Living a Lesson

It’s amazing how time flies once you get into a routine, even in a foreign country.  It’s hard to believe that we have already been here for over 4 months.  It’s even harder to believe that December is almost over!  First, the weather is so warm that it still feels like October.  Second, no terrible seasonal music, annoying commercials, noisy bell ringers, or awkward greetings that come along with Christmas.

In another way, however, it seems like we’ve been here longer.  With all the people we’ve met, places we’ve been, and events we’ve attended, it’s hard to believe it could all be crammed into four months.

In honor of our time here, and seeing that we are nearing the half-way point, here are some of the personal benefits this opportunity has already given us:

·  To more fully relate to the people and places in the Biblical narrative, walking where they walked, seeing things they saw, etc.

·  To feel more connected with the work of God, living His way of life as an example for the world

·  To feel more connected with the people of the world as God’s children, knowing that we are all created in His image, having the same incredible potential

·  To more fully understand the concept of living as pilgrims in this world, realizing that our true home is nowhere in the cultures of this present age

·  To better deal with different personalities, standards, and expectations, knowing that our problems, like us, aren’t going anywhere soon

·  To better appreciate the challenges faced by the small groups of believers scattered across the world

·  To better understand the cultures and traditions of the world, looking toward our future roles as kings and priests of God, guiding and healing all men

·  To better understand the pressing need for the Kingdom to come, both on a global and personal scale

·  To more fully envision the amazing changes that will take place in the Kingdom through the healing of the earth and its people

We look forward to the remainder of our time here, knowing that we will learn these lessons more deeply, and hopefully have others to add to the list.

Thanks for all the love and support from back home,

Darren and Amber

Costumes, Community Service, Cakes and Candles, and Confusion

This has been a very rewarding trip so far and I can't believe how blessed I am to be doing something so fun and inspiring and then being able to inspire in return.  I have been very busy at ABS but I am not complaining because it was so much fun and fulfilling.  Here is what I have been up to recently...

"Costumes"

A few weeks ago was the Theater Production of "The Wave". It is based on a movie called "Die Welle(German) which was based on a real life occurrence at an American college. I am very proud of the students because they worked so hard over a three month period to do 2 school performances and 2 public performances in their school theater.

Both Stella and I heard about the play not to long after school started and offered to help. We began by attending auditions and giving our input on who should be cast and as what characters. There were a few girls that sang when auditioning and I found out that there would be a song in the play and was quickly volunteered by the director to help in this area.

The cast was chosen along with the backstage crew, a props team, makeup girls, and a stage

fighting group for a "gang fight" in the play. The weeks went by and so did rehearsal after rehearsal. At least 4 a week for 3 months.

I was able to see a group of scraggly kids slowly progress into actors with characters who worked together as a team to memorize their lines and put together a play to remember.

The play is about a teacher who for "project week" at school unknowingly gets autocracy.

He was hoping for anarchy along with the students but has to change his plans.

He discusses what autocracy is with his students and they insist that it is not necessary to discuss the subject because an autocracy would never happen again in Europe. The teacher sets out to prove them wrong. He tells them that sometimes 

characteristics found in an autocratic government aren't wrong but beneficial.

He starts with making them call him by his last name and be more formal. He also has them straighten the desks and stand when speaking.

The students soon choose to all wear white and they then stick together to help a school reject when he is bullied and they only help because he is a part of their class project. They also choose a name for there group("The Wave") and a logo. Soon the students are behaving with a power hungry sort of pride which is fed to them by the teacher who is also unaware of his behavior.  The students graffiti their logo all over town and refuse students to parties if not wearing a white shirt or if they are not a part of "The Wave".  Little did the teacher know that he and the students were becoming power hungry and getting out of control.  The school reject spray painted their logo on the town clocktower and is the one being effected the most by "The Wave".  Being the school reject made him depressed but now having "friends" he feels a part of something and is one of the most loyal members. 

 Several students refused to conform to "The Wave" and they are ridiculed for it.  One of the members of " The Wave" is dating a girl who refuses to join and he ends up getting so fired up and aggressive because of this group that he hits his girlfriend across the face later to realize what he has done and that it is "The Wave"'s fault. His girlfriend and another 

student write an article in the school newspaper about "The Wave" and try to spread it around at a party which soon breaks out in a huge fight that including a Neo Nazi gang. The teacher holds a school assembly for only "The Wave" participants and the boyfriend voices his concerns after hitting his girlfriend and his realization as to what "The Wave" has done to him and that everyone has turned into the same thing.

