Argentina, tiene nuestros corazones

So, we're back. But not really. As our group of Argentina travelers returns to our busy lives in North America, we realize a few things that were anything but expected. I think i can speak for all of us when i say that when someone asks "how was your break?" we freeze up. Not because we are at a loss for what to talk about, but because our experience is unexplainable. Many, if not all of us, had the best week of our lives on various levels. There are many people to thank for a rush of emotions that engulf our bodies when we think about this trip. First of all, I believe the community service aspect of our trip was fulfilled in the best way. We were able to work for Jewish and non-Jewish communities in Argentina, but more importantly, we are able to feel our impact. From smiling children to grateful locals, our service was and continues to be extremely rewarding.

Next, and what i would like to focus on for this particular post is a different community, nay, a family, that was created on this trip. In my personal opinion, the two most powerful ways to become close to someone are through work and/or difficult times and through sheer happiness. In these experiences one sees into a person and really discovers who they are. I am proud to say that on this trip, our stunning group of 30 students, sharing 6 languages by the way, connected on before mentioned levels among others. Without even realizing it, and right under our noses, we were becoming more than friends on a life-changing trip. This family includes so many aspects, that I will cherish for the rest of my life. People I didn't even know 2 weeks ago have become my closest and most trusted friends and the friendships created on this trip will without doubt last forever. Reunions have already been planned and attempted despite less than a week passing since we touched down in Houston together. We are expecting a full reunion to take place by summer time. 

One phenomenon seems to be on everyones mind. Each and every person from this trip who i have spoken to is having an unfamiliar and shocking feeling. Though seemingly indescribable, i will try my best. Well, we dont want to be back here. We want to be in Argentina, and we want to be with each other. Some have even voiced the lack of desire to see other friends, and we surely do not want to get back to school work. In a sense, we are all homesick for Argentina. The experience we shared as a collective group enabled us to make a home in the ever-so welcoming Jewish community in Argentina, and especially amongst each other as members as the most fun and exciting family one could be a part of. As we share this feeling of slight depression of our trip being over, we find the euphoric feeling of becoming closer with other people in one week than any of us thought possible. Seeing each other and reflecting on our experiences together (including a list of 50, thats right, 50, hilarious inside jokes) slaps a grin on our faces that we can not get rid of.

In short, we are now a family. We should also note that none of this would ever be possible if not for our loving parents: Kerin, Naomi, Shahar, Yael y Brenda. We love the five of you more than you realized as you have brought us together in the most incredible way.

Anyhoo, Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible. This group of 30 was, and is, the most intimate and awesome group to ever travel together. 

Besos,

Avi