How glad I am that I didn't listen to the naysayers and was actually able to participate in Sar-El for two weeks in December! I consider myself a "Christian Zionist", and have had an intense interest in the Land of Israel as long as I can remember. When even though I am 66 years old, I was accepted into the program. The camaraderie I experienced with the mix of professionals, intellectuals, and "just plain folks" is something I will never forget. Most of the soldiers are all about the age of my oldest grandchildren, and my heart just went out to these brave young people. Our madrichot were wonderfully helpful and understanding of my physical limitations, but I was able to use my manual dexterity to advantage in the repair shop. We did a lot of laughing! I was impressed with the way our soldier hosts took their work so seriously, yet just let go and have fun when at leisure. We met soldiers who had made aliyah from all over the world to live in and support Israel. Avigail, Natalie, Baruch, Rosa, Carmit, Smadar, Israel, you are in my prayers. Thank you for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, that I hope to make more than once!

Carolyn Dow