First week as an Israeli/Countdown to my Tzav Rishon

It's strange to think that it's only been just over a week since I got here. Last Shabbat was my first as an Israeli, and it was a special feeling watching the sun setting over the hills around the Kibbutz on Friday afternoon. That Shabbat, the previous Garin had a "Shabbat Garin", where as many of them as possible got out of the army for Shabbat to spend it together on Lavi. It was interesting to hear where they all were in the army and the advice they had for us. That Shabbat, I also met a woman here who knew my Booba and Zeida (grandma and grandpa). She almost began to cry when she heard my surname! It was they who had persuaded her to settle on Kibbutz Lavi. There's a certain historical circularity about it, as my Booba and Zeida were connected with the Kibbutz (see "The Interview, the Kibbutz and Historical Circularity").

The following day was full of bureaucratic necessities, and that day I received my Teudat Zehut (ID card). I even got a nice message from the woman who sorted my papers.

Later on in the week we had a Hebrew test, which will determine which Ulpan class we'll be placed in. I feel like it went well, but we shall see! I'm working hard on my Hebrew at the moment, and taking advantage of the time I have. Whatever happens, I do NOT want to go to Michve Alon, the army Ulpan.

Today we spent the morning working in the fields on the kibbutz. For the first time since I arrived, I had time to think as I worked. Looking out towards the hills, I realised I'm actually here, I made it. After 4 years of expecting and planning, I'm actually here. 

Of course I miss my family a lot but we still find ways to keep in constant contact!

Next week all of Garin Tzabar will be making their way down south for Gadna. Gadna is there to give Israelis a taste of army life. It will be weird going back, because I was there 4 years ago on Marva, a similar two month course, but judging from Marva it won't be taken too seriously and will be a lot of fun!

We now have our date for our Tzav Rishon, just before Rosh Hashana, the week after Gadna. The Tzav Rishon is the most important army test, and will determine where I can and can not serve. It's a day comprised of a medical, an interview, psychological and psychometric tests. The interview will ascertain my Hebrew level, so the countdown begins to improve my Hebrew as much as possible!

Will update the blog next with the fun happenings of Gadna!