The teacher soon realizes what he has done and apologizes to the class.

All of the class is confused. The teacher explains that indeed an autocracy could happen again and it did. He tells them "The Wave" is over and the students argue insisting that they can make things work and stay together.  Finally the school reject(end: read at your own risk. lol Don't read if you wanna watch the movie.) pulls out a gun and insists that "The Wave" go on. A student approaches him and then he shoots the student.

The teacher then talks him into lowering his gun but all of a sudden his turns the gun on himself and commits suicide.

THE END.

It was such a powerful play. The students really got into their roles and the audience couldn't help but get caught up and at times felt a part of the play. I am so proud of them for all that they have done. I am blessed to have been able to help with such an amazing part of the school and I am privileged to have gotten to know the students on a more personal level. At the end of the performance they gave Stella and myself flowers for helping out. It was so sweet of them and I was caught off guard. I hope to help out with the younger kids' play next semester.

"Community Service"

After the drama week was over I had the opportunity to accompany some 9th graders to do some community service for a school in a poor area. I am not going to go into much detail because you can read about it in the United News...I am not a writer but I wrote an article!!!! :-P  Its called "A Physical and Spiritual Stamp Through Inspiration".  (At least I think thats what it will be called.) 

The students painted the school and an artist started painting some pictures and I was able to help.  The students had fun making a mess on themselves with the paint and managed to make some of it on the walls. haha. The principal also came and the students were so determined to get paint all over him but he was more determined to not get it on himself.

"Candles and Cakes"

I ended that week with my birthday!!!! Friday night all four of us volunteers ate together and Amber made me a cake!!! :-P Stella and I set out to head to our friend Ghada's house who made me cheesecake!!!!  It had one small candle on it and Ghada sang me happy b-day in Arabic. :-P We hung out with her and drank tea while chatting. It is also fun to be around her.

She then told us of a Sushi place to go eat at because I had been craving Sushi. She dropped us off and we met up with another friend of ours. It was a Chinese and Indian restaurant so I had Indian food and Sushi. YUM! Our friend took us home and presented me with yet another cheesecake...I am pretty sure I gained some weight. haha. He had these really cool candles that were pretty much fireworks!!! They were saweet! I received many "Happy B-day"s on facebook from friends here and from home.

"Confusion"

We were told by different people that there would be snow Monday...then some people said there would be no snow. So Monday morning comes around and I got a text message at 4am saying that the school would not open until 10 because of SNOW! Yes it had snowed! I looked on my window ledge and there was almost 3 inches. Then I went back to bed. haha. Then I received another text at 7ish saying that the school would not open until 10 because of snow...I was a little upset because I was sleeping and I already knew that! haha. Then at 8ish I received another text saying that school was closed the whole day...I was happy again and slept some more. haha.

Wednesday night I was in the shower and had one leg shaved...then our power went out! :-/ I wrapped myself in a towel and headed out to find my flashlight. Stella, having also just got in the shower, was also in a towel and we both tried to find out why the power went out. I'm sure we looked pretty goofy running around our apartments in the dark in towels. Haha. We both got dressed and found out that only our apartment lost power. I finally found my flashlight and checked the breakers...nothing out of the ordinary. Our neighbor had the building door man/maintenance man check the power switches in the basement and the power came back on. I finished my shower and Stella decided to wait till the morn to finish hers. haha.

Stella and I have this upcoming week off from work but the following week we will be traveling to Switzerland for a school ski/snowboard trip!!!!!! Keep a look out for snow and crash stories from the land of cheese and chocolate.

I miss and love everyone!!!!

~Amanda

A Day in the Life...

We have been here in Jordan for about 4 months now, and now that we have our routine down, we thought we would share it with you.  Here’s a run-down of our average day at the YMWA:

5:30am -  Our alarm goes off for the first time and, depending on how tired we are, we hit snooze 2 or 3 times.  We finally get up and ready, and we are out the door by 6:20am.

6:25am -  The bus arrives at our building, except when it’s late (which is often).  Then begins our 1 ½ hour bus ride to work.  After our stop, we wind through west Amman, picking up about 25 students and 10 teachers.  When we are almost finished with the route, some of the teachers get off the bus and pick up falafel sandwiches for breakfast (including us most days).  We arrive at our final destination around 7:55am.

