The First Week in Jordan

My first week in Jordan has been very full and very good. This time last week, I was getting off my 2nd plane, having being up 34 hours, and going through a hour of questioning at the airport I was met with my nephew running into the air port (against the rules) into my arms. This was beyond amazing and made everything worth it! I spent the night and morning in Eliat, Israel with my sister-in-law and nephew. We went down to the beach and I could look over the water and see Jordan to my left, Egypt to my right and Saudi Arabia straight ahead. It was truly awesome! We WALKED across the Jordan-Israel border which was about a block of sand with high fence on either side and on the sides men in towers (with guns) guarding the border. To say the least , it felt very surreal.
My first day in Jordan ended with going to the LIFE Center, where my brother works, and getting to help with one of their programs. It is a coffee shop night where the English students can come and practice their English in conversation. I talked with 2 different groups of woman and enjoyed it so very much! They even helped me a little with Arabic which they love.
Last week I got to visit at an Arabic woman's house as part of my work, also. It was a great time to experience their culture and see these woman more relaxed in a setting outside the center; they can let their hair down....literally. I am so excited to further the relationships with the woman.
My coming has been "for such a time as this" my sister- in-law told my mom. Because of all their responsibilities, I am able to help bring a load off with all that I am able to do. The prayers are called out over the city (on speakers) as I write. I am reminded of the bondage that is here and what a hold it has on the people. I have never experienced it to this extent before. This country is truly in need of our attention. It is 9:00pm where y'all are and 4am here so I better write more later!