How time flies

So I figured it would be appropriate to write something in honor of my one year anniversary of making aliyah.

The time has flown by as it always seems to do in life, but this time its a bit different.

When i look back and think about things i have done over the past year its amazing. from making a home on the kibbutz to grinding out tough days in the army. I have done a lot of things i never thought i would do or could do or even knew existed in some cases.

I have moved to a new unit in the army and that has delayed my flight home. Its going to make the first eight months seem like they were the easiest thing in the world. I have doubts if I can really do this because its more demanding mentally and physically with added responsibility. But I know this is something I can do and talking to my family friends from back home on skype or facebook on the weekends helps me recharge my batteries and give me that little bit more of motivation you need on those tough days.

I feel like I want more people to know what i’m doing so I can help spread the word about lone soldiers and the Israeli Army in general. I feel like when I go back its not just gonna be an opportunity to see family and friends but to share my experience with everyone and anyone who is interested and/or has questions. I honestly think I have things to say and a perspective to offer to the jewish community in the twin cities. But I can sometimes be a bit modest so I dont really seek attention when maybe I am deserving. 

I just want this part of my life to worth more than just stories I tell my guy friends about the crazy hard things I did, the guns I shot, the vehicles rode in and so on. It will always be a special time for me but if I can turn it in to something greater and maybe use it to help others somehow that would be something truly great.

This year away from all the family and friends I grew up with has really opened up my eyes. It has caused me to want to reconnect with old friends and strengthen the bonds with the ones I have have. I still dont know how my story is going to unfold but I do know I am going to be the one who is going to write it.

I can’t wait to see everyone when I come back in October/Novemberish See you soon!

A little update...

I figured it might be time for new blog post. Its only been about 3 and a half months since my last one. I just finished Imun Mitkadem. Which means i have received all the required training to considered a combat soldier. I still have 4 more months with the same people and after that we will be split up as people go to courses and such. Honestly I thought the imun was going to be a bit more interesting. It did have some real cool moments for sure but also some frustrating ones. 

The most important thing is that i’m moving off of my base that was about 6 and a half hours away to a much much closer base at least for a few months. Also the equipment is going to be a  lot better now because its not just some training base.I’m looking forward to these next four months. We will be doing exercises and stuff while also some experience of what its like being an actual combat soldier in the battalion.

I’m hoping to home sometime in August. This week I am going to ask for my vacation so we will see how that goes. I really do miss home. When I think of the people and places that I have waiting for me at home it makes me wonder why I ever left, but sacrifices had to be made in order to do what I wanted to do. In the hard moments mentally and physically I think my family and push through it because i know they are there with me.

Also anybody who reads this should know that i love to get mail. Letters, pictures, drawings whatever it all means more to me than you can imagine.

Love you all and see you all soon!

סוף טירונות רגילה!!!!!!!

Well its about time to write down some thoughts and feelings. At the moment I am on my “regila” basically a vacation you get from the army every 4 to 6 months. I finished “tironut” or basic training. Its a period I’m glad is over for lots of reasons but will always remember because of the people and the moments. So what does Jordan Ray Shaw have to say about the army? First of all I want to say its not easy to be a combat soldier and definitely not for everyone. The right to defend this country is not just given to you when you join the army you have to earn it. Weeks of barely enough sleep and over 20 mile marches are things that now are not foreign to me. Never in my life I thought I would shoot assault rifles, throw grenades or blow up plastic explosives but in the last few months I did all those things! It all sounds cool...mostly because it is cool but also scary at the same time. I have 3/4 months of advanced training and after that I will receive my warrior pin and basically be trained to do more things I never thought I would. I still dont know what I’m gonna do after my first year is over. I can maybe to this commanders course or medic or stay with the battalion wherever they are positioned. I figure after a year I will have a full taste of what there is to offer and will make a well informed decision.

One thing I do want to say is how great the feeling is to be in public in my uniform. When you are on the base for weeks at a time you are in a bubble and can forget what you are doing but it comes back clearly every bus ride home. Next time I come home it will be with my gun for the first time so now besides looking cool (if only haha) I have lots more responsibility which is exciting and once again scary at the same time. Sometimes at night on guard duty when I’m alone I’ll think how did this kid from South Minneapolis end up here doing guard duty on an Israeli military base not so far from the Egyptian border. I don’t search for an answer I just laugh because its crazy/amazing to think about. 

I don’t want to write so much because thats not my style and it would just be random ramblings. So to end this post I want to reflect and say that its now been more than half a year since I moved to Israel. I have been blessed with a great kibbutz, great garin (love you guys!), great host family, great friends in my unit, and other great new friends from all over. I just want to let everyone know I appreciate everything they do for me, have done and will do. I have learned to appreciate every little moment and thing as much as you can because our lives are fragile and short. The army has already put in perspective how amazing a life I have. My amazing family and friends back home...I love, miss, and think about you every day! No matter where I am in this world Minneapolis will always be home. 

PS. I think I decided what I want to do for my after army trip, at least part of it anyways