i am currently sitting in the airport waiting ot board my flight to JFK.  Gate D8.  I take off at 1 am israel time, landing 1 pm israel time.  that is 6 am u.s. time.  I was not planning on going home during my 9 months in israel, but my grandpa passed away yesterday.  the funeral is at 2 p.m in poughkeepsie.  I will be home for 2-3 weeks.