The Ruach of Bus 463
The day began unlike any other day of the excursion through the land of Israel. Our group awoke on the desert floor in a Bedouin tent surrounded by many other Birthright groups. But this was not what was so unique about today. This day was unlike any other day because it was the representation of Bus 463 becoming closer than ever. Bonding over the dusty air and loud snoring that filled the tent, this day was sure to be different.
After breakfast, our group prepared to mount the backs of camels and take a trek through the Negev desert. With two people per camel, we traveled about the outskirts of our desert oasis, Taglit village. After returning to the starting point, our camels made the transition from standing to laying down, and we headed back to our tent to gather our belongings and continue our journey.
Shortly after departing from the Bedouin tents, our amazing trip leader, Matt, wanted to make up for the absence of a lesson regarding the history of the Bedouin people. On a short hike that lead to a beautiful waterfall inside of a canyon, our group learned about the culture and history surrounding the land and its inhabitants. After the brief history lesson, our group proceeded to the end of the hike and many group pictures were snapped on numerous different devices. After the memories were captured, we turned around, hiked back, and boarded the bus yet again.
After what Michal would call a "short 40 minute drive," our group arrived at a site that is extremely meaningful to Israel and the people of the land. The reason the next stop on the tour was so important, is because we were now at Sde Boker, the grave site of the first Israeli Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion. As can be expected, learning about history can be a difficult task, but learning about the importance of Ben Gurion was easy as the group participated in a game show based on the facts surrounding the historic figure. It was really fun!
After learning about Ben Gurion's life, wife, and favorite foods, we made our way back to the bus again. After the short drive, we were now relatively close to the Dead Sea. It was fascinating to see the shift in landscape as we no longer stood upon grass, but planted our feet in sand. Our group arrived at our next hotel, the Masada guest house; and it was in this location that our group shared more wonderful moments together as we swam in the pool, had dinner, and participated in a riveting group activity. The different activities, although different in nature, focused around the same general idea.
This idea was that 47 people would enter a room, and each person would exit, feeling even closer to the other 46 participants than they had when they entered. Whether the activity was a game orchestrated by our Israeli guests, or an opportunity to share the reasons why we appreciate the chance to be a part of such a wonderful trip to Israel, it was extremely clear that our group is unique and special. Our dinner that night was very similar to the other meals served to us, but the main difference was the seating arrangements. Many people joined together in seats next to new friends, immediately highlighting the new bond that had formed between the group.
This group stuck together through a lot of trials and tribulations. This group showed support for one another as the hot weather and lack of sleep began taking a toll on each and every one of us. The night ended fairly early because the alarm clock was set, and ready to go at 3am. We finished our group meeting and got ready for the task that lay ahead of us the following day.
This task was unlike any other activity presented to us. After the alarms were set, we headed off to bed and prepared to get enough rest to last us from 4 am until whenever we got to sleep the next night. The group was happy and bonding, and being such helped us realize that although we are guests in this beautiful land, we are already home. The activities planned for us were not chosen at random or picked out of a hat; these programs were assigned to our small groups and gave many people a sense of belonging. This one day alone fully encompasses the spirit or "ruach," that filled the air of Bus 463.
Photo Credits: Header Image-@riamariadc, Image 1-@hippydippygirl, Image 2-@shaynabrick, Image 3-@mskittymandi, Image 4-@drehahn, Image 5-@moonfaeriie
