Keef Hal ik from Jordan

Keef HAL ik (How are you?)

It’s hard to believe we have been here in Jordan for three weeks. We have learned a lot and still have so much more to learn. We have been trying to get our home office organized. Going thru folders and getting familiar with all the Organizations and what has been done in this area. We have been going out every day to several areas visiting and getting to know the different leaders of the Organizations we might team up with. The other day we met with a Dr. Zaid, Vice Director of the King Abdullah University Hospital, which is the biggest hospital in Northern Jordan, a very impressive man. In fact, he is the most educated and sharp individual we have met with. What is most interesting and surprising is that he had attended BYU in Provo, Utah for several years soon after he got married. Imagine that? What are the chances of meeting a Jordanian here that went to BYU? We would really enjoy the opportunity to work with Dr. Zaid and the hospital. We will meet with him again soon. We went to our first Engagement Party. It’s a big deal. It’s like any big formal reception back in the states. It’s the custom for the groom’s family to throw a big party with dancing and loud music (and I mean loud!) So the groom can show off his “bride to be” and shower her with jewelry. Lots and lots of gold jewelry…. rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. It was fun to watch the groom try and put the earrings in his fiancée ears.

We had to laugh. He was getting so frustrated. The men here are usually in their mid 30’s before they get married and they usually marry someone in their early 20’s. They have to save up to impress a young ladies family. Most all the marriages are arranged between the parents with the help of extended family members. But all have to be in agreement. Even the Arabic men that are raised in the States or in Europe will come back and go through this procedure with the hope they can get their new bride back into the country they came from. And that is not easy. Many wives are left here for years waiting to get clearance to join their husbands. They are very proud people and want to keep their traditions alive. Many cousins marry each other. We have felt very welcome here. I think about you, Sarah, every time we are greeted by someone. The reeting here is always one kiss on the left check and then the right 2 or 3 kisses or whatever the person decides. Sometimes it seems like a hundred. But men don’t kiss woman and women don’t kiss men. I give a hand shake to the men but they always wait for me to extend my hand first. It is an honor for them if I shake their hand. Most women are very hesitant and some won’t shake a man’s hand except in the church.

We talked in church today and had one of the members translate it into Arabic. His name is Emad Abwi. But we call him Brother Emad. Good man. Everyone in Jordan is address by their first name. Even in a professional environment, it is Dr. Mohammad or Mr. Mohammad. (There are so many with that name) But the proper or formal way in Jordan, is addressing you through your oldest son. My name would be translated as, “Mother of Aaron ” or “Um thar Aaron”

This past week we went to one of the Catholic churches in one of the small mountains cities. We meet with Father Joseph and Mother Superior Maria. This is our second visit with them. We will be returning again this Wednesday and check on the possibilities to help them with the orphanage that they a building. They also operate a school that the Christian children of that community attend. We understand there is a big division between the Christians and Muslim since 9/11. Yes, even in this small city they have been greatly affected by 9/11. Father Joseph is a wonderful man and he works very hard to help all people. He has very little to work with. Dad is excited to go back and personally fix the play ground (garden, as they would say) that is in hambles. Fix the broken windows in the school before winter sets in. You should have seen his eyes gleam. I could read his thoughts. “Oh, I can fix this!” He is already making his list to put a “Humanitarian tool kit” together. I’m actually a little surprised that there isn’t something like that here already. But, I guess it is because it hasn’t been too long that Humanitarian missionaries, or I should say “Volunteers” have been allowed in this country. Since we are the Country Directors, we can change that.

We miss you all. It is always so wonderful to get your e-mails and read about what everyone is doing. We often reflect on the wonderful memories that we have. Those precious memories have carried us through those times when we have felt alone and misplaced. I certainly have a greater appreciation for my children, who left home to go to a far away land to serve the Lord and the people of that country. Thank you, thank you, for being our example. We have felt so blessed to feel you support and love as we are away from you. We continue to pray for you all and our thoughts are always with you.

Our quote for the week: We must not only give what we have; We must also give what we are. Desire-Joseph Mercier