Diller Teen Fellows Summer Seminar - Detroit

July 19th, 2007 - Returning from our noded ("wandering") in the desert

When most people think of Israel, they think of the bustling streets and golden walls of Jerusalem. Our first Israel experience, however, was something quite different. Out in the Negev, bustling streets give way to silent sands, and instead of golden bricks, there is the multi-colored natural rock of Machtesh Ramon.

This has been our setting for the past 3 days, where us Diller teens have been camping out for a genuine “desert experience.” We hiked most of each day including a sunrise hike to Mt. Ardon. The view was unbelievable, making us all forget, if even temporarily, the aches and pains of the trek. On the long way down, we hiked in silence. We learned to be aware of those around us, and how to give and receive help intuitively. Much of the trip involves these types of activities. Throughout, we learned to trust each other. Now I think it’s accurate to say that we were definitely “roughing it.” Many of us changed our clothes only once, if at all, which is quite an accomplishment considering the circumstances. We also made our own meals. It was, as one Diller teen said, “simplistic happiness.”

All in all, the Negev has been an amazing experience, full of both challenges and accomplishments. Even for those of us who have been to Israel before, this was something new and something to learn from. We look forward to the rest of our trip, but without a doubt, we know nothing will be quite like life in the desert.

- Grace Klein