It is almost time.
We are entering our final days of life in Israel. Our cars are gone. The house is down to bare bones. Our accounts are turned off and closed. Living in Israel has been an experience I can never fully reflect in words. Its beautiful. It's exciting. Its hard. Its fascinating. Its frustrating. Nothing can ever be easy in this country, yet there is something about the challenge of overcoming the frustrations that make you feel like you are on top of the world. Winning an argument (or at least holding your own!) with an Israeli is one of life's greatest accomplishments. Hell, there are days that just making it to the grocery store and back feels like I accomplished one of life's greatest challenges. (Trust me, if you lived here and you weren't used to the Israel way, you'd feel the same way!) Leaving this amazing country is hard. The beauty, the history, the excitement, the pride... something about Israel feels right in my soul. I love it here, and I am so sad to close this chapter. I will forever be a supporter of this country, and although I am not an Israeli citizen, I feel so lucky that I have been able to be a part of them for a short time.
When we set out on this adventure, it was really meant to be a temporary, three year adventure for our little family of 3. A chance for us to explore, see the world, and learn more about this amazing, tiny little country we would otherwise probably never have visited (and definitely never took the time to learn more about.) I quit my career to say "yes!" to this new, unknown adventure, and I've never looked back. Making the decision to stay international in our next assignment was a no-brainer for us. The experiences are so rich, and the chance to raise Ledoux (and soon to be baby J) in different countries and cultures is something that Lee and I believe will make them true world citizens. Living abroad has opened our eyes to the importance of raising our children to learn, seek to understand, and value the differences in cultures and traditions. Ledoux has friends from across the world, and has learned more about diversity and acceptance in three years than most adults I know. I want her and her little sister to have exposure and experiences like this that shape who they become, and living in an international landscape allows that. I look at Ledoux and hope that when she grows up and sets off on her own life that she "YES" to every opportunity she can, seeks out adventure, and doesn't let fear of the unknown or unfamiliar dictate her experiences. For us, this lifestyle is encouraging all of those things.No doubt life in England will be easier in most every way. I am excited for this, but also wonder if it will get boring? When everything seemingly works they way it should and routines and laws are in place (and followed)... will it get... old? Blah? Its funny I even write something like that, but transitioning from this country to somewhere like England seems almost too easy. I also wonder how Lee will do with the transition. As he says, living in Israel has helped him to "blossom" his skills in confrontation, assertiveness, and overall "I don't give an F*c&itude". Lee had a call with someone from the UK the other day to set up our bank account there, and by the time the call was over he was so frustrated- visibly annoyed. Like... you could really tell he was over it. When asked why, his response was "they are too nice!" If you know Lee, you know that he fits in really well out here. I hope he doesn't make someone cry his first day in the new job.
So now, in two days, we set out on part two of this adventure. A new country, a handful of week before we have a new baby, and new friends to be made. With teary eyes, I bid Israel and all of our friends "L'hitraot"... because we already have plans to return in the spring to visit. I am leaving a part of me here, and take a small piece in my heart.
Shalom, Israel... and like Ledoux said: "It is time to go make new memories!"
XO, The Abels
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