Oh man - so much has happened since my last blog! Partly my fault, since it has been ages since I've blogged, but also largely due to the fact that I am a busy girl!

Since my last entry, I have been in Scotland, England and Ireland...all within the span of 6 days. I also got to spend a bit of time in Leeds and have been back and forth between London for meetings and the introduction to Lead Now at the UJIA.

So as to not confuse you (or me, for that matter), I will go chronologically...

October 16-18, I made my way up to Paisley, near Glasgow, for the Northern Region Weekend. En route, I had some good laughs at different station names and had trouble understanding accents. On the train, I also made friends with Jack and Ben, aged 3 and 6, from Dundee.They had a great time colouring all over my notes in highlighter and asking me about my boyfriend. They also had fun with my BlackBerry. Once I got to Glasgow, I had to change to a smaller commuter train to get to Giffnock, to meet the UJC Rabbi, Garry Wayland. On my way to Giffnock, I passed a station called 'Crossmyloof.' Laughter ensued. 

Northern Region Weekend was group of students, mostly from Scottish universities. We stayed at a lodge and it was really cold...the food also went off on Saturday morning, as the fridges and kitchen appliances had blown a fuse overnight. Despite these hiccoughs, it was an amazing weekend getting to know students, playing fun games, spending time together and just chilling! We also played a great game of Jewish Articulate, courtesy of Michael Rainsbury from B'nai Akiva.

Sunday morning, I flew down to London and spent the day with Emma and her family. They have become one of my adopted families here, the other being my boyfriend's...makes it easier being away from home having surrogate parents and siblings :).

Monday the 19th, most of the UJS tzevet spent the day at the UJIA for the introduction to their new movement worker/UJS tzevet professional and personal development program, Lead Now. I will be doing an internship with their help this year, as well as 4 sessions on various topics such as Social Action and International Development.

October 20-22 was spent in Dublin, Ireland. Richard and I headed over to meet Jewish students and to offer them the same opportunties that students in the UK have, such as online resources, trips to Israel and Shabbat Dinner funding. We had a great time, met with 3 universities' chaplains and met some Jewish students as well! All in all a successful trip, and I am hoping for an opportunity to go back :)

After Dublin, I had the Juefa Cup to look forward to in Birmingham. The UJS Tzevet girls' team, the Pretty Committee, swept the women's division and took home a trophy. We even made it into the JC! It was a great day of football (soccer, for my fellow Canadians) with Jews from around the country.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Devlopment Team's Shabbat UK booklet, delivered to your door before Friday, November 20th, with a complete Friday night meal for just £1.

Since Juefa, I have had a couple of visits down to London, some work and meetings in Leeds and a bad cough thrown in for good measure. I spent this past weekend sick in bed with a fever, so I'm trying to get back on my feet! I blame it on the different UK germs...

Things I am looking forward to:
Visiting my universities again
X-Factor
Shabbat UK
The official opening of Leeds Hillel Student Centre
UJS Chair Election Roadshow
Going HOME! Seeing my parents and sister on December 8th

Until next time, faithful readers...
Elana x