As the day of departure gets close, I become equally excited and nervous. The excitement from the knowledge that I will be going to another country to help teach a very important subject, Judaism. But every time I think about how fun it will be, I become very worried. What will I do, I’m missing a week of school, how will I make up all the work? Will I have fun? Will I effectively share and learn about Judaism? Will I connect with the people there? Will I make friends?
Despite these feelings, all I can think back on is when I first got the email that I would be included on this trip. I remember very clearly when it arrived, I had just gotten home from school maybe thirty minutes to an hour before I got it. My phone was on my dresser as I was unpacking my backpack when I heard it ding, signaling I had received an email. So, I picked up my phone, opened the email and just screamed from excitement. Running down the stairs two at a time just to get to my mom faster to be able to tell her the amazing news, that I had gotten onto the Hungary trip. Whenever I feel worried about leaving, I think of this moment. But alongside this moment I think of the excitement my friends and I share about being able to go on this trip together.
We are almost one week away from getting on a plane and leaving the US. Every day I feel my excitement spike. We have already had multiple planning sessions on what will occur when we arrive in Budapest. The one that I am most 
excited for is teaching the 4th graders about music. Music to me is an important part of everyday life and to be able to share with children is just amazing. We already have an amazing plan on how to teach the little kids about music.
I can’t wait to arrive in Budapest with all my friends and just be able to be there and be united by Judaism with all the kids I will be meetings. Hopefully while they’re showing the Jewish life from America, I will learn about how SSG students practice their Judaism and understand the differences between them. As the days close in I must prepare myself for the experiences I will have, from teaching fourth graders, to visiting Holocaust Memorials and participating in a Shabbaton with the SSG students ~ Lily
