The Wife of a Crazy Man!

So, we haven't written a blog in a while, as we've been moving from one busy moment to another. Living so far from home in a country we are still trying to understand, with a language we are still struggling to grasp, certainly has it's ups and downs. But we wouldn't change a thing. These times shape and mold us and grow us together as a family unit.

I am writing today to share a small glimpse of what it means to be married to a wonderful, inspiring, optimistic dreamer. This year we have been married ten years, and through these ten turbulent years Richard has had many "bright ideas"! It has only been in recent years that I have come to love and appreciate this about him, learning when to tell him to "dream on," and when to fight for it, instead of being overwhelmed by yet another one.

At the beginning of November last year Richard had one of his "bright ideas". I was skeptical to say the least. He wanted to cycle from Turkey, to the Green Green Grass of Home, that is Wales. The idea came from the fact that our Montessori School is in desperate need of funds as we continue to grow and expand, blessing children and their families of a worthy and holistic education.

Considering Richard has barely cycled since we had children (over 7 years) I taboo-ed the idea almost instantly. Yet the desire burnt on within him. Which meant the idea pulled within me. I saw that he really meant it, it was really something he wanted to do. But for me it was too much. I just couldn't bare to imagine it.

Then as we talked one evening I just said it was too big a challenge, and suggested he started with something smaller. "What about doing something closer to home?" So he came up with a new plan. A clearer idea and he felt excited, because somehow I came up with the idea and said it was okay. Sitting here today, as it is becoming more of a reality I really don't know how I agreed to this but this is what it is....

Starting end March/beginning April 2014 (exact day to be confirmed), Richard will leave the Legacy Primary School (https://www.facebook.com/LegacyLCI) and cycle down past the Dead Sea to Aqaba. Here he will cross into Israel and cycle up the country reaching Hafia. He will then head towards Galilee and cross back into Jordan, cycling back to Zarqa, finishing where he started, totaling 1000km, 660miles.

Well, I still think he's crazy! Yet if it wasn't crazy why would he bother? And why would you bother sponsoring him?

So training begins, and I begin (sorry 'continue') to be the supporting wife, who stops saying, "Why are you doing this?" because really I already know why, but starts saying "YOU CAN DO THIS!" 'Cause I think he's going to need it!

So we're going to try and keep you updated with how the training is going, and we are working on an easy way for you to give donations to the school.

Training so far:

Someone has very generously loaned Richard their bike, which arrived on Saturday, so yesterday he kick-started the cycling with an 8 mile pot-holey ride at 5am. I, the dutiful wife, made him a good breakfast for when he got back so he could be ready for work by 7am. He arrived home a little disheartened and wobbly, but surprisingly he's not aching too much today (it's just the bum, lol). Today he took a rest day, so please be thinking of him as he enters into a lengthier cycle tomorrow.

Author: A.E.

The Ups and Downs of Developing the School

Sometimes our life here in Jordan seems to take us from one hurdle to another. We came with the sole purpose of supporting the running and development of Legacy Learning Centers International School here in Zarqa. It has been over a year since we arrived, and boy what a journey we have been on! Our most recent developments have proved some of our most challenging so far....

When we arrived here the school was looking to expand from simply being a kindergarten to growing, year by year, into a primary school. The plans to expand the current building to accommodate these extra classes fell through. We were saved in the last minute by being allowed to use some extra rooms in a local Catholic all boys secondary school for grades 1 and 2 (ages 6-8) for this year. This worked out well and a partnership began to form as a similar vision for good primary education here in Zarqa was at the forefront. The school had some extra space they were not using and so we, together with the priests thought it a good idea to move our whole school onto their property. Everything appeared to be going in our favour, but approval had to be gained from higher up in the Catholic Church. This approval took a long time to process as we had to wait for them to process the request in the right way. Finally an answer came through in February, "No!" Neither the priests nor us were given any real explanation as to the reason, but we now had a big problem on our hands... no building for next year!

So we let the parents know our predicament and asked them to stick with us while we tried to figure out a solution. We have come up with many solutions since then, and the business finance proposals have been written and re-written countless times to predict the outcomes of different scenarios. Yet every time we came close to securing a property, it would all fall through. this didn't just happen one or two times, but again and again and again and again and again. Finally it was coming close to the end of the school year, and we were all wondering if this was really meant to be. Were we going to have to let all of these parents down, let these precious children go into standard Jordanian schools and for us to return to a "normal" life in Wales (whatever that may be). No! We did not give in! We found a property. Unfortunately our kindergarten and primary school will have to be in two separate locations, yet again, but the school can continue. Hallelujah!

