A comfortable bus picked us up for the two and a half hour drive to our base, which is in the Galilee. Base assignments are not known to volunteers until they are met at the airport. People are grouped together by language, for obvious reasons. A French speaking group arrived on the same day as us, and was sent to a different base. Our group is comprised of 12 men and 8 women, ranging from 17 to 76 years of age.

When we got to the base, we met our two madrihhot. The word translates roughly to leaders or guides; anyhow, they are soldiers who speak very good English, who will answer any questions we have, explain what we need to know, assign us our work, and provide security for us when we leave the base together as a group. Johanna, a 19 year old from Argentina, is about 4'11" and her M16 sub-machine gun almost drags the floor from its position draped over her shoulder. I have no doubt that she is well trained and ready to use the weapon should the need arise, despite her glorious smile and well groomed long hair.

20 year old Michal, the second madrihha is an attractive blond woman.

This is an "open base." That means the soldiers come in for duty 40 hours a week and commute from their homes. I'm kind of disappointed, as this will mean less interaction with the soldiers, but on the other hand, it means the accommodations are somewhat more comfortable and private. We are four to a room, in a building that feels kind of residential, rather than in a barracks. Men and women are in separate buildings, so the two couples who came on the volunteer program do not get to room together.

Sar-El, in the application and vetting process, repeats over and over that volunteers should expect uncomfortable accommodations, institutional food, and that we should bring our own pillows and towels. The beds are only about 30" wide, and 6' long, so larger people need to consider this. At any base there are separate bathrooms for men and women, but showers generally do not provide much privacy. I feel as if I'm in a crowded, basic college dorm, but anyhow, it's all nice and clean.

Check back in the next few days for the next installment.