Day 14 - Netzach - Micaela

This morning was the first morning I decided to go to creative prayers instead of the early morning minyan. Doing mediation and connecting to prayers through a different format was refreshing. After travelling for three hours from the north to the south we stopped to have lunch altogether.

Our first stop was the Bar Kochba Caves. We have experiences in life where the enjoyment comes from the feeling of having achieved something, as much as having the experience itself - going through the caves was exactly this. We went through caves that were very fun but also very claustrophobic. It was a good experience for me and a chance to step out of my comfort zone.

We only had one activity in the day, so when we got to our base we had a chance to relax. The Bedouin tents were cosy and sleeping with all the girls on Netzach made the sleeping conditions all worth it.

My guide, Oren was truly incredible. It’s difficult to speak passionately and with such emotion to a group of teenagers when english isn’t your first language, yet he did it. Even though he was only with us for three days, he put in an astonishing amount of effort to get to know us and tell us about himself.

Additionally, the JNF undergoes so many projects enabling a wide variety of people to learn about Israel and contribute to Israeli society. Our trip is partly subsidised by JNF, allowing anyone who wants to, to come on IST. JNF also helps take the barren parts of the land of Israel and brings it to life. We met so many inspiring people whilst connecting to our homeland.

Sunday was exactly a month since I had left for Israel, and although I miss my family, these once in a lifetime experiences enable me to still feel so grateful. It was a great feeling knowing that I was a part of something bigger than myself, and having the opportunity to give back to a place that has been giving so much to me.

Micaela Blau