What an amazing rollercoaster ride this week, this month has been! As I sit facing the many planes coming and going at the London, Heathrow airport, it is hard to picture exactly how I got here. I was not sure I would after hours and hours of packing and organizing for this trip. It was not until David and I reached security in Los Angeles that I began to realize how long we would be away from the States and from a "home." I was thinking to myself, "this is no Birthright ten day trip. I am going away to Israel for a year."

Now, about fourteen hours later, this move is starting to become a reality. I would have to say, though, that we have had a ery successful and smooth start to this whole process. David and I were upgraded to "plus" seating with more leg room, enough room for me to rest on the tray table, private video screens with multiple movies and video games to choose from, and comfortable chairs to sit in. When we arrived in London, the weather was beautiful (at least it looked that way from inside the terminal. We discovered that it would just be too much running around for us to try and get out and see the city during our lay-over, Vera and mom would be very proud). As we approached the unending line for security we discovered that since both David and I were gold members through American that we could skip the long lines and go right through to the gates without a wait! It was just what we needed after a ten hour flight.

I have found that Heathrow is the most beautiful airport I have ever been in. After about four hours, the beauty of the airport and its terminals wore off but David and I have been relaxing and we found a perfect spot for David to sit and oogle and google after the planes taking off and landing. Today is an exciting day in London because they found out that they will be the hosts of the 2012 Olympics so everyone seems to be in particularly good moods. While wandering, David and I stopped at a little restaurants to have beers and fish and chips (well, I just tasted David's), which is a trademark cuisine in London. We are fully relaxed and COMPLETELY ready to board our next flight for Tel Aviv.

I am still feeling knots and butterflies in my stomach. Is is an uneasy, but familiar feeling for me and although I am nervous, I am so completely happy and grateful to have David with me for company, support, and a few laughs, of course! We are in countdown mode and ready to be in Jerusalem. The next time I will write will be from my new "home" in Israel. What a weird but exciting concept!!!!!