Origins

When my family and I made the decision to move to the United States; I told my friends that I would be back to visit them yearly when I was out of school. Little did I know that it would be seven years before I could set foot in my hometown again.

Every time I made plans or saved enough money to make the trip back overseas; something would happen to change my plans and hold me back a bit longer. My car problems alone were responsible for much of the delay. Each time I managed to save enough money, my car would have an episode and break down. Ironically, it would cost me $1400-$1600 to repair the damages which is exactly how much a ticket to Palestine would cost me. After many car problems and trying and retrying to save; I was finally able to scrounge up enough money for a ticket. The success came in a very good time considering I had just graduated from VCU. For the first time in seven years; I was free to go without having to worry about classes or work to hold me back. 

I just got back from my month long trip a couple of days ago. I can honestly say that it has been one of the best months of my life. 

I spent one week in Jordan and three in Palestine.  

During this time, I experienced holding a live jelly fish from the Red sea

Climbing a mountain in the desert

Seeing Petra; one of the seven wonders of the world, 

Visiting the Israeli/ Palestinian separation wall, 

Picking olives from an olive tree that my father planted by our house on my third birthday, 

Watching a gorgeous sunset every single day, 

Riding a camel on the beach, 

Riding a speed boat,