Written by Carrie Bornstein

I remember the first time I ever drove by myself. As soon as I got my license, the deal
was that if I drove my father to the train station, I could use the car for the day. My alarm
went off early – 6:30, to be precise – plenty of time to leave the house by 6:38.

Carrie and Aliza

As we arrived to the platform, I kissed my father good-bye and he went off to wait for the train. I looked around behind me, verifying what I already knew was true: this was it. The big, somewhat scary, but completely exciting day had come: I was really driving.

Today marks my first day as Acting Executive Director for Mayyim Hayyim. Big Boss Lady, otherwise known as Aliza Kline, is beginning to enjoy her much-deserved, well-earned 10-month sabbatical in Israel.

We’ve prepared for this day for months. Meetings… strategic planning… getting files
in order… it has been a year of anticipation. Since last summer I’ve served as Assistant
Director, a “learner’s permit” of sorts.

Today I receive my license. And once again, it feels big. Maybe a little scary. But
completely exciting.

Of course, I’m not alone by any means. Mayyim Hayyim is blessed to have a staff and board of directors that is dedicated and talented beyond words. Our volunteer Mikveh Guides are like angels, who truly make this place run.

There will be bumps along the way. But thankfully, I have learned from the best, and this car has plenty of gas for the ride.

Fasten up. Here we go.

Carrie Bornstein is the Acting Executive Director at Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh and Education Center. She lives in Sharon, MA with her husband, Jamie, their children, Eliana and Dov, and a tank full of freshwater fish. Follow her on twitter @carolinering.