Shalom, I am a traveling lawn gnome

Gnomes have been around for hundreds of years, and just recently (well, within the last 70 years give or take a few) we have been confined to watching gardens. Little do most people know, but Gnomes crave traveling and seeing beyond the edges of a well groomed suburban lawn. The first traveling Gnome was documented in the 80's. Before taking off to see the world the Gnome left this letter behind, "Dear mum, couldn't stand the solitude any longer. Gone off to see the world. Don't be worried, I'll be back soon. Love Bilbo xxx." I want to be like Bilbo.

Laurel and I have similar traveling desires and we will be taking off for Israel on the 31. WUJS Arad, now relocated to Jerusalem, will be our home for the 6 month duration of our trip. Laurel told me she is only a little nervous to go because she doesn't know anyone. I am not worried about myself because no one ever talks to me anyways. I think she is crazy if all she is nervous about is not knowing anyone, she doesn't even know Hebrew! I guess that is a huge reason she is going on the Land, Language, and Society track of the WUJS program. According to my WUJS website research, "participants have a full-term of the Hebrew immersion course (ulpan), a choice of 10 or more elective courses in Israel and Jewish studies, the opportunity to engage in our volunteer program, and full access to the resources and services offered by the Institute."

If you are still reading this, it means you might know Laurel. It also means you might be interested in what she (and I) will be doing whilst we are in the Holy Land. As this is my blog, not hers, I will make sure to keep you well informed on everything we do together as well as any explorations we might do alone. Here are our stats:

name: Laurel name: Mosha (Mo for short)

age: 22 age: 99

height: 5" 9 height: under 12"

species: Human species: Gnome

loves to: wake up early & run loves to: sleep in late

don't talk to if: she hasn't had breakfast don't talk to if: I am up before 7am

favorite... favorite...

holiday: Halloween holiday: Canadian Thanksgiving

book: Atlas Shrugged book: The Tao of Pooh

drink: Earl Gray Tea drink: Hi-C Orange Drink

past travels: London past travels: I made it to London Rd

food: anything w/veggies & hummus food: anything w/out veggies

As you can see, we are basically the same and should have no problem traveling throughout Israel together. If you didn't pick up that sarcasm, it was my attempt at a joke. We decided that our differences will only enhance our experience, and we will compromise so each of us gets to do what we like best. Laurel will go for hikes, and I will be more then welcome to tag along if she carries me (her legs are a lot longer, and it is hard to keep up). She even told me that she would be willing to get Shawarma, the mouth-watering shaved lamb, goat, or chicken sandwiches that I am just dying to try. I have the feeling that she is just as excited about it as I, only not letting on so as to make it seem she is doing something I want. Very sneaky.

Only 14 days until take-off, and we have a lot to do. Laurel just got back from Herzl Camp and was been completely stressing out beyond her normally high stress level. I'm just trying to stay close enough to her eye level (currently that is a shelf by her bed) so she doesn't forget me.

-Mo the Shalom Gnome