I'm sure I will have many homes in my life that will each hold a special place in my heart. So far I have had three homes. Colorado is special because my family is there and I grew up there. It is a place where I feel perfectly comfortable. Utah has come to feel like my home in the past couple years. This is the home where I have made a life that is all my own. Today is three years since I left for my third home, Jerusalem. This home may hold the largest place in my heart. Sometimes I think it sounds silly when I say that Jerusalem changed my life, but it really did.
I was thinking today about the first time we drove into Jerusalem and about leaving. As we were driving in from Tel Aviv that first day I remember as we were getting close Brother Skinner told us that it would be a moment to remember because we could never again see Jerusalem for the first time. I wish I could describe the feeling I had as I saw the city for the first time. It felt like coming home, only somehow so much better. I've been totally emotional today as I think about Jerusalem. I know I brought a lot of Jerusalem back with me, but I feel today like I left a part of myself there, like a little tiny piece of my heart is missing. I know I will go back someday and it will be wonderful, but nothing can ever compare with the first time- the Jerusalem Center and the friends {family} that I met there. Today I am feeling so much love and so much gratitude {and more than a touch of homesickness for the JC}.
Next year in Jerusalem!
2 comments:
Ali, I was right there with you. Super emotional about Jerusalem all last week, especially since my cousin is there this semester. Somehow it hurts more this year than it did last year. I'm not sure why.
Just know I'm there with you guys. Love you both so much. I read your post and felt an ache in my chest for the Old City. I don't think others who haven't gone could ever completely understand that. Love you both so much.
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