I am not sure how to describe the last 24 hours. Perhaps, stressful, speechless, painful, wonderful and beautiful. Intregaured, carry on reading.
Let’s start with Stressful. After arriving in Tel Aviv, as expected I was sent to the ‘naughty corner’ to partake in the waiting game. Of the 26 people on the flight, 6 were in the corner with Tina the director of fundraising who had her entry permit but stayed with us. We each were asked for some basic details and asked to sit down… To cut a long story short, I was the last one and after 6 hours, I was given my passport and entry permit. I was extremely relieved as I have been looking forward to the cycling trip for a long time and I had pledged to all my wonderful donors that I would do the journey.
I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to Tina for staying with me until the end. She was busy keeping an eye on the group on WhatsApp, planning her emergency meetings due to the Gaza conflict and making sure we were all OK.
Speechless. I entered the luggage area and my ‘naughty corner’ mates brimmed with a massive smile when they saw me. They were over the moon that I was with them. If that didn’t make me feel welcomed, loved and cared for, I boarded the bus to a big cheer and smiles wherever I looked. One by one, each of the group came to speak to me and wanted to make sure I was OK. I was speechless at times and in awe in how much people cared. I kept them all waiting for 6 hours, yet they were so concerned about me and gave me a heroes welcome.
Painful. Enroute to Jenin, I developed quite a severe migraine. I think a long day, lack of sleep (yes even I need sleep) and severe lack of food made me suffer. The pain got worse as the journey continued and the hilly routes enroute to Jenin didn’t help and I started to feel nauseous. I wasn’t in a great state but I kept reflecting on the fact that I’m in Palestine and a few hours ago, things were looking bleak. I tried to go to sleep on the coach with moderate success.
Wonderful. We arrived at the hotel in Jenin much to my relief. The first thing to address was food! We were met my some amazing Palestinians who layed out a beautiful spread and with each morsel of food, the pain subsided. I felt alive again, the pain almost squashed and my belly satiated. I listened to Alice, the team lead and Mohanned, the Palestinian tour group lead,discuss plans for the next day. Thankfully we had a slightly later start than the itinerary had suggested.
I headed to reception to collect my keys. After a short delay I went to my room on the fourth floor and unpacked my bag and tried my best to organise what I needed now and tomorrow. I have made wudu (ablation) and prayed, thanking God for allowing me to enter the blessed lands of Palestine.
I retired to bed, tired, relieved, happy and secretly excited about the next day. Why wouldn’t I be, I was in beautiful Palestine
Beautiful. Well of course, Palestine ❤
