A Week Later

It’s hard to believe a week ago we were…well, I think we were stranded in Chicago?

This morning at Prozdor I was so excited to see almost all of my fellow travelers, when I saw each one of them I lit up and gave them big hugs. Despite the bickering over music in Delilah, constant questions, and a few other hiccups, I realized as I saw each face that I had missed them!

Our trip was so special. Our time together was short, intense, and meaningful. Each one of them taught me something new about myself, about them, and about the future of the Jewish community.

I’m looking forward to finding some time for all of us to get together again and reminisce, talk about the trip, and build on our experiences with more learning together.

-Emilia

At some point, you have to laugh

Funny story.

We got onto our direct flight from Chicago to Boston. Finally.

It was nice and empty, and 100% of the passengers had been on our flight last night that was cancelled–what a coincidence! Everyone got comfy in their own rows.

Then, you betcha, captain came on and said they needed to get a quick fix one. Forty minutes or so.

Famous last words, right?

We all laughed. And are continuing to laugh, as you can see.

Update from O’Hare

We are waiting at the gate here in Chicago. It is an hour or so until we are able to get on the new aircraft. It seems to be the best option to try and wait it out rather than go to a hotel and not be sure we can get on a flight tomorrow. I feel confident this is the best choice for the time being.

We are safe, tired, and glad we have each other. I will update as things progress. Thank you for your patience, parents and loved ones!

NOT AN EMERGENCY

There was an issue with the plane, but they landed us with no problem. Apparently there was some leak that they repaired but made it unsafe to land in icy Boston.

We are on the ground in the terminal now. Should have more info in about 10-15 minutes.

Boarded

We are on the plane in Atlanta! See you back in chilly Boston!

Last Morning

I came down early to have a quiet breakfast alone, and I wanted to share one thought I’ve been having this whole trip.

These seven teens are truly special. They have been respectful of all our speakers, asked important and thoughtful questions, and have been kind to each other (unless there’s a music dispute in the van).

It’s difficult to be one adult with seven kids for almost a week–but they’ve made it easy. This trip has been fantastic and it is in large part thanks to them.

-Emilia

Shavua Tov and Purim Sameach!

What a lovely Shabbat we had!

Last night, after arriving in Birmingham, we walked over to Temple Emanu-El, the 750 family Reform synagogue. Rabbi Laila Haas toured us around and talked to us about the rich Jewish life contained in the beautiful building. After an ADORABLE Tot Shabbat service, we came back to the hotel and had a family picnic on the floor of our hotel room.

This morning we worshipped with Temple Beth-El, the conservative synagogue just a block down from Emanu-El! After services, we had lunch and spoke with Sol Kimmerling, a lifetime member of the synagogue and an amazing historian. His generosity of spirit was palpable, and he was so welcoming to our group.

After some Shabbat naps, we did Havdallah together–sharing reflections from the week together and some appreciations for one another. Now we are getting ready for our last day in the South.

In the morning, we’ll go join Emanu-El and Beth-El for their purim shpiel–”Wicked” themed! Then we’ll head to Atlanta for one last stop at The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change as the cherry on top of our incredible time together.

Looks like the weather up there is gonna be an unwelcome return–we’ll continue blogging and posting updates until we land in Boston!

From the Rosa Parks museum–a beautiful print