My time in Israel and at CityTree is coming to a close. I am writing today to honor my experience by sharing a bit about my time here. Please enjoy my words as I have enjoyed my time.

My first day at CityTree didn’t go so well. Nothing particular happened, however I was not sure it was the right place for me. To be fair, the tree was moving and the energy was that of change and some chaos. I left that day and decided I would not return. One month later, I woke up and realized that I had made a HUGE mistake. I was not sure why, but I knew I needed to return to CityTree and ask them to let me come back. Thankfully, Tami said yes and made me feel welcomed every day since.

My work at CityTree became multi-faceted: from working on the computer to the kitchen to cleaning. Though, I have to say my favorite part was working in the kitchen and learning from Tami. I got to unload vegetables, peel almonds, make crackers, wash dishes, breakdown produce, and make soap. I learned to use a dehydrator, food processer, blender, and understand how to save water in the kitchen and the bathroom. The kitchen at CityTree has become a magical place of refuge for my mind. I felt so blessed to be learning and helping out.

The other part of my internship is for the Green Map Initiative. Please don’t misunderstand – I liked this part too. But, I am hardcore foodie so working in the kitchen was a dream come true. Working on the Green Map project was very interesting and taught me a lot about fundraising, grants, and social businesses in Israel and aboard. Green Map is an amazing idea that CityTree is working to bring to Tel Aviv. Green Map Organization has created adaptable map-making processes, accessible tools and universal icons that allow local Green Map teams to identify and share information about the green living sites and natural, cultural and social resources in their communities. There are over 400 maps currently world-wide and CityTree is working to put Tel Aviv on the map. We are currently in the fundraising stage of this project so my work has mainly been to act as point of contact, learn about the process, connect with the Green Map organization, and contact potential funders. I will remain the main point of contact for this project and can be reached at laura@citytree.net if you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Tel Aviv Green Map project. For more information about Green Map itself, check out the website at www.greenmap.org.

I may be leaving the physical place of CityTree and Israel however I will be taking the spirit with me. I have learned a lot about myself, the environment, and the connection between the two.