As time goes by

Here we are at the end of my first full (ish) week of sem. We went on a really fun tiyul (field trip) on Sunday, which consisted of a hike that was (literally) straight up and down. The tour guide told me that I could forgo the large majority of the hike, because of my ankle, and simply hike an easy 10 minutes down to the waterfall to meet the group. If any of you have ever hiked the Gilabon Waterfall, you will be laughing right now, because the hike is anything but easy. Thank G-d I made it down the mountain with both ankles and dry feet (there is water you have to jump over at parts). I couldn’t have done it without the help of a newfound friend who held my hand and helped me across. Once we got down to the waterfall, it was beautiful! Instead of going in the frigid water, I laid on a rock and let the mist of the waterfall cool me down.

            After the hike up the mountain, which may have been harder than going down, I felt pretty accomplished. About ¾ of the way back up, I stared to wheeze pretty heavily due to my asthma. I actually thought I was going to collapse right there on the mountain. The only thing I could think of to do was to ask G-d for help, because I knew that He was the only way I was going to make it back up. BH, I got to the top a few minutes later, and I was in one piece, even though I felt like I was in 100.

            The rest of the day consisted of rafting down the Jordan river, which I had previously done on Birthright, before I was frum. It was pretty nostalgic to go again, because I remember the day so clearly 2 years ago. I was with great friends, and we had an AMAZING time, so I was happy to relive the memory again. I can’t really compare the two experiences, because they were totally different. I will say that it is very strange to do something before you were frum, and then do it again when you are. Things are just different, and I had a greater appreciation for the land that surrounded us as we went down the river.

After rafting, we went to daven at Amuka, which is the grave of the holy sage, Yonatan ben Uziel. If you are looking to get married, you are supposed to go daven at Amuka, because Yonatan ben Uziel was never married. You’d think, “why would I go daven for marriage at the grave of someone who was never married?” Well, he was on such a high level of spirituality that he told G-d that he was married to the Torah. He also promised that he would help all of Klal Yisrael to get married in his merit. So for many years, men and women in need of a shidduch have been going to daven at Amuka to ask H-shem to give them a shidduch in the merit of Yonatan ben Uziel. Needless to say, it was a FUN day! I made a lot of new friends, obviously fed a cat, and was VERY tired by the end of it all.

            On Monday I finally moved in to my room in the school’s apartment. I got the only single room in the entire school (obvi). I’ve put up all my pictures, which has helped make the transition a little bit smoother. The rest of the week we had classes from 8:30-5:30 every day, except Tuesdays we only have class until 1 pm. This is a huge change for me because I haven’t had to sit in a classroom for this long ever. Even in high school, we only went until 3, and even then, my attention span was pretty small. I’m hoping that with time it will become easier. It does help that the classes are super interesting, and I feel like I’ve already learned so much.

            I’m also getting the hang of taking the public transportation from Har Nof to the rest of Jerusalem, which is kind of a schlep. It is worth it because I get to visit friends in town that are also in Israel for the summer. It's also fun to be with sorority sisters in Israel! If any of you know me, you know that I get massages on the reg to help with some neck pain. I found a great woman who does massages, waxing, reflexology, etc in Givat Shaul. She was great! It was like getting a massage in America, and not too many things are “like America” here. If anybody would like her information (gals only) be in contact with me!

            I had a wonderful Shabbos in my old neighborhood with some of my favorite Rebbetzins. I was also reunited with some old friends. It was really a Shabbos of clarity, guidance, and kedushah. I also made some new friends, who happen to be under the age of 3 and happen to not speak English. It's amazing how much Hebrew you can actually learn just from spending Shabbos with some little kids! If anybody knows that transitions can be tough, you’ll know that once things start to come together, you really realize that there must have been a Higher Power helping you through it. As I see my life thankfully coming together here in Har Nof, I can’t help but know that G-d is testing me, but I also know that He wouldn’t give me a test I couldn’t pass. Remember that you can overcome whatever you are faced with, and sometimes you just need to trust that it’s all going to work out. I hope you all have a great week! Signing off from Har Nof, you know you love me, xoxo (HAHA). 

