Bureaucracy

Are people at the Jewish Agency supremely inefficient? Or are they being extra careful about who they're letting into Israel right now?

Whatever the reason, they having been dragging their feet. In March, their representative asked for five items that Nefesh b'Nefesh had not requested. Now she has changed the requirements again and wants one document that, when I specifically asked about it in March, she said did not matter-- "whichever is easier to get."

This has been going on too long and I'm frustrated. I could do this: JUST GO! Pack a suitcase, fly to Israel, and visit Cyprus every three months so I can keep an up-to-date visa in my passport

I can't seem to intelligently evaluate whether or not that would be a good plan. There are just too many unidentifiable emotions swirling around inside me.

My biggest fears are failing to become fluent in Hebrew and not being able to make a living.

No.

Actually my biggest fear is that I might never make aliyah.

5776 Powwow

Yes, of course I went to the powwow! But, unfortunately, for only one day this year. 

It would have been nice to be there both days and would be nice to reflect and write more than I’m going to. My time (and attention) is limited and I want to be able to remember at least some of the experience.

The atmosphere was a little  different this year. Photography wasn’t permitted at all, even during the grand entry.

A Navajo was headman. I liked what he said, but the tone was definitely different than other years. He emphasized that we were on Yavapai land and that it was stolen land.

The head girl danced alone. The headman asked that no one join her. She was dancing for her grandfather who had passed the day before. I stood during her dance. Because.

Then she gave gifts.