The end of one thing
is just the beginning of another.

I’m back home in Chicago. Yep, Dad and I actually made the long plane ride back.

I was kind of nervous to tell Mitch about Avi, but when Jessica spilled the beans and told me she and Mitch kind of got together after their Ravinia night, I felt a lot better. Of course I made them both sweat it out for a couple of hours. Then I spilled my own beans and told them about Avi.

My Israeli non-boyfriend is in the army now, training to be a kickass commando. He writes when he can, which is about once a week. I realize from his letters O’dead’s name is spelled Oded and Moron is actually spelled Moran (thank goodness for them). Doo-Doo still goes by his nickname, but I hope to change that next summer.

Avi never told me he loved me, but he doesn’t have to say it. I know he’s worried about me worrying about him and he loves me. He has a hard time saying it out loud. I’m okay with that, for now.

My dad and I are going to spend my summer break in Israel next year. This time, I’m planning a two-week-long camping trip throughout the country. I can teach Dad a few things this time, like when to duck when an alpaca starts to make gurgling noises. Avi will be able to take two weeks off then; I can’t wait to see him. Safta is doing okay—she starts her next set of chemo treatments next month. I’m sending her a care package today.

The wedding between my mom and Marc with a “c” was okay. Marc and I had a talk before the wedding. I told him he could be a friend to me, but I already have a father. He took the news better than I expected. Ron was at the wedding; he was a great dance partner for me.

I’ve been living at my dad’s apartment until Marc and Mom’s new house in the ’burbs (which they decided to build from scratch) is ready, which will be months from now. While I’m here, I have a lot of work to do . . . like teaching Ron how to dress to impress a woman. He’s not there yet, but he’s on his way to becoming a retired bachelor. All I have to do is find the right woman for him. In the meantime, he’s teaching me Hebrew and swears to his friends I’m a natural when it comes to herding sheep.

Me and my religion? Well, I’m taking conversion classes with Rabbi Glassman over at Bait Chaverim (which for you non-Hebrew speakers means House of Friends). Mom was shocked when I told her I’m becoming Jewish. I’ve made her promise to make sure there are no pork or shellfish products in the food she makes for me. Keeping kosher is part of who I am now.

“Arg!”

Yes, that’s Mutt. And yes, my dog has a speech impediment. I can’t help but love the little bugger. He eats most of Mom’s shoes, but knows to leave mine alone. He also thinks he’s a lap dog although he’s going to be about ninety pounds when he’s full grown. We’ve been through a lot together and he’s teaching me to love animals.

My name is Amy Nelson Barak and I went to Israel for my summer vacation. I learned about my family, my heritage, a beautiful land full of rich history, and love. Wouldn’t you know, my ruined summer vacation turned out to be the best three months of my life.