Today was a sad day. I've been feeling ill the past couple of days, so I woke up fairly groggy this morning. I checked my inbox to find an email from Kevin, who I've been keeping in close contact with. He told me a man named Tim Moran, who I've known for years through the YMCA, passed away due to a heart attack. He has two kids, Dylan and Izzy, who I've watched grow up over the years. He was warm, friendly, and a wonderful father. It's hard to shake this feeling I have; I really want to talk to Susan but it's hard with the time difference. I wish I could be with everyone at the Y.
About a half hour ago, two of my roommates, Jordan Samo and Scott Sterling, left to go to South Africa for a special program called Olami. Jeremy also left to go to Poland on a trip called Kuma. Tomorrow is the last day at the apartments, and we have to be out by 6 pm, and half of our apartment is already gone. When Samo and Scott left, it was a huge wake up. Samo is one of my favorite people there is; he reminds me of my friends back home. I would describe Scott in word as outrageous (probably because that's the word he'd use). Combined they made a helluva tandem and amazing roommates. I can't imagine having not lived with them. When they left, Gil and I shared a sorrowful walk to the 24, reminiscing on how much fun we had in the past three months. Today was a sad day.

This past week has been uneventful. Everybody in the hostel has been winding down and ready to live; all the apartment people have been partying and don't want to leave. Last week on monday it was my sister's birthday, which really made me miss her. I wanted to be with her, and I only spoke with her for a brief moment. I stuck around over the weekend because it was our last one here. I hung out with the apartment, watched movies and sat around. There was a end of the section party last night, but I was sick so I only hung around for a little bit. Everyone for Kuma left Sunday night, so the Hostel has been quieter. This weekend I'm traveling to Eilat, Israel's southermost city, which is known for it's beaches and always being sunny.

I'm going out to dinner now with Gil and Mike, and afterwards Gil and I are going to the Western wall to say a prayer for Tim's family.
Until next time