Adventure: the South part 2

During the final days of our Akiva trip we toured the South of Israel and naturally outdoors were in the schedule. Sounds fun when you read it but in reality it may not be like that for everyone. Personally speaking, outdoors aren't my forte. At all. Even with rich history and breathtaking views, a hike on the dessert just isn't my first choice of fun. Having said that I knew that this was an integral part of our trip. So I had to dig deep to find peace within myself and enjoy the moment. I think it's safe to say I wasn't the only one who was hesitant of embarking in this experience with physical discomforts. But Baruch Hashem we got past it and made the most of it in spite of it all.

In the morning we had our usual class with Rabbi Klatzko and at night a discussion to bond. The middle of the day was jampacked with activities. In this case we did ATVing in the dessert on our way back to Jerusalem. It was a very fun way to cap off the outdoors part of the trip. It was a real-life rollercoaster, beyond the limits of a theme park. Thrilling, yet with breathtaking natural landscapes. In the morning and at nights we expressed our hopes to stay connected, both to our higher spiritual selves and to one another. It hit us then that our adventure was about to end and the bubble would burst. The impending reality check was bittersweet and emotional. Looking at how far we've come in so little time, yet with an uncertain future ahead of how to make this newfound relationships last.

While we explored the South externally and ourselves internally, I came down with a cold. If I've learned of a constant that happens in organized trips is that people get sick. You're out of your environment, foreign country, different language, time-zone change, new people and a packed schedule. In the beginning everyone was getting sick, one person at a time. Each day it was someone different taking it off to rest in their rooms. Even Rabbi Klatzko himself fell prey to this paralyzing but fleeting weakness. I tried very hard to fortify my immune system but it surrendered in the end. Thank G-d it was only a minor cold and towards the end of the trip. Even our bodies were tired from all that intense work of self-discovery and improvement!

To life!

Vivian Chaya Russo

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