Summary

Just about two months ago, I looked up airfare to Israel on a whim. Seeing the (amazingly) inexpensive rates, I chose to look up ways for adults (past Birthright age) to visit Jerusalem. I quickly found a grant called Masa Israel which funds a variety of programs across the Holy Land.

Over the next couple of days, I researched several different programs, from several months on a nature oriented Kibbutz in the Galilee to a business internship in Tel Aviv. In short order, after an amazing phone interview, I decided to attend Pathways Plus for Women in Jerusalem, a two month Jewish Studies program followed by the two month internship with Interfaith Sustain in the Old City.

During this time, I had been working with the Marlboro College Graduate Center to be accepted into their MBA for Managing for Sustainability. When my trip to Israel started to become real, I found myself wondering about differing my graduate program, however, if would mean losing a large portion of my financial aid.

In the end, it was decided that I would spend my first trimester as a graduate student in Israel as a part time student. I am taking half time credits (4), one as an independent study in religion and sustainability and three in Macroeconomics which I will be Skyping into for the residency weekends.

I am currently in Logan Airport, my flight boards soon, so I have to go. Please expect to hear from me every week on the progress of my journey.

Thank you all!

Happy Yule!

It has been a bit long since my last post, and quite a bit has happened!

There were some issues around my medical paperwork. Some very disruptive issues, now resolved.

I have cleaned the Yome, gotten excepted to grad school, started my packing, hosted a friend for a few days, and done all my holiday shopping. On top of all that, I created an amazing, 3 course feast for 16 people for Chase Hill Yule.

This morning, we opened gifts from the community, including more funds and donations!

I will be posting at least every week for grad school, so lots of news to follow!

Everything else?

Less than a month ago, I was preparing for winter. I had just agreed to make the new banner, my big thoughts were about Grad School and Yule and my health, and going to Israel was just something I knew I would do soon. But like a year from now soon…not a couple weeks from now soon! It was just a random search, like I have done before – and suddenly, I was off!

Now, my plate is overflowing. I have so many things to do that I have to ask myself how they connect. How do I connect the traditions I have been helping build here in Vermont with the traditions of my Mother’s Mothers in Israel? Can I find a way to connect my quest to a healthier me to the coming of the snow and ice? Is Grad School a blessing or a burden at the moment? 

The past few weeks have been magical in how well thins have come together. Friends and family stepping forward to help me; the weather showing me all the things I will miss while I’m away; the scholarships and grants from Masa Israel. It truly is amazing!

So here’s some news from the other parts of my life: 

I have an Etsy page: https://www.etsy.com/shop/starofjoy. It is really more of a sampling of my work than anything else. I make custom work in everything from beading to leather masks to dread falls.

I am currently working on a new banner for the Chase Hill Folk. It is my first Appliqué piece and it is huge. Literally. Twelve feet my three and a half feet. All the applique work is hand done and I should have it finished by the end of this coming week. It will hang at the Chase Hill rituals during the dark half of the year.

I have finished my holiday shopping – yes, I am that cool – and I am now starting to work on the menu for our Yule feast. It looks like we will have between 11 and 15 for Yule this year so it should be quite the celebration!

So there is a bit of whats going on in my world. 

My trip to Israel is coming quickly and I am still seeking donations to help me in my travels. If you can help, please donate to my campaign at: gofundme.com/joystar or by clicking the link below.

Thank you!

So much to do, so little time!

My Wood Pile

December has come and my departure has become a matter of weeks. It is time to take stock of all the things I have to do before I leave and begin preparing. I have to pack everything fabric in the Yome to keep it from being eaten by mice, I have a banner to finish for the community, I have decisions to make about what needs to come into the main house while I’m away, and what should return to the Yome for the same period, not to mention the day to day chores like bringing in wood and laundry! Oh yes, and I have to pack for four months in a very different place.

Yome from Driveway

Things hanging in the Yome

Today, I made sure that I have renter’s insurance, so if anything happens to the Yome (or the things in it) I am covered. Yesterday, I (mostly) applied for a scholarship that (if I get it) will completely cover the direct costs of the program. I have started putting together a list of all the things I still have to do and looking up the costs of my expenses in Israel-like bus passes and phone.

While there is still so very much for me to do in terms of cleaning, packing, and preparing for the winter holidays before I leave, I have been so blessed with the way things have gone thus far. The right trip has fallen into my lap, It came at a time when there was nothing keeping me from going, My community mates have been very supportive and understanding, However, I still am concerned.

My amazing sister helped me get my plane ticket, but I still owe her for part of it. I will have to buy groceries and my own bus pass once I’m in Israel. And I will have expenses at home; my phone bill and my (reduced) rent will still have to be paid while I’m away. This does not count insurance and phone while I am in Israel!

So please, if you were thinking of buying me a gift this holiday season, please donate whatever you would spend to the campaign instead. Every donation is important.