8:00am -  School begins!  Amber heads to the art class in the school section, and Darren heads to the woodshop in the vocational section.

Amber’s day -  After arriving, I head straight to the art room in the school section, where I lay out the materials for the first class.  We have done so many projects!  Here are a few: drawing, finger painting, egg carton creations, paper mosaics, play dough sculptures, and using dirt/sawdust/leaves to make textured pictures.  Which children come to art class depends on the time and day of the week – each day we get a different grade level from the school section or the preschool section, six grades in all.  From 8:20 to 10:00, I have three different groups of children (in 30 minute classes), all from the same grade.  From 10:00 to 11:00 is my lunch break.  Three days a week, I have recess duty, so from 11:00 to 11:20 I keep an eye on the kids while they play.  From 11:25 to 12:50, two more groups come in for art class.  The days go by fast when you have so many different groups of kids coming in.  

Darren’s day -  My typical morning starts off in the shop office, eating a bit of bread and falafel and having a glass or two of tea with the guys.  After we’re finished, we split up to get at our individual work.  So far, I’ve worked on wooden toddler toys, cooking utensils, weaving looms, and tea server sets.  Projects I have not worked on include chairs, tables, picture frames, cutting boards, and more children’s toys. In the shop class, there are about 10 students (all boys) who help out where they can: carrying and stacking, sanding and clamping, assisting with machinery… anything that’s not complicated or dangerous.  At about 11:00, everyone finishes what they’re doing, gets cleaned up, and heads to the cafeteria for “breakfast.”  For the students it may be breakfast, but for me it’s lunch.  The meal period is pretty short, about 15 or 20 minutes, and then we head back to the shop.  School is over at 1:00, so the rest of the day goes by pretty quickly.

This is pretty much our routine, Sunday through Thursday, with the following exceptions:  On Tuesdays we have our Group 1 English class, which consists of 6 of the vocational students who have some knowledge of English, but not much.  On Wednesday, Darren takes Group 2 English class, which is 3 of the more advanced students.  Amber goes with the school section, on that day, to the city sports complex, where she instructs a few students in tennis.  Thursdays are also slightly different, in that the vocational students get an hour of free time after lunch, and everybody gets off at about noon.

We love the staff that we work with and enjoy our jobs, but what really makes the difference is the students: they are always there, smiling and laughing, even though they have no idea what we are talking about.  When we come in, they are always happy to see us and ready to great us with whatever English they know.  Several of them ask about past volunteers (Lena, Emily, Kelly, and Jamie) daily. We know that when we leave the school, we will leave behind an imprint on the student’s lives, and next year they will ask where we are, too.

~Amber and Darren Henke

Staying Focused

The H-Team has been in Amman for almost 4 months now, and I am throughly enjoying my time here. Serving at the Amman Baccalaureate School has opened the door to many wonderful opportunities. I am working with the Finance Department and assisting the Vice Principal; I have also been coaching volleyball and helping with the drama production. As of Friday, the 3rd of December I coached my last volleyball game, and the drama production was completed. 

Amanda, Janeann (Drama
Head), & Stella

I now find myself thinking about what I have learned from working with the drama students for 3 months and coaching eight 7th and 8th grade girls. Many things come to mind, but one in particular, staying focused. Over the months of coaching volleyball I would tell the girls to stay focused on the game, on the ball, or playing as a team and together we would say "3, 2, 1, focus". During drama rehearsals I would tell the students they needed to focus on their part, and pay attention to what was going on, on stage.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to coach volleyball and help with the drama production. 

Girls Volleyball Team @ Tournament

Where does that leave me? I'm now asking the questions, am I focused? Am I staying focused on the reasons I came here and the job I came to do? Am I staying focused on the goals set for this project? I have had so many amazing experiences since I've been here; seeing Jordan, visiting Beirut, making new friends, learning about the culture, working with the students, and the list goes on. There have also been some tests and trials along the way, but I tell myself God never gives you something you can't handle, stay focused. Remember why I am  hear and stay focused on the goal. 


Until Next Time 
~ Stella

Thanksgiving in Jordan

Part 1: The land of no gourds

Getting ready for Thanksgiving was quite the ordeal!  In one week, we visited every shop that carries imported American foods in Amman (some of them more than once), and still weren’t able to find everything we were looking for.

