Decision Time

In October, we said that we wanted to make a final decision by February about our plans for next year and we've managed to accomplish that goal. It was a really difficult decision and we went back and forth many times trying to decide what was best for all of us. At times we really thought that we'd make our move permanent. I even spoke to my boss about the possibility and she was very receptive to the idea but I'd have to join IBM Israel, with the accompanying salary. The first six months that we've been here have been great as we've tried to document on the blog. In a lot of ways this was far better than we thought it would be. There were some difficult times which we tried not to dwell too much on in the blog but overall this has been an excellent year so far. It's been great spending so much time with all of our family here especially with Bubbie. The kids have adjusted really well and have learned lots of Hebrew. Rivka wants to stay and even Zvi said he's willing to stay.

So then why did we decide to go back to Baltimore? I think that when we're here I just feel more tense and uptight all the time. I'm not blaming the country or the people here or anything else besides me. I just feel like I need to go back "home" to relax for a little while. Shira feels that she is not quite ready to make the move and would like some time to regroup and be more prepared. Things are just easier there in general and for us in specific since we own a house and two cars there. Here we'd have to find a house and buy a car (our car has to go back to Cypress at the end of the year) and deal with all of those headaches. I know it sounds like we're just making the lazy decision and in some ways I suppose that's what we're doing but I think that ultimately it's what is best for the entire family. Josh V. predicted before we came that we'd come for a year and then go back to Baltimore for a year or so and then make aliya. There's a chance that he's going to be proven correct but I'm not ready to put odds on it right now.