A Lamb to the Slaughter

I wish I had a camera ready the day we drove through a village to witness three freshly slaughtered lambs hanging outside, in front of a shop. They were tied up by their back legs, heads still in tact but bodies skinned. This was a shock to me, and my family (especially Lilian who is 6). We have never seen anything like it. Our meat in the UK comes prepackaged in the aisles of the supermarket, so we never have to think about where it came from. We don't have to wonder at the life it was or the life it cost for us to have the nutrients we need.

Even though I spend much of my childhood holidays in my Grandparents beautiful cottage and small holding, eating the produce of their plants, the milk from their goats, and the animals they raised; it still came as a shock to see these animals hanging there. But that wasn't the worst part for me. The part that really got me was the fourth lamb. Laying solemnly, no more than a metre away from the others, tied to a post, was another lamb. A live lamb who surely knew his fate.

There is a man who was described as a lamb to the slaughter, and I can now begin to comprehend. A lamb doesn't put up a fight, doesn't run from death, but goes humbly, knowing it's own fate.

One Year On

When we first came here to Jordan, when we began this adventure just one year ago, we started this blog to keep friends and family up to date with some of what we are up to. More of our everyday snippets have gone into Facebook, and some more key events on here. Although the busyness of our lives leaves a lot out, and in aim of keeping things more up beat we can hold back many of the harder times in our journey.

As I said, we began this blog to keep family and friends in touch across the distance. As time went on we noticed viewings or "hits" from other parts of the world, and would say to one another, "That must be so 'n so in Germany," or, "our friends in America, but which ones?" And then the scope widened, "But we don't know anyone in Romania/ Bangladesh/ Fiji/ Serbia/ Austria/ Russia/ Israel/ Saudi Arabia/ United Arab Emirates/ Malaysia..." Then, my last few blogs I noticed have been read by more people I hadn't realised I was writing to. To new found friends here in Jordan. To people who have welcomed us in, in a way we never expected.

The children in a tree with friends.

However, now with a broader audience I wonder what to write. The new discoveries of life for us here are merely the normal and everyday for people who live here. What if I say something and they don't understand what I mean? What if I offend? Will they think I think their ways to be wrong, or strange? For me it is all so different to what I am used to. There is good and bad in all countries and cultures, and when you step from the outside to in, you notice them, treasure them, pull your hair out at them, and sometimes are aghast!

Our adventures are full of all these things, but most of all are full of life! The opportunity to stop and reflect on these things is quite remarkable, and we are grateful to all who are willing to join us on our journey. To those who support us, and pray for us from afar. For those who take interest, despite having never met us. And to those who are with us in the everyday, we are so glad to have you in our lives.

Author: A.E.

Enjoying the culinary delights of Zarqa

It is always a privilege to go and experience different things within a new culture, shops, restaurants and  markets, the sorts of things that are often hidden away in our western culture and yet are full of vibrancy and heritage. In the past, I have thought of myself as the adventurous type, willing to try anything (well almost) and last week I found myself in the most delightful place, a restaurant in Zarqa.

To give you some background, Zarqa is a fairly large city that is made of military facilities and manufacturing, there is a lack of cosmopolitanism to this place, an absence of Starbucks, a cinema and some other high street brands makes for an interesting adventure when trying to find clothes or daily necessities that you wouldn't worry about finding in your local Walmart or Tesco. By in large, most of the shops and restaurants are family run and with a scattering of fast food chains such as KFC and Pizza Hut. Despite this lack of west food chains and their standards, the Jordanians make up for it in the hospitality and real desire to please you and GREAT food.  These people are amazing, they want to be friends , drink coffee and want to learn English from you. Occasionally I have been a victim of poor hygiene standards and a weak stomach. The few ill fated experience have taught me not to eat at the bus stations or street vendors, unless recommended and yet these experiences have not deterred me from exploring and trying new things.

Mr Asraf's Restuarant on 36th Street, New Zarqa

Mr Asraf and Fraser

So back to last week, Fraser and myself were taken to a great restaurant in New Zarqa by our trusted friend and school bus driver, Adnan. The chef and owner, Mr Asraf tempted our empty stomachs with freshly produced and high quality arabic food, some I can barely pronounce and most definitely cannot spell! It was a delight as we watched him prepare our food with care and a willingness to please us, the fresh hoummous that had been prepared that morning in his kitchen (which later he showed us) and the overwhelming smell of freshly baked bread to accompany our feast.