For the meal, we split up the dishes, so everyone was able to contribute.  Darren was in charge of the turkey.  Stella had stuffing and sweet potatoes.  Amanda had mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, for which she had a hard time finding the crunchy little fried onions that go on top.  A friend of hers went to several stores to look for her (to no avail), but she finally found them the night before Thanksgiving.  Amber was in charge of gravy (which was easy enough) and dessert (which turned out to be more work than any of us expected).  The plan was to make four pies: a chocolate, a lemon, a sweet potato, and a pumpkin.  After visiting three different stores, we had all the ingredients for 3 out of the 4 pies.  Canned pumpkin (or fresh pumpkin, for that matter) was not to be found anywhere!  Then, finally, the day before Thanksgiving, we found a place that was supposed to get pumpkin in the next morning.  The only problem was that we were all at work, and who knew how many other Americans were looking for it too.  Luckily, our boss let us off school early so we could go and get some before it was all gone.  Once at the store, we asked the manager, who told us that there was a mistake with the shipment: even though it was listed on the shipping manifest, there was no pumpkin on the truck.  So, alas, we only had three pies. Two of the piecrusts shrank a bit, but luckily the size of the pie doesn’t affect the taste.

Part 2: International guests and an American meal

In preparation for Thanksgiving, Amber had her kids at school make hand-print turkeys, and brought some home for decorations.  It was so cute!  Also, we re-arranged our living room to be better suited for conversation, and borrowed Stella and Amanda’s table to make room for the food and the guests.  At about 6:45pm, as we were finishing everything up, our guests began arriving: two Jordanians (our boss and her husband), two Australians (our neighbor, who let us use his oven, and his friend from work), and an American co-worker of Amanda and Stella.  Some of our guests contributed food, some brought us beautiful flowers, and some gave us fancy chocolates to say thank you.  After everyone was here, we started out in the living room and enjoyed getting to know one another.  At one point there must have been at least five different conversations going on at once!

For the meal, we had the whole works: from the turkey, right down to the cranberry sauce (American style, from the can).  Everyone enjoyed trying new foods, even though not all of the new tastes agreed with their taste buds.  It was nice to have so many people to share this meaningful day with, and so much food to eat (we are sure to have leftovers for several days).

Part 3: Giving Thanks

In recognition of the fact that it’s called Thanksgiving, here are some things that we would like to give thanks for:  First, for the amazing opportunity we’ve been given in Jordan, and the paths that led us here.  Second, for our wonderful families, without whose love and concern we would not be where we are today.  Third, for the supportive and flexible staff of United Youth Corp.  Fourth, for all the friendly people in Jordan who make our stay so pleasant.  Also, for everyone who takes the time to read our blog posts.  Thanks to everyone for all you do, and above all, to God, without whose blessings none of this would be possible.

~Amber and Darren

Journey to Jerusalem!

I woke up bright and early Sunday morning at 5:30am and started my journey to Jerusalem with the other 3 volunteers.  It was an hour drive to the border by car and we arrived an hour before the doors opened.  A few others arrived later so there was about 10 people by 7:30 but then a few minutes before the doors opened at 8am two buses showed up full of people.  We all of a sudden found ourselves struggling to keep ahead of them.  A concept that has not made it to Jordan is that of "lines".  We were pretty much shuffled around in a mass of people for about an hour and a half.  There was such a small amount of space allotted for paying your exit tax and for taking care of your passport checks.   There were three windows total for all required approvals and everyone would push by each other to try and get ahead.   One lady was almost knocked over...I think she would have been if I wasn't behind her to help her.   I don't know why everyone was rushing so much because the bus that is the only way of transportation across the border had to wait to take people until it was full.   So no one could leave without each other anyways.  The Jordanian guards were very friendly and patient.   At least with us they were because we were trying to be friendly so that our process went smoothly.  We didn't receive our passports back until we were on the bus ready to head over to Israel.   Several times along the few miles between border crossings we had to stop several times to have us, our passports, and the bus inspected.   Once we arrived at the border crossing on the Israel side we had to go through a series of checkpoints and metal detectors.   One that we were luckily able to skip because we did not have big luggage...just backpacks.   Darren was asked several times "you have weapon?".  Haha.  It was quiet funny. (He didn't for anyone who is wondering. Haha)  Finally at the last checkpoint we were asked why we did not want our passports stamped and we had to explain that because of our work at the school we could be traveling to countries for sporting events and we did not wish to have the stamp because it would hinder our entry to other surrounding Middle East countries.   We proceeded then to exchange money and find our bus to Jericho.

