T Minus 13 Days

And so the whirlwind begins ---

We leave to visit family in 2 days and will be gone for a week. Once we get back there will only be 4 days until I leave for Israel.

The initial excitement is gone for now, replaced by a certain numbness as the reality becomes more clear and the time draws nearer. Weighing most heavily on my mind is that I will be away from my family for such a long time. While we have been seperated for periods before, we could always drive to visit each other. Not so this time. Mixed in with this is the knowledge that, while this will be hard on me, it will be even harder on my wife.

And then there are the doubts: Will I be able to learn Hebrew well enough, especially to read Torah? Will I be able to master the vocal exercises well enough? Will I be able to learn enough of the religous aspects in addition to the cantorial? And the list goes on.

At the same time I realize that, regardless of the outcome, I am fulfilling a life-long dream and following a path that Hashem has set before me. In that respect, there is no such thing as failure. I also know that Hashem has set me on a path, and He will guide my steps and strengthen me as I strive to do His will.

T Minus 14 Days

It seems that time has been moving in hyperdrive mode. I can't believe it is only 2 weeks until I leave. I received my confirmation from the Ulpan today, so that end is now firmed up.

I still have a lot to do around the house before leaving and don't know how I am going to get it all done in time. The next couple of days are crucial and I am working diligently to make the time I need to complete my chores. (I'm just not having much luck at doing that yet!)

I just finished putting out a new work schedule for the week that "should" give me some time to get a few things done. (For those of you that are curious about this, I am still going to be working while in Israel. Since everything I do is across the Internet anyway, It really doesn't matter much where I am.)

Well, more later. Time to TRY to get a few things done.