Reflecting on the year that was...

Well, here we are again. Yes, it's that time of year, the time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur when we think back on all the things that transpired in the year before and all we want to happen in the year to come. It's also the time when we (Jews) are supposed to think about anything that we've done wrong and ask for forgiveness from those whom we have wronged. Likewise, we are commanded to forgive anyone that has wronged us. So, if anybody is mad at me, here's a big, public "I'm sorry" and I also hold no grudges coming into this new year. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, here are some of my thoughts on what this past year has meant to me:

A lot. This past year, almost more than any other, has been a time of deep personal growth and movement towards a fulfilling and happy life. I finished out my stint as an Americorps VISTA volunteer in Miami, serving for one year at the Association for the Development of the Exceptional (ADE). ADE is a day program serving adults with developmental disabilities, providing these very special and wonderful people with a place to come learn, work and be accepted. It is a phenomenal program. In my time there as Development Coordinator, I, along with the help of many others, planned a Fashion Show, a fundraising Bowl-a-Thon, created a monthly newsletter, and was part of a team that secured a $290,000 grant. Needless to say, I am very proud of my accomplishments in Miami and miss everyone at ADE. The people there, both participants and staff, touched me in a very profound way and one that will have a lasting impact on me for the rest of my life. *I served as part of the City of Miami VISTA partnership and anyone who is interested in learning more about this great opportunity, should contact Dorcas Perez at DPerez@miamigov.com. Dorcas is the VISTA team leader and oversees a team of 15-20 volunteers just like me who are stationed at non-profit organizations throughout the city of Miami. She is an awesome person to work with and is always looking for qualified candidates who want to volunteer a year in service to the US.*

It was only towards the end of my VISTA experience that I made the decision to make aliyah. People that have known me for years, knew that this was something that I had once strongly considered, but had spoken little of for some time. In January I was conflicted for a few days trying to decide if now was the right time for me to do this. I told myself that I needed to go back to Atlanta and work, save up some money and then do it. However, that just didn't seem like the right answer. When I did finally decide to move, it was as if a giant roadblock that was in my way suddenly vanished, that I was firmly putting myself on the right path. I am so happy that I came to that decision and as I sit here typing these words I know that I'm in the right place.

Moving halfway across the world does come with its consequences, however, mainly being so far away from my loved ones, my friends and family. Skype, gmail chat, facebook, text messaging and more have made it quite easy (and cheap!) to stay in touch, but still I won't get to see people as much and will surely miss many important events (cousin Annsley's wedding being the first; mazel tov!). Alas, there is a yin to every yang, and my longing to be near my family is mine. However, I've only been here for less than 3 months so for the time being there is no need to dwell on this...

Again, I've managed to write more than I intended, but hopefully you have found it mildly interesting:) I would just like to say thank you to a whole bunch of people. There have been some great people that have come and gone from my life in this past year and I am a much better person from having been with them all. I want to say how lucky I am to have the most supportive family in the world, one that is there for me at a moment's notice. Likewise, I am blessed with friends that share no equal in this world and can be counted on for a laugh or for a listen.

As I head off to Jerusalem (not next year in Jerusalem, this year:), I will keep my prayers for a better world in this year to come in my mind. This past year has been a great one, but the year to come will be even greater, at least until the one that comes after that. I was raised to believe to make the most out of our time and to appreciate all that we have and I'm doing the best I can. I'm sure you all will do just the same...

For those of you that are fasting, may it be an easy one. For those that aren't fasting, eat a pizza for me!

Wishing y'all the best in the year to come. Shana tova one more time:)