Shalom.

Shalom Israel.

My last piece of Israel was a "shalom" from the El Al airline staff in Toronto. After going through U.S. customs, I've left Israel. Except for the Israeli goat cheese I have that has delayed me at multiple security checkpoints. Should be worth it though, with some homemade challah and za'tar spice. oh, yum.

Last iced coffee....and children. =)

Halumi cheese salad, my take on airplane lunch.

We departed Ashkelon this morning at 7am, or yesterday morning technically. Ahh, so long ago! After a full breakfast, we headed for the airport. I flew on a different flight than the Masters so we split at check-in, hoping to meet on the other side. We were doubtful, considering the hard time I had getting in the country. Thinking it would take the full 3 hours for me to check-in, I braced myself and headed toward to line with my bags. 2 hours later, I saw Jeffrey, Lucy, etc with Aroma Coffee in hand--not bad! So, we had a final hour together at Ben-Gurion before we parted ways. I was sentimental in that hour, as I thought about the memories we had made but also the ways in which I feel I fell short... patience-wise, mainly. I reflected back on my thoughts before the trip of service and can think of so many times where I could have loved more, given more grace, communicated more clearly. Grace for today, Renee, grace for today.

And so, I boarded the plane with 12 hours to reflect...or read. I think reflection will happen more after I sleep in the coming days. But sitting here now, I'm in withdraw. it's hard to switch gears. Like Starbucks not Aroma? But this chai tea is definitely keeping me awake for the next leg of the trip.That and Netflix in the airport.

Things I'm looking forward to this week... seeing Linzy and Dan when they pick me up tonight! Spending time with Elise tomorrow in Chicago (think East Bank Club followed by Field Museum), spending the night at Taylor's new apartment for multiple nights! And... the Olympics!!

Shalom, friends.