We decided to stop by Jericho on our way to Jerusalem.   There was not much to see in regards to the ruins of the old cities there. We did however get to visit "Hisham's Palace".   One of the most common mosaics is found there.   The mosaic is of a tree(most commonly said to be a pomegranate tree) with grazing animals at the bottom.   On one side is a lion attacking one of the animals.   This mosaic is said to be an example of the cycle of life.  It was really interesting to learn about it.

We travelled by van to Jerusalem where we had to, yet again, go through another security checkpoint in which they were unsure as to why our passports weren't stamped.   There was never any problem with travelling with this requirement but the people are in some ways defensive of there country.  The Palestinians who call Israel Palestine insist on letting us know that its there country and not the Jews.   They were never angry or harsh with us but it seemed instead to be a pride and informative attitude that they had.  We of course chose to not take sides but instead just listened and learned about their story.

Once we were in Jerusalem we were walking toward the street and we did not see any taxis so I flagged a young man who just dropped of his mom(or so it seemed).   I asked him where Damascus gate was and if there was a way to find a taxi.   He kindly offered to take us for way less than a taxi would have been.   It was an added bonus being in a BMW because taxis are usually the runt of the litter when it comes to cars.  Haha.  On our way we tried to communicate as best we could with our limited Arabic and his half way decent English.   He stopped and bought us a fizzy orange drink(similar to Fanta) and soon thereafter he cranked up his radio and in no time we were singing at the top of our lungs with him to "Pump Up the Jam".   It was by far the funniest thing to date that we have done.   He was dancing quiet horribly with his arms all while driving and singing with an Arab accent.  I can't even describe it and I was very upset at myself for not taking a video!

We soon arrived near the Damascus gate which was full of vendors just looking for someone to bargain with.  I also thought it was interesting that a lot of them had huge bullhorns.   Our hostel was located nearby so we checked in and ditched our bags to find some dinner.

The hostel was very nice with the four of us in a room with six beds and a private bathroom and shower.   It also had free internet which I used to its fullest and a sitting area where we met and chatted with many backpackers from all over the world.

The first full day in Jerusalem we were able to see a lot without rushing. Everything was located so close to where we were staying and we were able to walk everywhere. In the morning we saw the old city of Jerusalem, the Wailing Wall, the Temple Mount, and the Dome of the Rock. In the afternoon we went to the City of David, Hezekiah's Tunnel, the New Pool of 

Siloam, the Old Pool of Siloam, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives, and Via Dolorosa.  I told you we were able to do a lot! Hehe.   Several of the locations of course were approximate or possible locations. It was one of the most amazing days I have ever had and I will never forget it.  It was incredible to see the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock so close up.

The Wailing Wall was like watching everyday life for the Jews that lived there and it was nice to be able to see it so busy and lively.

The Dome of the Rock (and a pretty tree!)

The city of David was where we entered Hezekiah's Tunnel and we were able to enjoy some beautiful scenery including a nice view of the Mt. of Olives.

I am so blessed to have been able to see all of the different historical landmarks of that area but Hezekiah's Tunnel was one of my favorites.  In some places we were almost waist deep in the freezing cold water and walked 533 meters through a very narrow tunnel that also had very low ceilings.  Doesn't sound much fun?   Trust me...it was a blast!  Amber and Darren are in the picture to the left.

Our second day in Jerusalem was during an

Islamic Eid so most of the shops and tourist spots were closed because they are run by the Islamic people.  So Stella and I slept in a little bit while Darren and Amber went to the Citadel.  Stella and I walked around the Jewish section of the old city and it was beautiful.  We ate Gelato and talked with the two guys that worked at the Gelato store about some differences and similarities in our religions.  They were very interested.  We were soon talking about the dietary laws and they seemed very excited to talk to someone who was not Jewish that seemed to relate to some

of their veiw points.  After that we went to the Garden Tomb and Place of the Skull.  Then Stella and I decided we needed to walk off our treat/sugar splurge so we walked all over the city trying to find the Israel Museum which was supposed to open.  Along our way we were told multiple times "you can not walk there!", "You must take a bus.".  We

however are cheap(and we couldn't find the right buses. Haha) and insisted on trying to find it on foot.  We eventually did find it after a wrong turn or two and it was worth it.  The museum was very interesting. We saw more mosaics and the "shrine of the book" which is where you can see the dead see scrolls found at Kumran(Qumran).  We were also able to see a 1/50 scale model of the Old City(pictures) how it used to be during the 1st Century.  It was very detailed and spectacular to see.

