I have visited over 45 states in the United States. Our country has so much to offer: the Freedom Trail, Civil War history, beaches, mountains, oceans, the plains, canyons, and deserts.

Each visit to foreign soil left a unique imprint on my heart. However, the Holy Land holds a special place in my soul. Having visited twice, the experiences there are etched in my memory forever.

During my first visit, the moment I stepped off the plane at Ben Gurion International Airport --- 28 miles from Jerusalem and 20 miles from Tel Aviv --- I felt an overwhelming sense of history and spirituality. Walking through the ancient streets of the Old City, I marveled at the blend of cultures and religions. The Western Wall, with its profound significance, left me awestruck.

One of the most unforgettable moments was my visit to the Eremos, a cave along the Sea of Galilee where it is believed that Jesus went to pray---a serene place where he could collect his thoughts, and I did the same. The cave was near the Mount of Beatitudes, reflecting my contemplation.

My second visit to the Holy Land was equally transformative. This time I explored the serene shores of the Sea of Galilee, where the tranquility of the water mirrored the calm within me. Visiting Capernaum, the town where Jesus is said to have performed many miracles, was a humbling experience. The ancient ruins whispered stories of a time long past, and I could almost hear the echoes of history in the air.

My trips to northwest Germany allowed me to visit many of the towns where my ancestors lived, dating back to the 1600s. These towns are rich with wonderful stories of their lives and experiences. However, my favorite stories are those of the ancestors who traveled to America in search of better lives.