Thanksgiving in Jordan

Thanksgiving was spent on the following, thrilling activities: reading, exercising, shopping for food, cleaning, and welcoming guests. I will articulate what each entailed in utterly captivating detail.

Reading: I recently received, from my sister, an electronic reader. It is a nifty little toy than contains all the books my heart could desire. I have quickly put it to use, and enjoy its convenience. Still, it was a bit disappointing that customs put an egregious tax on the package, approximately equaling three-fourths the value of the item itself. Such is life...

Exercising: I have concocted a rather unique aerobic workout, which takes place in the 5ftx5ft open space in my room. It is a seamless unification of many techniques, including (though not limited to) the following: kick-boxing, tae-bo, yoga, interpretive dance, running in place, jumping and jumping jacks (flailing arms included), static muscle flexing (I don't know if that is really a term), and push-ups (if there is time). It is a simple combination of awesome wrapped in mind-numbing intensity baked in creativity. Yes, I think that accurately describes it.

Shopping: Food is something towards which I lack proper sense of necessity. I can go without food for weeks, maybe even years (I am pretty sure). But, when placed in the heart of a convenience store (which, in Jordan, only involves stepping through the door), I quickly become victim to poor judgment. Upon this day, though, I triumphantly conquered. I bought food for the next two days for only 2.35 JD. Bread, hoummus, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and two grapefruit. Incidentally, I recognize that, while tempting to use, "grapefruits" is not an acceptable plural. Regardless, the grapefruit was exceptional, perhaps the best I have ever had. Or, maybe it just seems that way because of my context and extensive deprivation. Still, it was delectable.

Cleaning: The bathroom in my flat had progressed from the "disgusting and in disrepair" category to the "stifling putrescence" stage. This isn't to say that efforts hadn't been made to make it better, but thusfar, my efforts had been largely unsuccessful, and almost entirely disheartening. So, in addition to my food shopping, I stocked up on cleaning ammunition. No-nonsense sponge, 2 metal scouring pads, and a 30 oz. bottle of industrial strength cleaner (clearly marked with warnings, likely illegal in the U.S.). This was war. For 2 hours, the battle was waged, hands burning from chemicals, metal shavings working their way through the epidermis, porcelain spitting forth the most unsavory of insults. When I had finally put up the white flag, downtrodden and humbled, a rinsing revealed my foe to have retreated in a fog of orange and brown. Behold, before my eyes, a tub of white stood, a welcome ally. Casualties would not be suffered on this day, and my injuries would heal with time. Below are the results.


















Guests: As I was finishing up my cleaning, I got a knock on my door. Outside were 2 unfamiliar faces, a young man from Switzerland and a young woman from the U.S. Couldn't have been much older than me. They were on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the young man started in Switzerland and was joined by his companion in Istanbul, and had walked the entire distance to Salt. (Side note: The young woman had gone to Lancaster Mennonite High School, and when she found out I was working for MCC, it was a "wow moment".) I conversed with them for a time, offered to share some sweets, listened to their story, and just had a relaxing time talking with some really interesting people. I was fascinated by their commitment, they were intrigued by my work. And, they used my newly cleaned shower. The first people to do so, and I felt honored.

Thanksgiving was great. It wasn't about having family to share it with, or turkey, or recognizing what I have been blessed with (still worth doing everyday, not just one day a year), or pie, or even familiarity. It was focused on where I am, whoever happens to be here with me, and the incredible service opportunity that I have been given. There is thankfulness in being blessed by the things that you missed, without feeling like you really missed out. I am here, you are there, and as long as we're doing what we're supposed to, nobody has to miss anything. Keep doing what you're doing, and glorify the God through whom you do it. I'll try to do the same. Peace.

Visit From the King

To begin, you may view the two-week aftermath of the bite of Haazim.


In all his splendor, King Abdullah II made his way to the Holy Land Institute this past week. It was quite a spectacle. I wasn't completely excited, but the overflowing enthusiasm from the students did spill over a bit.

I won't go into detail of his caravan of SUV's, or of the extensive personnel that were sent to the school for security purposes. He came quickly, and he left quickly, and we were thankful that he made the time to do so.

It was, however, quite fun to see the excitement of the students as they waited for his arrival. It was even more fun to take pictures of the king as he shook the hands of staff and children alike. And it was the best when he gave a traditional Arabic greeting to Mohammed, which I actually got a picture of.

Really, though, I was reminded that I am more fond of my deaf-blind children than I am of any celebrity. The blessing of smile from them far outweighs the "honor" of shaking the hand of a king. And I am honored to work with these children. Still, I will give you a picture of the king, as well as a picture of me with one of my favorite students. But, teachers don't have favorites, and all my students are my favorite, but she is just my utmost favorite. Peace.

Three Months

Tomorrow I will hit the three-month mark, a milestone that will continually expand the record for most time consecutively spent away from Kansas. This are still going eerily well, and I will not seek out any opportunities to ruin that.

In the past few weeks, I have had some exciting moments. One of my students bit my hand, leaving what will hopefully become a delightful scar (an unplanned memento, but still one I will relish once the healing process is completed). A pitiful attempt at navigating Amman by foot, in which I walked for over an hour away from my intended destination. A pancake brunch with some of the other volunteers. Two straight days of rain, in amounts greater than what most residents can recall having consecutively. Weather becoming hot, then cold, then perfect (as in sunny, mild, and comfortable). Seeing Muhammed become ecstatic at the appearance of the mysterious water that issues forth from the sky. Things are good.

In a recent meeting with the MCC reps in Amman, I had a chance to actually evaluate how things are going. This is something that I do daily, but it isn't often that I express my perspective with more than a few signs, or some simplified English. Yet, the chance to do so made me realize that even the things I classify as challenges are some of the things I enjoy the most. When forced to analyze and characterize my experience, it seems that only good things come to mind. It is slightly taxing to have to produce a list of negatives.

While this is more than premature, this experience has unexpectedly illicited a bit of indulgent entertaining of ideas relating to continued work in Jordan. I wouldn't say that I am seriously considering extending my term with MCC, and as of now the possibility of simply finishing my SALT term and returning to the U.S. would be far more likely. Still, it is notable that I am considering a possibility of considering the opportunity to stay. But, considering beginning a consideration is far detached from having dipped into the consideration itself, so don't jump to conclusions.

I suppose that the message that I hope to convey is simply this: I enjoy my life. I wouldn't say I am adequately adapted to this culture, or qualified for my job, or even settled in. It doesn't prevent me from loving the work I do, nor does it so engulf my being that I forget about the people I love back in the U.S. And while my existence seems so far removed from your daily life, I assure you that a connection is maintained. You are in my thoughts and prayers, not forgotten. We are separate, but not apart. And in that sense, a part of this experience is yours as well. It has been enjoyable so far, and I hope you feel a bit of that, if only through me. Peace.