Eva was very quiet on the first day of the trip. She was planning on getting into New York a day or so early so that she could have some time to breathe before the long trip to Israel, but weather conditions around the country didn't allow for that. Eva barely made it to the airport with time to relax let alone get any sleep. It didn't help that she also wouldn't have her luggage for the first few days of the trip!
Needless to say, Eva wasn't the happiest of campers at the beginning.
That being said, she was still a trouper and I really enjoyed getting to know her. But it was while we were camping at the Bedouin tents that I was inspired by her.
Eva went to school for clarinet performance, but has been living in Chicago, working as a barista, and planning on going back to school to become a pharmacist. The only reason she was doing that was to feel like she could support herself - even though she really wanted to pursue music. Something that we learned about Eva is that she has a beautiful singing voice, but is shy about it, and so I was honored to hear her sing once she open up. (That's where the "diva" comes from. Not with the usual connotation, but as the singer. I also liked the alliteration.)
We were all gathered in our giant tent and talking about things that we've taken away from the trip so far and Eva made this poignant declaration -- she decided that even though she was supposed to start pharmacy school just days after getting back from Israel, she knows in her heart that it isn't what she wants to do. How inspiring! Late that night after most of the group went to bed, she and I had some quality time over the dying embers of our bonfire. After a good heart-to-heart, we "borrowed" some chocolate and marshmallows from a neighboring group to make pseudo s'mores, crawled into the Bedouin tent, and went to sleep!
Can't wait to see you when I visit Chicago, Eva! I'm so glad you've become a friend.
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