Every time I go shopping, I buy something I’ll need in Israel-shirts, socks, a water bottle, bobby pins. I know Israel has everything I could buy here (ok, except ziplocks- my grandmother collects them every time she visits America), but I find it comforting to plan. I bought a junky suitcase from a store in Manhattan, and it’s sitting in the corner of my room with all my findings in it, ready to board the plane.
For my 20th birthday, my mother bought me a big black box with the words ‘Live Your Dream’ printed on top in bright, playful letters. Inside is a beautiful faux leather backpack. They’re both in my suitcase already, at the end of my bed, blocking the bookshelf. It’s like my not-so-little welcome home package 🙂
The other day, I was having such strong fears about leaving home. My thoughts were going all over, and I was just plain worried that I was making a huge mistake. I work in the same shopping strip as a Dunkin Donuts, and I had a few minutes before my shift began, so I sat by one of the tables to clear my thoughts. And then, out of the ceiling speakers, I heard the most soothing words:
Just know you’re not alone
‘Cause I’m gonna make this place your home
Settle down, it’ll all be clear
Don’t pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble—it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found
Just know you’re not alone
‘Cause I’m gonna make this place your home
Thank you, G-d!! (And Phillip Phillips!)
Ah, breathe.
Last night, I went to a Nefesh B’nefesh aliyah fair.
There were people there who had been going to aliyah fairs for the past 20 YEARS! It reminded me of Moshe, begging God to let him into Israel, with prayer after prayer. My father told me that his prayers instilled in every Jew an undying desire to be in Israel, no matter the circumstance. These people moved me so much. I can only be filled with gratitude that my chance has come so soon.
I’m still waiting for approval-the Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of the Interior) told me they need to see my Israeli birth certificate before accepting me as a citizen. I don’t know of any Israeli birth certificate in existence, so I just hope they overlook that and give me the go ahead.
And… I graduated! Yay! Not that Israeli universities accept my degree, but a girl can hope 🙂
Ahhh I can’t believe how fast the time is passing.
The Aliyah Blog 
Regarding your degree, you can get it recognized by the Misrad HaChinuch (Ministry of Education). There’s a bunch of paperwork you need to bring, including:
* high school diploma
* college diploma
* college transcript (must be an official copy, in a sealed envelope!)
* certificates/documentation of all credits earned outside of college
* passport-sized photos (I don’t remember if these were necessary here, but they have been necessary at every other government office we ever visited)
Make copies of everything (except the transcript– I’m pretty sure I kept that when I left the office)– never ever give anyone an original document if you don’t need to, or else you will probably never see it again! Don’t be afraid to pester them if your certificate doesn’t arrive in the mail.
The mail here is extremely unreliable, and I recommend that you have friends hand-deliver packages from the United States instead of shipping them.
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This is super helpful! I don’t know if my degree will be recognized since I did it online, so I don’t have the required semester hours, but I’ll bring everything you said and give it a try when the time comes. Thanks!!
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