It's the best thing I've ever done for myself

Seriously. I remember before I came people saying that Jerusalem was life changing.

I couldn't really understand how it could change your life.

The other night I was talking with a friend and he asked if I feel like I accomplished what I came here to do. I wasn't sure how to answer that, because honestly I came here to go to Egypt.

But now that it is over there are about 23 major things, just off the top of my head, that I'm positive I came here for. That list is growing daily.

if you or someone you know is planning on coming, tell them to do it. Don't even think twice, just do it. This place will change your life. 

Jerusalem is magic.

.....

In other news:

Over the course of the past few months, my roommates and I have been compiling a list of things we wish we would have known before we came. Most of them have to do with packing. I figured I'd share them with you, ya know, just in case you ever decide to come. 

I know this list seems random, and a lot of the things probably seem unnecessary, but they're the things we were missing:

-Clorox wipes

-Pocket size Kleenex

-Pictures and things for bulletin boards 

-A Blanket!!

-Nail polish remover. They have polish here, but the remover is horrible.

-More skirts/dresses

-Hair spray/real make up/perfume. It's four months, ya know? If there is a product you use at least once a week, bring it!

-Lotion. And more lotion.

-Common school supplies: tape, stapler, scissors, highlighter, colored pencils

-External hard drives. I forgot mine and it's been horrible. BRING THEM!

-A small notebook. You will be so happy you have it. Small meaning pocket size. Bring it on the field trips and take notes. That is one of my biggest regrets, not taking better notes on the field trips.

-Leggings. I know, I know, But sometimes it's cold on sabbath, really cold. And DO NOT forget a slip.

-Knee length basket ball shorts.

-Airborne. When someone is sick and you are all on a bus together, it's not long before everyone is sick.

Things I thought about not brining but I'm soooo glad I did:

-Slippers. Used daily.

-A small pillow

-Stain remover

-Thank you cards

-A dual voltage straightener. The night before we came I went out and bought a super cheap straightener. All of my roommates, and a good number of people here, have had their hair things completely die, but my little $20 dual voltage is still going strong. 

Things we brought but didn't really need them:

-Lots of meds. The Doctors here have everything, just bring basic pain killers.

-Alarm clock. 

-Planner   

DON'T FORGET CHECKS!!

Packing in general:

-Don't forget to put some of the basics in your carry-on. Clothes, tooth brush, etc. We had some people with lost luggage and they were living off their carry-on for about a week. 

-Bring a big suitcase, a carry-on size, your Jerusalem bag, and a purse. But just stick the Jerusalem bag in your suitcase. I would recommend a roller carry-on. My roommate brought a duffle bag and she got really tired of carrying it everywhere when everyone else was just rolling along.

-You can check one more bag on the way home. I'm planning on buying a suitcase in the old city, but if you can fit an extra duffle bag when packing to come then go for it. If you have extra room in your suitcase you are a miracle worker.
-Remember that you can buy stuff there. I took up so much of my 50 pounds on shampoo and batteries but I could have bought them there. It was such a waste of packing space. 

If you actually know anyone who is coming, send them my way! I would absolutely love to talk to them. There are so many things that I figured out about half-way through but I wish people would have told me at the start. 

Friends, family, please have patience with me as I come home. I have been living and breathing Israel for 4 months. I will try my best to have normal conversations, but I request a few free passes on my first couple of middle eastern jokes.

You guys are awesome :)

And here are some pictures of my home: