As I’m sitting here in my room contemplating my stuffed suitcase, hoping it won’t exceed the 50-pound limit, I reflect on my life. Who I am has been shaped by seventeen years of experiences. How will this journey I’m about to take change me after this one week?
To be completely honest, I am quite terrified for this new adventure. I have never been on a plane for more than 6 hours, and I have never been to Europe. Excited and nervous sensations pulse through my body even as I complete the seemingly mundane task of packing. I have always wanted to travel and explore this world we live in. And
now Beth Tfiloh has given me the chance so I must grasp it and hold on for dear life.
Ever since I joined the BT community, I have appreciated Judaism so much more. The simchas with dancing, sad days with crying, and meaningful times with praying have always brought me a sense of belonging and unity. Ultimately, I hope to bring these feelings of love and joy of Judaism to my peers in Budapest, but, even
more, I wish to come together with those of another country to create something beautiful: peace.
Because I have only left the United States once for a family trip to Central America, I’ve had little exposure to other cultures. I am excited to immerse myself in the culture of Hungary and fully learn what it means to be Hungarian. I hope to give the students I meet a sense of what it means to be an American Jewish teenager.
Although right now I’m stressing over tests and essays at school, I know that in 20 years I will not remember whether I got A’s or B’s, but I will remember this trip to Budapest. I hope to gain a hands-on learning experience that will allow me to be more sympathetic towards other cultures and countries.
Additionally, I am ecstatic to be traveling with my teachers. Many of the teachers attending the trip have taught me or are teaching me currently and I am excited to bond with them in a different environment. ~ Sophie D.