The food was an absolute delight, full of vibrance in colour and taste that completely surpassed my expectations. After being well satisfied with the quality and deliciousness of the food, Mr Asraf gave us an official tour of his restaurant, the kitchens, family areas and even the toilets!! For me it was a joyous occasion  to not only be well fed, but be in such a delightful environment that at the same time was immaculate - which is rare experience in Zarqa.

A wonderful expereince which I hope to enjoy again and again...and maybe again!!

A delicious breakfast

My personal favourite - Baked Foul with garlic and green peppers

Doesn't the food look good!

Stuffed Falafel with red peppers

The restaurant's kitchen

First Day of the New Semester

The beginning of a new semester is usually a manic time, behind the scenes, to get everything ready for the children to not notice that it takes any effort at all. Yesterday, however, everything felt unnaturally calm. All staff were in, with Lilian and George being the only children around keeping themselves occupied. As it came close to the end of the day, we were checking over for what may have been missed, and felt surprised at how everything appeared to be ready. Everyone was calm and, after a little teacher training from Puanana, we felt prepared for the new semester.

This morning we arrived at the school at the usual time of 7:15am and got the usual things done that we do every morning at school. We put on the heaters, put out cups and toothbrushes for the children, put away dry washing (tea towels and things) from the day before, and began to welcome the children as they arrived.

We were delighted to see all their little familiar faces, along with two new ones. Beginning with morning circle, then to free choice, outdoor play, special activity (science/good character/music and movement), closing circle and goodbyes, the day went extremely well. To my surprise, the children carried out their work quietly, needing only some gentle reminding of how we do things. This gave us the time to demonstrate to the two new girls how we do things in our school, which was a little challenging for one, who speaks very little of either Arabic or English. 

Despite having such a good day, I was ready for a nap by the time I got home. So a family DVD (Shrek 2) was in order for the Eynon family! Lilian and George have loved being back with their friends, who they have missed so much, but after a busy first day back in school they too were in need of some rest!

Author: A.E.

Adjusting to Change

They say that when you make a BIG move, like moving to another country or changing careers, it often takes 6 months to a year to adjust to your new surroundings, to dismiss the need to return back to the ‘normal’ life of the past. There is a roller coaster of emotions, the excitement and anticipation of the adventure ahead, the new experiences gained followed by corkscrew and big dips, sending you into all sorts of doubts and questions about whether you have done the right thing.  It’s not too long that something may click into place and things are all well again.

This sentiment is true for our family too (who have left their Welsh home and have moved to Zarqa in Jordan), who experienced very similar emotions which often resulted in irrational calls for a return home, particularly when things seemed too difficult or we have been struck with D and V, usually by something we had eaten. In those times, when we would say to ourselves and to the children “don’t worry.......and when we go back to Wales you will miss Jordan, your new friends and the school etc”, really hoping that would be the case.

Towards the end of our first full semester in Jordan and having experienced some very extreme situations and developments for the work we were doing, we were looking forward to a break back with friends and family in the UK.  Yet, Lilian came to us shortly before our break, saying, “I don’t want to go back to Wales.” This was after months of protests and tears, and trying come up with a way of staying in Wales (believe us, she tried very hard). This statement did and continues to encourage us as parents, who moved our children’s lives upside down, to a very different country and culture, all on a leap of faith! It has shown us how adaptable children are, and how God’s hand is on us all.

Our stay in Wales has been unexpectedly emotional, with many challenging situations occurring and just re-entering a culture that is almost opposite to the one that we have been immersed in for the past 9 months.  It has been frequent to find our minds wandering to the ‘new home’ of Jordan and missing those that we have become friends with, the unconventional ways of applying laws and generally living life. Even the children occasionally mention that they miss Jordan, that’s a turn up for the books!!

Despite this ‘pining’ for Jordan, we are most grateful for this break and chance to catch up with family and friends. We have enjoyed the snow, the amazing food, hospitality and being back in our home land of WALES. The children have loved seeing their cousins and friends as well as toys that they had almost forgotten about.

So, one week until we go back to Jordan, and yet there is plenty to do and much to enjoy before we continue this adventure in the wilderness.

Author - Richard