Homeward Bound

As I mentioned in previous posts, I have been sick for over a month. Because of this, I have had numerous doctors appointments, blood tests and uncomfortable procedures. They've provided no answers and the result has been, both physically and mentally, draining. I haven't spoken in much detail about what has been going on (due to the gross nature of my symptoms), though I'd be happy to do so on an individual basis. I have spent the past month feeling acutely ill, isolated and afraid. I have been unable to attend study days, group trips or volunteering placements. Sick in bed is not how I imagined I would spend my time in Israel.

I have made the very difficult decision to leave Israel early and return home to Colorado on Sunday. I'm not happy to leave, but cliche as it sounds, my health comes first. I think returning to my home, surrounded by my support system and navigating a familiar health care system will help my mind and body heal. I will be very sad to leave Israel, but I know that this will not be my last time here. I'm not really in a place where I can offer an articulate and well written synthesis about my time here. I don't know that I'll ever be able to put my experiences into words. Nor do I think I will ever be able to definitively say that Israel has impacted me in "this, this and this" way because I think it will continue to do so for the rest of my life. I plan to keep this blog going- Perhaps "Holy land to Home land"?

I appreciate all of the support I've received and I'm very sad to leave the incredible places and people that  have been a part of my life for such a short time. I'm trying to remind myself of the valuable lesson I wrote about in my last post- I have control over how I react to this situation. So with that in mind- My heart is filled with so much gratitude and love for the experiences I have been given and I am so excited to move forward with new knowledge and a positive outlook, ready to face the next adventure.