Our last day in Israel was spent at the Ein Gedi nature preserve.  We were able to hike up a river and pass by several water falls.  I got in almost waste deep in one of the pools to cool off and it was very refreshing! After Ein Gedi we went to Masada where we were supposed to stay the night but once we got there we found out that our hostel, called the "Masada Backpacker", which we booked online, was for Malaysia and not Masada. So we decided reluctantly to go home early.  We grabbed a bus and headed to the border.  The bus was full of sleeping people and the only people awake were those that filled the isle.  We stood in the isle for almost an hour and the lady asleep in the chair beside me kept hitting me with her head and she did not once wake up. Haha.  Once the bus dropped us off, we found out that we could only take a taxi through the first checkpoint into the border crossing and we piled the last of our shekels into the taxis driver's hand and headed for the border crossing.  We were tired and in a rush to make it through the crossing before it closed.  We just happen to get on the wrong bus to cross the border...we got on the Palestinian bus.  We arrived on the Jordanian side and the guard took our passports and ushered us aside.  I was at this point just ready to be home but I could not help but laugh at all of our misfortunes.  After all, those are what makes a story.  Finally we were shuffled through hallways to the correct side of the building(the tourist side) and very easily made it through our check points.

All in all we had a incomprehensible unbelievable time on our journey to Jerusalem and will remember it for the rest of ours lives.  If you would like to see more pictures then just check out my facebook at http://www.facebook.com/futurepopstar124 .  It was nice to be able to put images to places we have grown up learning about and now have an even larger foundation for our beliefs.

Love Always,

Amanda

An Exciting Start to November

 Jordan has shown us great hospitality since we arrived almost 3 months ago, and now we are feeling quite comfortable in the foreign county that has become home for this period in our lives. There are many things that we do not have here; cars, cloths, shoes, accessories, the latest cell phone, close family and friends, but we are happy. In this amazing and beautiful country far from our norm we have found happiness in the opportunities set before us daily.

As we work we are able to help the children we are teaching. I am coaching junior high volleyball and am an assistant coach to the JV team and the way the girls respond to me is heart warming. One might think that kids in private schools have everything they need, but one thing so many of them need is love. There is not much I can give them that they don't already have, but I can give them love. Along with the opportunity to assist as coach for the JV girls I will be able to act as head coach at the tournament in Beirut next week. Not only have I experienced emotional rewards, but I have experienced physical rewards as well.

This week has been full of pretty amazing experiences for The H-Team. As part of ABS, Amanda and I were able to participate in a hands on service activity at the YMWA where Amber and Darren work. We were also invited to attend a charity dinner for the YMWA in which HRH Princess Sarvath and Prince Hassan attended. The dinner was phenomenal, the main course was US beef fillet with herb crusted potatoes and grilled vegetables, and for dessert coffee & chocolate mousse. After dinner we had the chance to meet Prince Hassan and talk with him and the Princess; they invited us to attend a polo game the next day. We accepted the invitation and attended the polo game as honored guests of the Prince and Princess. One of the most exciting parts of the afternoon was while walking into the game the Prince and Princess were arriving and they stopped and chatted with us.We are thoroughly enjoying the experiences we have had and look forward to sharing more in the future.


Until Next Time ~ Stella

Visitors!

After telling everyone who wants to come see us, or anyone who is simply passing through that they can stay with us, someone took us up on our offer: this past weekend, we hosted our first real guests!  Sorry Jordan Feaster’s, you were on “official” business.  After hoping the directions we gave them to our apartment were good enough, two young ladies from America (one on her way back from Australia) and one young man from Australia, arrived on the evening of Friday, October 22, just in time for dinner.  They were grateful to have beds to sleep in and a washing machine for their laundry, and we were grateful to see some new faces and hear native English-speakers.

