This spiritual path for which we have been led has brought us to Binghamton New York. We have been on this journey for 4 years now. Time has gone by so quickly. In the beginning I didn't think it would be this long but I know it has taken this long for many reasons. Each person converting to Judaism has a different story and each conversion takes a different length of time. Most of which probably takes less time than ours has. Since our story began in Arkansas and the Jewish community there is somewhat small we knew we would have to move in order to learn and live as observantly as we wanted and needed to.

So now that we have moved we are faced with a new challenge. We have found a Rabbi to do our conversion. This Rabbi is in Queens New York. He has agreed to do our conversion but he has certain conditions we must meet. First his conceren is with the community in which we live. He isnt familar with the Jewish community here so he is concerned with whether or not the community is strictly observant. We must find out some things about this community. If it is not strictly observant the Rabbi has advised that we move to Queens. I am not fond of the idea of having to move again, but I do understand his reasons.

Our Jewish friends in Brooklyn have helped us tremendously with all of this. If we must move again they have offered to help us with the move and finding a job there. It is so important to have support. And there friendship, supoort and willingness to help us amazes us. We will always greatly appreciate all that they have done for us. Our meeting we know was meant to be. Our friends and family do not fully understand our conversion and why everything is so important to us.

Now that we have moved we are one step closer to achieving the things we have been longing for. But still there are many things we must do.

First, since this has been such a roller coaster ride I have not studied in quite awhile. I have forgotten some things that I once learned and there are things I still need to learn.

Second, we have to think about the availability of Jewish schools to send the children to.

All these things can get a bit overwhelming and its difficult for many people to understand why we are choosing to go to these measures to become Jewish. Judasim isn't just a title for a religion. It is a way of daily life. Judaism consists of much more than religious beliefs and traditions and holiday celebrations.

The many laws within Judaism may seem mundane to many who do not understand the reasons for them. But the many laws are what make everything in life more beautiful, meaningful and appreciated.