A long bus ride, filled with anticipation and excitement landed us deep into the Negev at the Bedouin tents. We began walking into the desert, surrounded by nothing but bare land and a beautiful starry night sky. After dropping off our bags into the large, dusty and empty tents we headed straight to dinner. We sat on the ground with six to a table, eating the delicious cultural foods of Israel – humus, pita and shish cabob’s. Next, we went out deep into the desert and each were given the opportunity to spend 15 minutes alone somewhere in the area, experiencing moments of reflection and deep thought. Shortly after, we were fortunate enough to have members of our group play the guitar while we sang along and just enjoyed where we were at that moment, without any distractions. The rest of the night was just filled with laughs, songs and discussions that we will all remember forever. Myself and several others did not even make it to bed, too excited about where we were and what we were doing, none of us had ever had the opportunity to spend the night around a bonfire with friends that had become family over a mere seven days. When 5 AM arrived, we were still awake and the sun was beginning to rise over the horizon, the rest of the group woke shortly after and we were all able to look at the beautiful sight together. I cannot wait to see what’s to come and continue to create memories, taking in this incredible experience before it ends.
- Toni S.
etty salama wrote...