It's a whirlwind life for me

***Disclaimer: my computer is having some computing symbols problems***
Wow the last week has completely flown by. After finishing up my official mother's helper duties, although I still happened to be staying with the family, I started to attempt to get my Israeli life in order. Things have been a real balegan the past couple of weeks, and I can now officially say that I have decided where I want to be for the time being. I had a great day of learning today, and I met some really nice girls. I think it may be a Har Nof life for me, which is definitely the last part of Jerusalem I ever thought I would be living! Not to mention that I was awarded the only single bedroom in the entire school #divaproblems, so I am not upset about that. In addition, my apartment overlooks the beautiful hills of Jerusalem and the Jerusalem forest. I don't think it will ever get old. However, I do anticipate the nearly 300, steep stairs to get to school may get old quite quickly. Actually, I have only done them once, and it was going down, and I am already over them, sooo I will keep you all posted on that one.
I had a wonderful Shabbos with one of my other favorite families in Ramot this past weekend. They attend a Carlebach shul, and the davening on Friday night is unforgettable. I dream about it when I'm in America, and I can hardly get there fast enough when I'm in Israel. You can truly feel the spirit of Shabbos when you sing Kabbalos Shabbos in the shul. It reminds me of camp, which is maybe why I like it so much.
The rest of my week has been solely devoted to being homeless, finally NOT being homeless, buying clothes even though I have no place to put them, celebrating my biffle AP's bday, and singing karaoke with other hilarious baalat teshuva women. Tonight I made a salad, so everyone can add that to my shidduch resume of "things I can cook". HA. FYI that section doesn't really exist, but let's just say my list is short. I am attempting a lemon pie I happen to be obsessed with for Shabbos. Let's just say my future husband will be wooed by this lemon pie, if I can get the recipe right. I am currently shacking at my cousin Rivkah's house, who happens to live on the other side of the same street as my apartment. My room won't be available until Sunday, so I am chillin here until then. Thank goodness I have her and her husband here. They have really been here for me the past few weeks, and I am SO thankful.
She'arim is taking a tiyul on Sunday, and I am so pumped. Hopefully I'll make a few more friends, and maybe get a little exercise (?). Anyway, they said I can sit on the bus for the hike if "my ankle" (my out of shape self) isn't feeling up to it. I'll def keep you posted on that. Here's hoping that next week I'm writing this from my very own room! Here are some pics from the week.
Feel free to follow me every step of the way on twitter: @alwolff09 or Instagram: @alwolff427. I post more often on these.

Motzei Shabbos pizza on the bus

Dancing at the sheva brachot (after-wedding party)

Feelin' hot hot HOT!

Well here you have it everyone. My first official post from the holy land pt 3! It's a scalding 100 degrees outside, but me and the three kiddos are all smiles from the park in Rehavya this morning! It's been a wild 2 weeks so far. From my first sleepless plane ride with three kids to the horrid service of The airline we finally made it to Eretz Yisrael! We've hit up all the normal to-do spots: the Western Wall, Geulah, KOSHER PIZZA, BURGER's BAR, and the park almost twice every day. For those who don't know, I am a mother's helper for 2 weeks for my Rebbetzin from Indiana, hence all the children references. Anyway, over the past 2 weeks I have become incredibly skilled at folding a double city-mini stroller, hand holding across the street, and shlepping two toddlers and a baby across Jerusalem. I'm feeling pretty good about it!
We had our first Shabbos on one of my favorite streets, Sorotskin, at one of my favorite Rebbetzin's house with her and her family (who speak no English). Well, my Rebbetzin does, but her children do not. I love going there and listening to the Hebrew. I can understand some of what they are saying, and I get to try and practice a little of my own Hebrew as well. Plus, she makes the BEST comfort food in the world. We walked a wonderful 1.5 hours back to the apartment. Walking in the streets of Jerusalem on Shabbat is one of my favorite things about Israel. Basically the entire city closes down for 25 hours and simply celebrates our relationship with our Creator.
We've also hung out with the Aish Fellowships trip in the Old City, and it's been really great getting to know some of the girls on the trip. I was even fortunate enough to go to my very good Chassidish friend's wedding on Thursday night. Her bedekin and chuppah were some of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I felt so incredibly fortunate and holy to be a part of the joyous occasion. Unfortunately, I got a 24 hour stomach bug that night which involved getting sick right outside of the famous Bellz Shul in front of a lot of people. Without the help of one of my best friends, I may not have made it back to the apartment in one piece. After a good Shabbos rest, I feel much better and ready for the week ahead, which includes moving in to Eyaht. I am very excited to finally get settled somewhere! I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I will hopefully post again soon! Stay cool!