la semana orientacion / orientation week

"When we become connected with others we become better people." 

-Randy Pausch

Me with the other JDC-BBYO fellows, JDC Entwine, & BBYO staff

I spent this past week in New York City becoming more oriented with the program and meeting all the other fellows.  There are 28 of us serving in different regions around the world such as Haiti, Germany, Latvia, Israel, China, Estonia, India, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Poland, and Ukraine.  We spent a lot of time talking to each other, finding out what brought each person to this fellowship, and what everyone wants to accomplish this year. I realized that even though I'll be the only fellow in Argentina, I am both connected to something greater through being a JDC volunteer and connected to a community of amazing and inspiring people serving around the world. 

Want to know what else we did this week?

We learned more about our individual placements,

reflected on WHY we have chosen to serve abroad for a year (and watched this interesting Ted talk video by Simon Sinek), 

explored our Jewish values,

met all the staff that will be supporting us from NYC,

refreshed our Israeli dancing skills,

And even celebrated a few birthdays! Happy birthday to Ron and Erica who are both serving in Israel!

I can't wait to keep in touch with these amazing fellows throughout the year!