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