By Joanne Loiben, Yokneam Summer Camp Volunteer, St. Louis
I am sitting here on my last night in Yokneam, and I never want to leave. In about three short weeks, this place has become my home. I walk through the streets of the Mercas (City Center) every morning and every store owner I pass greets me with a warm "shalom." I have never lived in a city before where I am sure to know someone on a bus or walking by on the street. This town is filled with smiling faces and people who want nothing less than for me to enjoy myself and be comfortable. When I leave tomorrow, I will truly be leaving my family. I have connected with my host parents and siblings on a level I have never thought possible, especially considering such an intense language barrier. When I go back to the U.S. I will miss just hanging out with my ten year old host sister, doing her hair, nails and makeup.
Along with living in the city, helping with the camp is what really made me feel part of the community. The kids are fantastic, and so fun to work with. I was so nervous on the first day of camp, knowing that all of these kids do not speak my language. It was difficult to communicate at first, but soon I forgot that they were speaking Hebrew. I learned so much from them, not just the words, but also about the culture here.
It is amazing to me how rich the culture is in Yokneam, and Israel as a whole. When I came last year on my ten day Birthright tour, I did not get the full grasp on life in Israel. Now that I am completely emerged as a local, I can understand and experience what it feels like to live here, and I am completely obsessed.
When I leave tomorrow, I will it will not be goodbye. Not only do I plan to come back to Yokneam before I return to the States, but I am positive I will visit every time I am in Israel. This town has made such an impact on my life already, and I am very thankful for the opportunity for such an experience.