THE MOTHERLAND
I have to say it is unbelievably difficult to write an email that spans the generations and the cliques of my personal life. Seriously, the guys I drank too much beer with during junior year of college are reading the same email as Mary Heins (hi Grandma)… so the cursing is out, but I don’t want to sound like a dandy either. It’s a tough compromise, and between friends, coworkers, family, young people, old (I mean distinguished) people, and a Professor (you know who you are. Also, JFK was a wimp)– I frankly have no idea what I’m doing.
I do know, however, that I leave for the Motherland on Saturday. That’s right folks– the least religious guy you know is moving to Israel for half a year. It’s exciting, though I haven’t yet figured out exactly what I’m going to do when I get there. I mean, I have a ride from the airport, and a couch on which to crash for the first week… but then, who knows.
The rough outline is, I’ll be studying Hebrew (עברית) five hours a day, five weeks at a time, three times… then hopefully Arabic immersion for 7 weeks. I will probably also be working a part-time internship in Ra’ananna (just outside Tel-Aviv) from September to December, either in Government or a Human Rights NGO. All of this, I’m sure, you find very intriguing. I am mysterious like that.
Anyway, here’s the skinny: I’m going to try to post to my blog every now and again for anyone who wants to know what’s going on with me in Israel. If that includes you, SWEET. If not, don’t feel guilty or uncomfortable not reading my posts. Also, whether you choose to keep up or not, I’d love updates on your lives while I’m gone–I’m not on any program, so I won’t be around other Americans. Tell me what’s up with you, with life in the US of A, all the good stuff. My blog is
http://matthewtravels.wordpress.com/
On a more serious note, I really do see this as nothing more or less than an adventure. I’ve always considered myself a pretty impulsive person, but I’ve never really done much to prove it until now. Going away for school was probably the most daring thing I’ve ever done… so for those of you who think I’m insane for flying over to the Middle East with no agenda and no plans but to grow as a person and learn to communicate with others not so different from us, I have this to say to you: don’t worry about a thing. I’m not scared–I’m optimistic and excited and ready to explore the world.
(That was for my family. And Kelsey.)
So my email address is listed below, along with my Skype name (we can video chat!) and my Social Security # (just kidding). I’m hoping I’ll hear from just about all of you.
Ok. I’ve talked your ears off. I hope all of you are well, and I’ll talk to you soon.
Shalom homies,
m
PS– I’ve attached a map of Israel. I’m staying in Hertzelia the first 2 weeks, then Ra’ananna on out. This map will probably offend some people… but this is a blog. It’s supposed to be mildly offensive.
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Matthew Heins
heins@usc.edu
Skype: thenumber1dude
