My Aliya

Hello everyone. It has been along time since I wrote on my blog that I was not sure how to get in to do it.
I would like to share my aliya experience with you. Every year I make a calendar for the Jewish New Year and this year I am doing on Olim.

Now, on to my story:

I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota with a small Jewish Community. When I was growing up I liked our community and I loved our Synagogue.The riots came and Jews left the little community and went to the suburbs. It was never the same again. 
I really wanted a change so went to v isit a friend I had in Arizona and kept going back, but, did not find what I was looking for.
I started to think maybe it was time to go to Israel. I have never been to Israel before and thought I would visit it before I decided to make Aliya. I came here and checked out the country and took a look at the people. I found exactly what I was looking for, even though it was just a visit. I found that I was free to be a Jew and that was what I was looking for. I worked with a Shliach and he told me all the negative things about this country. I still decided to make Aliya. So, on November 11, 1986 I made Aliya. Nobody welcomed me at the airport. It was a very cold, wet, windy day and I thought what am I doing? The Absorption Center I wanted to go to had no vacancies, so I went to an Apartment Hotel. I absorbed myself into the country knowing that I am a survivor and independent and that helped me alot. I had to run around to the different offices alone and if the only person that could help me was not there I had to go back and continue to go back until she or he was there. I remember one time I had to go to Bezek and they were all on vacation.I went to many ulpans to learn Hebrew. I only finished one and was still embarrassed to open my mouth. I was afraid to make mistakes. One day I decided I didn't care anymore and opened my mouth and started speaking Hebrew. I still make
 mistakes, but, don't care. When somebody starts to speak to me in English I continue to speak Hebrew. They say they want to practice their English and I tell them you want us to speak Hebrew so speak Hebrew to me.
I have only been back to the States I think it was twice. In 1987 I went back to bring my things and in 1989 I had to make some money and was there 6 months. I was getting nervous thinking I may never make it back to Israel so prayed to Hashem and asked him to bring me back and I said I would never leave. He brought me back and I never left. 
This is a country full of people from different cultures and to live with your own is not always that easy. I am not saying it is an easy country to live it, but, it is the only the Jews have and it is full of our history and that is what is important to me.
I have made many mistakes getting to where I want to be. I am sure I have still have more to go, but, I know I am home and home is where I want to be and never leave. Am Yisrael Chai!!!!