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