The guy from Australia, Antoine, had to catch a flight first thing on Saturday morning, but the gals, Heather and Sophia, stayed on.  We spent a nice, relaxing Sabbath, where the girls increased our church attendance by 50%.  That evening, we were all invited to our neighbor’s apartment for a potluck and meet-and-greet for ABS faculty (and UYC volunteers).  It was fun, and we had some amazing lamb, among other things.  After that was over, the six of us (volunteers and guests) went back to our (Darren’s and Amber’s) apartment and played a card game called Dutch Blitz.  It was pretty intense, and since the two of us are terrible at it, the four girls stayed up playing and talking for quite a while.

We were really hoping to show our guests around a bit, so while Amanda and Stella went to work on Sunday, we talked to our boss and she graciously let us have the day off.  First thing in the morning, we rented a car!  It was our first car rental in Jordan, and Darren’s first time driving in a foreign country.  It was a great experience, if a little intimidating.  We spent most of the day in Jerash, which is just a short drive away.  When we were done there, we had an amazing lunch just outside the park, and then started our drive toward the border with Israel, the girls’ next destination.  On the way to the border we drove past Ajlun castle, which was nice to see from a distance, and will surely be nicer close up when we go back to explore at some point.  The country drive was breathtaking – mountainous and tree-covered near Ajlun, turning into desert and canyons, then giving way to the low, fertile Jordan river valley.  We dropped the girls off at the King Hussain Bridge (or as close to it as we could get), so they could make their way into Jerusalem, and then we drove home.

The day after our visitors left, we had a dinner guest from YMWA School where we work.  We had a wonderful evening filled with good food and great conversation.  It was a wonderful end cap to a fun-filled weekend.  We look forward to having more people over and getting to know them better.

Mr. and Mrs. H

Amanda's Adventures "Intro"

So I thought I should probably give some background on Ramadan. So they follow the moon cycle for all their holy days and Feasts. Ramadan ended right before the feast and  they fast from sunrise to sunset(for about 30 days) and then have a big feast right at sunset called an Iftar. We have been invited to one and the food was very very good. I have also now tried both Turkish and Arabic coffee. Ew. lol The tea however is very tasty. We were invited to someone's home (a couple weeks ago) for tea/coffee and we met the whole family. The 13 year old boy totally had a crush on me. He kept saying "excuse me" and asking me a bunch of questions about me. Like what kind of movies I like and he said if it gets late that I could stay there. lol His sister was asked if she had to pick one of us four to stay who would she pick...and He pointed at me. Haha. He wasn't even asked. The grapes here have seeds and the apples are amazing. They also have a pastry that has nuts or cheese in it...the cheese one is weird but the one with nuts is so good. I don't like my cheese sweet. haha.

We have several inside jokes already...like "Watch out! A rock!" This came about because they don't really have sidewalks here. If there is a sidewalk then it is covered in debris. haha. They are building a lot here in Amman because the city is growing from all the refugees. Another saying is "Have you tried the butt sprayer?" You should give it a shot!" I like the pun on that one. LOL. So that takes me to another topic...the toilets. They have three kinds. Regular, squatters, and bidet. Let me know if I need to explain any of those. lol Luckily at my school they have the regular kind.

The school is very nice. If you would like to know

more...abs.edu.jo Our office is

the one with the monitor showing through the door. There are more offices on the wall to the left and down that hall and then some behind me down the hall the other way. I will put up more pictures once I take them. I will be working in the marketing department and also volunteering in the drama department. Currently I am starting a student yearbook committee which they have never had in the past.  I am also helping with choir and musical theater.  I was originally supposed to help with basketball but because of various reasons basketball was cancelled.  So those that heard about me possibly going to Beijing...sorry but its not going to happen. :-(  I am instead now helping with cross country and I LOVE the kids and they seem to like me.  We are pretty much settled in the the school and getting used to how to get around by ourselves.  We all miss everyone back in the states very much.

I hope everyone is enjoying reading this!

Love,

Amanda

Keeping the Fall Holy Days in Jordan

Just two weeks after the start of school, we already had to take time off of work for the Fall Holy Days.  We were delighted to have the Ericksons and the Registers for the Day of Atonement, increasing our local congregation from 4 to 10.  Mr. Register gave an inspiring message about personal atonement and coming face to face with God, and we broke our fast at a very nice restaurant in Amman.  Imagine our excitement when the Feast of Tabernacles arrived, and our numbers swelled to 120 people, coming from all over the world to celebrate with us in Jordan.

