Frozen

Time flies when you're having fun.
Hmmm...that's not exactly the case.

Like everyone around the world, we have found ourselves being mommy, daddy, teacher, professionals, bakers, cleaners, all at the same time. It is both rewarding but exhausting and every day poses its own challenges (or successes). We've received surges of new work, been hit by salary cuts only to be told (thank goodness) later that the amount wouldn't be as bad as projected.

For a family that just made aliyah, we feel rather stuck. The real estate market is at a standstill, making it hard to see new communities or let alone, find something to move to within your current community. Our children, who were just getting a hang of the Hebrew language are finding themselves now saying "um, um" and grasping for words. We've survived (we think) a shortage of eggs, followed by yeast and bread flour. Grocery shopping has become a spectacle with using gloves, masks. And there's the constant fear hearing the news from the United States as measures were not taken to the same degree.

On the flip, it is a beautiful time to be in Israel. Social distancing has really brought to light who we all really care about or for one another. In one day alone, we received three messages from neighbors asking how we are and that they miss us. Many went as far to say that they wish that we find a place to stay in the area (and yes, we are trying! That's a post for another time). While on lockdown, Shabbat morning we woke up to hearing neighbors pray from the comfort of their own patio. Judaism in Israel is very much alive from every angle.

It will be strange not celebrating Yom Haatzmaut and commemorating our soldiers as we had hoped this week. Our Pessach hotel funds were also returned. Between missing Sukkot in Israel and finding that our plans have all taken different turns, thankfully we found ways to manage the hurdles that came our way.

We hope that our aliyah story, or puzzle continues to come together.

Crazy to also think that a year ago, we considered delaying our moving plans so that we would come when the baby would be a year old. We decided that for an infant, it would be much easier and not to delay.

It's hard to hear of this year's olim who have twinkles in their eyes and dreams to come to Israel. How bizarre to have a country so accepting of Olim, to be at a point where its citizens need ultimate protection not just from one another but from anyone who tries to enter. It is a sacrifice that in the right time, will prove beneficial to all.

We are waiting for you.

Until then, how lucky we are to be in the digital age where we can benefit from modern technology and Zoom. Stay safe, remain healthy and don't do anything stupid.