What a Trip

Here in Jordan Lisa and I don't own a car, because of this we are either required to walk everywhere or take some sort of public transportation. Here in Amman there is a transit vehicle called a service taxi. They are basicly a car sized bus, they wait at one stop, wait for four people to fill up the car, then drive to the end of their route. The other day I was taking a ride in the service when two other guys joined me in the back seat. About half way through our route, the two men and our driver started arguing with each other about politics. The driver eventually became so angry at what the two men were saying that he pulled over gave me back my money and told me to get out so that he could fight the two other patrons. This wouldn't have been so bad, if the driver remembered about my heater I was taking home that I put in the trunk. So there I was in the middle of pushing and shoving and insults flying wondering how I should go about informing the driver about my predicament. So finally I busted in the fray and told the driver that I wanted my heater in the back, to which all three people stopped and stared at me. The driver opened the back and the other two helped me get the heater out, apoligized for making me carry it up the hill, and then preceeded to continue the fight. It was a funny snapshot of the overwhelming since of hospitality people have around here even if its in a middle of a fight.

Just yesterday Israel began shooting missiles at Gaza again after a small break. Everyone is all riled up again. Normally, we don’t like to use our newsletters as a chance to share our political views but this conflict reminds me of growing up with older brothers.
No matter what I did as young girl, I could not stop my older brothers from coming into my room and reeking havoc on everything. I know I provoked them at times but sometimes I was innocent. Either way, I couldn’t stop them. I chose to get angry and hate them or cry and be bitter until all was forgotten. All silliness if you ask me now.
As I was praying for the families in Gaza that lost loved ones, I felt to pray for the two people groups like they were a family. It’s funny because they are. They have the same mannerisms, characteristics, values, and etc. I hear so many stories of how this particular family, generation ago, were Jewish and changed and vice versa. They are siblings fighting over dad’s inheritance. It’s silly and sad because innocent people loose their most precious lives for nothing.
I don’t know how to end this article except to ask you all to pray not for one side only because of whatever reason. All involved people need God and His help to get over the power struggle, bitterness, anger, and hatred. We need true peace that only comes from forgiveness.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!! We had a great Christmas with our friends in Amman. AND we had soup, Swedish porridge, rum balls, peanut butter balls, egg nog, wine, quiche, fruit. All so yummy!! We exchange gifts and listen to Christmas music. We missed our families like crazy though.
We don't have plans for the New Year yet, maybe dinner at Romeros or something low key.
Welp, here are some pics. Enjoy!!

thanksgiving and christmas parties

We celebrated Thanksgiving on Friday this year instead of Thrusday b/c in Jordan it's not a holiday so Thrusday is a work day. If you didn't know Friday and Saturday is our weekends here. Yes, we had turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoe casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and more!! It was alot of fun!!

For Christmas, we have a company party with food, coffee, singing carols, bingo, and dancing. We threw a program/party for our students, with readings and songs. It was really enjoyable for us and the students.

For our Christmas eve and day, we will spend the time with the family that has formed here. Dave and Jeanette, Jer and Sar, and us. We each bring yummy food, drinks, and desserts that reminds us of traditions back home. I really love our time here and our friends.