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.