In April of 2023, after a long (6-year) absence, my brother and I finally had the opportunity to make the trip to our homeland Israel. The reason for this particular trip was to go and visit my Safta, my grandmother, who we hadn’t gotten the opportunity to see in 3 years due to Covid. Flying to my mother country Israel is always a warm experience, filled with a sense of nostalgia and excitement. While the vast majority of my upbringing has been in North America (Calgary and St. Louis), going back to Israel has always given me a sense of coming home. Stepping off the plane, I’m immediately greeted by the warm comforts of the Mediterranean air and the faint background dialogue of my native tongue Hebrew. The language, the culture, the food, the weather, it all culminates and brings back so many memories of my many visits from the past. The thought of finally seeing my Safta in person again brings a smile to my face. The warm hugs, the delicious aromas of her traditional dishes, and the endless stories she shares make me feel surrounded by love and cherished memories. I truly feel connected to my roots and grateful for the opportunity to visit her and my homeland.