KAYLA YATES, Northeastern University ’17, is spending her summer interning at ALYN, a pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation hospital in Jerusalem, Israel. Kayla is a participant of the Boston Onward Israel 2013 program.
Let it pass before my eyes before I happen to look away
A moment of pure joy and bountiful exploration
A feeling of loss juxtaposed by a sensation of extreme gain
There is a time to question the unexpected and accept the given
As though we are mere fragments of memory riding in and out with the tide
I came to this land with very few expectations
Unaware of the significant impact that this journey would have on my past, present, and future
My head swimming in gravity, barely supporting my faint eyes being seduced by the sun
I am finding it hard to transition from such weightless and incomparable worldly observation and meaningful contribution
To a preconceived strict and uniform daily life and schedule
Hold my hand though it might quiver in the wind
Warm my body with your sensual touch
Understand that I will never forget or let go of the unique sensation of inner and outer limitlessness you have provided
My memory lies within the notes of the Mediterranean, Mizrahi music
The addicting scent of fresh baked pita and the taste of the silky rich hummus that bathes my mouth in moisture
My body will preserve the full body massage of the Shuk’s pounding beat as it awakes in the evening
The beady eyes of such brave, strong children
Holding onto the hands of others, while standing up on their own
I will continue to walk across the bridge that neighbors the light rail
Communicating with the unstable tonality of the cobblestone streets
Observing the fruitful picnics at Sacher Park
And exchanging kisses on the cheek with strangers
How is it possible that in three months time I feel like I truly LIVED for the first time?
An opportunity to prove to myself that I am capable of creating connections
Establishing purpose
Enabling the moment
And most importantly safeguarding my health and that of others
I carry those new and old smiles into my home
Painting the walls with perspective and debate
And uniting one human man and woman, adult child, mother and father
Opportunities like this create personality and establish individuality
We grow to learn more about others and ourselves
Hoping that when we fall and fail, we can interpret and understand our intentions
When I return to Israel, I will not be traveling to an unfamiliar land, but rather
A home where I am not required to pay rent, purchase furniture, or search once more for a secure space
Finally, I will return this time to a memory not forgotten or foreclosed
But to a piece of myself that will come alive in new and unexpected ways each time I set foot on the holy, historical soil of a time and a people
Thank you
Thank me
Thank him
Thank her
Thank them
For a journey is never complete without the places and faces that tell you a story and help redefine life’s bookends
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