to Israel!"

    I still can't believe I'm here at times, but when I do I am very happy to be here!! And there is a beautiful tree in our yard that I can't wait to sit under and read. And I forgot about how delicious the vegetables and fruits are here - can't wait to fill up the fridge. And for those who want to know a little about Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) click here!