After a wonderful opening night and Holy Day, we began our Feast tour of Jordan.  After leaving Amman, Jerash was our first stop.  On the way to Jerash, we drove over the River Jabbok (Gen 32:22-33).  Jerash, a city of the ancient Decapolis (Mrk 5:20), is the largest and most well-preserved Roman city in Jordan.  It was very awe inspiring to walk through the remains of a city that is over 2000 years old, yet still so intact – the gates still standing, the streets straight, the forum whole, and the theatre still functioning – not to mention that Jesus and His disciples likely walked the same streets.

After that was the Dead Sea (Num 34:12), a very unique place.  Everyone knows that it's called the Dead Sea because it has so many minerals that nothing can live, and everyone knows that you float without trying. For those who’ve never been, we’ll try to be more specific.  As far as the mineral content goes, it smells and tastes about like ocean water, but twice as strong, and it feels almost as slick on your skin as baby oil or mineral oil.  As for floating, you can float on your back in normal water with little effort, but in the Dead Sea you float so well it takes effort to stay upright instead of flat.  Also, you have to tread to keep your head above normal water, but in the Dead Sea your head and shoulders are both completely out of the water.  It’s really nice to float effortlessly, but it is hard to completely relax while you are floating in the Dead Sea, because you are constantly worried about the water getting into your eyes.  Fortunately, if this happens, they place a lifeguard on the beach with a big bottle of fresh water, who will gladly rinse out your eyes.  If you ever get the chance, you should go and give it a try (minus the water in the eyes, of course).

Next up was Pella, another city of the Decapolis, said to be the city to which many early Christians fled preceding the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.  This location was different in that it wasn’t as touristy: the ruins are just fenced off, and if you are willing to make the hike, they just let you wander around.  It was well over 100 degrees that day, so most people sat in the shade and watched the brave few explore the ruins.  

Our fourth stop was the grandest of them all – Petra was simply amazing!  We only had a few hours to explore, but we could have easily spent a week.  It was so amazing that it’s hard to put into words.  It’s almost like a miniature Grand Canyon, but with enormous monuments built right into the stone: beautiful variations of color and constantly shifting geography inlaid with hauntingly empty yet amazingly complex and beautiful architecture.

That night we went to Aqaba, near the Biblical port town of Elath (1 Kgs 9:26), where we stayed at a beautiful hotel.  Some of us were so impressed with the hotel that we skipped the tour of Wadi Rum just to chill at the hotel and take full advantage of its several interconnected swimming pools.  Also, what a view of the very blue Red Sea!  Those who went to Wadi Rum enjoyed a tour by jeep/truck of the spectacular desert landscape, as well as a taste of Bedouin hospitality.  The following day we were still in Aqaba, and we had the chance to go scuba diving.  It was first time for many of us, so some were really nervous at the beginning.  Luckily we had very patient dive instructors, so most were able to complete their dives with enthusiasm.

After we left Aqaba, we went to Mt. Nebo, which is the location where Moses was able to look at the Promised Land even though he was unable to enter (Deu 34:1-4).  Yes, the view was amazing, but the landscape has changed some since the time of Moses.  Aside for the verdant Jordan valley, most of the land is desert or nearly so.  It is strange to picture this place the with the lush forests and vineyards of a land “flowing with milk and honey,” and it certainly proves that God meant what He said: “For the land…is not like the land of Egypt…as a vegetable garden, but the land…is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares…And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil.  And I will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled.  Take heed to yourselves, lest you heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, lest the Lord’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no produce, and you perish quickly from the good land… (Deu 11:10-17).”  Near Mt. Nebo, in the town of Madaba we saw the world’s oldest surviving mosaic, a map of the Holy Land, which is housed in a Greek Orthodox church.  It was nice to see, but all the decorations of the church were distracting from the splendor of the mosaic.

For the Last Great Day, we were back in Amman, and heard an inspiring message about the purpose of the day: the second resurrection, a time when hope will be realized for all mankind.  Throughout the Feast, we saw and heard inspiring things, thought a lot about the history of the area, and had an amazing time.  We still have trouble believing we’re here, in a land so rich with history and so much promise for the future!