I've Landed

I've finally landed in Tel Aviv, a day later and a bit thirstier than when I left LAX. My family, and my dog, are in the US, but I'm excited to meet a new academic family here in Israel. I wanted to begin this blog the right way, by thanking those who have made the trip it will chronicle possible. These people fall into three categories, Rotarians, my UCI academic family, and my biological family. First, thank you to Rotary International, District 5320, and my local clubs in Southern California and Tel Aviv for your sponsorship. Second, thank you to my committee, chair, and the Center for Citizen Peacebuilding including the Olive Tree Initiative for helping me get to this point; and thank you to my family, including Jared, Katherine, and my parents Natalie and Howard for helping me pack all my things into a tiny storage unit, providing constant encouragement, and for raising me to think globally and not be afraid to ask questions.