Dear Yad B’Yad,

Today our first stop was the Hoover Dam. We took a tour and got to go deep beneath the ground surface to learn about the engineering marvel that helps millions of people get electricity and water. In order to get there and eventually go to the Grand Canyon, we had long bus rides filled with fun. On Bus 1, we had a Poetry Slam where participants and staff members had a chance to express their true feelings about the Hoover Dam and YBY as a whole. The results were hilarious and helped begin the day with big smiles. Later on in the day we played a memory game led by Joyce, called “One Hen”. All who tried failed until Yisrael came and got all of them with ease. Eventually we made our way to the incredible wonder that is the Grand Canyon. There we said Mincha while standing in front of an incredible creation of Hashem. After that, Ron gave a little talk about the importance of looking up and experiencing the moments around us and appreciating them, and the impact that one small gesture can have. We all just took a few minutes to take in the unimaginable beauty that Hashem put on this earth for us. We remembered to thank Him with a bracha like Tamar Nissel told us in the morning. After a great dinner of Mac n’ Cheese (because of the 9 days), we boarded the busses once more. We are on our way to a hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, where we will spend the night. As we look around the bus, we see more friendships being made. We are so grateful for all this time we get to spend with all of you.

Yael Frank and Dina Sheva Waldman