It’s been a little over two weeks since GIVE 2014 came to a close, and most of us GIVE girls have returned home.We all started school and gotten back into our regular swing of things. Although, we might be distracted with work, school, or seeing our friends again, we are all still connected to Israel and the experiences we had there. I believe I speak for all the girls on GIVE when I say that this year is going to be different. Give has impacted my life so much, and I know this year, I’ll be more thankful for what I have, I’ll see the hand of Hashem in everything I do and in everything that happens to me, and most of all, and most importantly, I’ll continue growing in my Judaism and strive to make an impact on the world.
On GIVE we visited a special needs community, where the high functioning special needs adults put on a whole production for us, with singing, dancing, and music. This was the most incredible experience of my summer, because when they got up into that stage, they were so incredibly happy and full of joy, even though they have it so much worse than we do. The smile was never wiped from the faces of any of the special needs adults, and they were so much happier than we usually are. We complain, and groan about this or that, but these amazing adults and teenagers were just thankful they were alive, and would continuously sing to and thank Hashem for that. At the end of the production, the lead singer in the play stood up and gave us all a bracha. She told us to remember to always be happy and not let anything bring you down. That moment really put everything in perspective for me. It made me realize how much I’ve taken advantage of what I have, and how much I have to be thankful for. That woman taught me that no matter what, in any situation, you have to stay positive and trust in Hashem that everything will work out.
That is the main lesson I took away from GIVE. I’m sure other girls have different ones but that is mine, and since I have gotten home I have been trying to always remember that. So when I’m busy with a lot of school work (Junior year!!!) or when something might be bothering me and it seems like it’s the end of the world, I try and always remember that Hashem has my back, and I have to trust in Him and believe that everything will work out. It’s so important to stay positive and have faith in Hashem. This is one of hundreds of amazing things I learnt on GIVE. GIVE truly changed my life and changed me as a person, and I am so incredibly thankful for that. I cannot thank everybody enough who made it possible, and my incredible GIVE family will always be remembered and held closely to my heart. Thank you everyone and I love you all so much!