Well this posting is long overdue! I really wanted to write something in the days leading up to my departure to Israel, but it all got very hectic and well, before I knew it, I was on a plane hurtling towards the Holy Land. I guess I can finally live up to the name of my blog.

It's a very strange sensation being back and I seem to suffer a sense of déjà vû several times a day. It really isn't that long ago that I was last here (I only left in mid-February) and it was winter then too - so it all seems very familiar.

Our groups all arrived safe and sound (thank G-d) apart from a minor hiccup. El Al managed to lose 21 suitcases (including two of mine) but it was a short lived drama and we all had our missing luggage delivered today.

I am staying right in the middle of Jerusalem, in a very nice serviced apartment. It's nothing glam, but it is clean, very comfortable and has all the amenities I could possibly need.

When we landed yesterday, my dear friend Elisabeth came to airport to greet me - helium balloon and all! It was wonderful and so comforting to see a warm, friendly face as soon as I arrived. I spent the rest of my first day with our various Academy groups, who will be travelling in Israel for the next six weeks. We took them first to Harmon Hanatziv, where from the Hass Promenade they had the most spectacular panoramic view of Jerusalem. For many of them it was their first view of this amazing country and it was really something to see their expressions and uncontained excitement.

The photo I have posted was taken here and in the photo with me is my friend and Israeli colleague, Tali.

I am also slowly organising to catch up with friends and family, but what's nice is that this time I don't have to stress about making sure I see everyone within a short space of time.

I guess it is much too early to be able to comment much on anything in Israel. Either how I am feeling or what's happening in the country in general - but there's plenty of time for that I suppose. It's a lot easier for me to reflect on my last few weeks in Australia.

I won't lie to you.
They were tough.

It seemed to be the most endless farewell ever. It was long, drawn out and utterly heartbreaking at times and towards the end, I just wanted it to be over. I wanted to be on that plane and I didn't want to have to say goodbye to another person.

I think knowing how many people I had to say goodbye to - not least of all my family - meant that I subconsciously had to contain my emotions, if for no other reason than to preserve my sanity. If I had allowed myself to openly express what I was feeling inside every time I said goodbye to someone I loved, I would never have been able to get on that plane.

There were a couple of moments though that even my masterfully constructed wall of protection was not strong enough and for those break through moments of utter despair and sadness I thank you Rob for your shoulder, your heart and your hankie. I am not surprised you said I could keep it. A snotty hankie is not the most attractive thing.

Part of me feels a little stupid that it took such a dramatic farewell for me to realise how many amazing and wonderful friends I really have and I was so touched by all the beautiful gifts people gave me.

I really want to say thank you to some of the people who really mean a lot to me and to whom I am so grateful for their love and support; my work colleagues at Shalom College who really were my extended family for the last year and a half. I've never worked in such an incredibly warm, caring and supportive environment and I am so privileged to have worked with such an inspired and dedicated team of people.

My Rabbi, his wife and my "family" from Newtown shul. Again - you all became my extended family, given my own family lives in Melbourne and I will really miss the wonderful 'ruach' (spirit) of the Newtown community.

To all my friends who came along to say goodbye, or called to wish me luck on my new "adventure" (you all know me too well, it's scary!)

My family, who by now are kind of used to my nomadic existence, but who never stop believing in me and support every crazy thing I do in my life. I can't express how much I miss you already, but you are in my heart and my thoughts every day, and that means that really, you aren't so far away at all.

And finally, to Rob. You were my rock these last few months. You helped me get through so much and you stuck by me for the whole crazy roller coaster ride. For that you deserve a medal! Thank you for everything, but most of all, thank you for showing me that "love is everywhere".

And so now, the adventure begins. I celebrate my 34th birthday next week and this Sunday I have my first job interview in Israel (fingers crossed everybody!)

I love you and miss you already.

Me xx