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

Life in the Desert

The Green Green Grass of Home

I was in the car, on the way to the airport for a visit home to Wales. In my mind I was thinking of how struck we had been by the sparse desertedness (I know it's not a word) of the desert. In Wales we have a saying "The green green grass of home," and it has been one of the things we've really missed. Everything surrounding us is sand coloured. The bright yellow of the sun bounces off the sand all around us, the dusty roads, the sand coloured buildings. We have been longing to see that luscious expanse of green green grass.

In the few weeks before returning home we have experienced a few showers of rain, and by showers I mean, a few sprinklings, along with one day of proper, heavy "It's raining cats and dogs" rain. Only one day of proper rain in 9 months!

It's funny, Despite how much you miss the rain, after a few days being home in Wales we were quite happy for it to stop now! and as for the green green grass of home, our back garden was more of a bog from the excessive rain the UK has had this Summer/Autumn and Winter!

The view from our roof Al Zarqa

Anyway, back to what I wanted to write about... 

In the car on the way to the airport something struck me! Most of the time Jordan looks pretty barren, especially where we live in Zarqa.  There are olive trees and some plants in people's gardens, but the horizon is sand, the plots of unused land around us are dry and lifeless. When a land is so dry and seemingly lifeless, it's seemingly impossible that any life could ever come of it. But with just a few drops of rain, a few days of brief showers and life finds its own way. Small blades of grass sprout up in random patches. The first time we saw this Lilian leapt for joy. Life brings life. The seemingly hopeless has a potential which isn't visible to the naked eye.

Author: A.E.

Hospitality: Jordanian Style

To be invited into someone else's home for their unbelievable hospitality is a blessing. To refuse too often would be an offense, but too often the time to spare can be difficult to find.  When I am invited, and there is nothing pressing to get in the way, then I really am in for an experience. Today I was invited into our neighbours home. I have been too busy on other occassions but today there was nothing standing in my way. Lilian and George enjoy playing with the twin seven year old boys, who's cousin was also there to join the fun.

This is a picture of Bedouin style seating.
My hosts seating arrangement was similar.

I'm not good at small talk at the best of times, so I sit there with the Mum, who speaks only a little English, which is still more than my few words of Arabic. The children translate a little and we get by. She goes to offer me coffee, but then remembers that I don't like it. We sit in her home, in an open space with two small sofas and a larger open space of Bedouin style seating, with a partly awkward silence but mainly just enjoying the children play. The Bedouin seating is an ideal place for the children to explore their gymnastic talents as they run/ roley poley/ play fight/ attempt cartwheels/ generally play excitedly.

Our host brings us juice, without asking if we want any, and we receive gratefully and politely, and enjoy of course. I am not allowed to do anything, even to help pick up a few toys the children have left. I am just to sit and be waited on.

Her husband arrives home and I suggest it is time we left as George is very tired and needs to sleep (he was falling asleep before the visit). At this point I am invited to eat some locally made pizza. I try to explain I have already eaten, but then realise it would offend to refuse. I sit at their kitchen table and realise, from other experiences, that it is not custom to be polite and wait, so I help myself. I take one of the individual pizzas, at which point my host adds another to my plate. Now there's one dilemma I have here, I am from a culture in which it is rude to not finish what is on your plate, it shows you are ungrateful or that you did not like the food. In this culture I find the opposite is true, if you finish what is on your plate it communicates that you are not satisfied and would like more. Aware of this I planned to leave a small amount of the second pizza on my plate, but before I get to this point a third pizza is added. Such amazing hospitality, generosity, and delicious food.  However, I know that if I eat this also, which it is in my instinct to do so, I will only be given another. To avoid getting into this cycle, I finish my second pizza but leave the third, showing that I am full. This way I know that the pizza doesn't need to be wasted by me only eating part of it.

I then stand and explain that we need to go so that the children can go to bed, which they find difficult to understand as children here tend not to be put to bed/ have a bed time, especially when it isn't even a school night. I know that my children need it after a busy day and week in school and, therefore, insist that we must go now. It's difficult to leave and ensure they know I am grateful for their hospitality, but I am. I guess the best way to show it is to say yes again, when I'm invited in.

Author: A.E.

A Blog From Our Visitor (Richard's sister)

My experience in Jordan

I have now learnt that just from being in Jordan for a week I have discovered many things. For one, they are crazy drivers, especially the taxi drivers. Their tendency is not wearing seat belts, beeping all the time is a way of saying “I am here, get out of my way!” so constantly you hear beeping. The call for prayer at 4 in the morning at first was tedious but after hearing it a few times it got interesting.

Being in Jordan for less than a week has changed my perspective. The way I used to come across the Arabs. Due to the people in the UK and their perspective and stereotype of them, especially when you hear on the news about them and what is happening in the Middle East. I was nervous flying out on my own due to those issues in my head and also I have not flown on my own before so I must admit I was scared.

After meeting my brother at the airport, meeting some of his friends, seeing the family, instantly I felt protected and welcomed. I got my encouragement from God to get involved with the school, helping the children with their work, gaining their respect and just getting to know them. I could just see that within a full day of being with the children in the Montessori school, it shocked me to see how driven and inspired the children are to learn. Some children are disciplined, they know they have to listen to the teachers, obey and respect them. But some children have a tendency not to listen, they misbehave and do their own thing but mostly that is due to their upbringing. I do think that the Montessori education is the future for educating children.

Spending time with the family has brought me closer to them and brought me closer to God. I cherish the time I have had with my family and will always cherish the memories with them and I cannot wait to come to Jordan and spend more time with them.

By Stephanie Eynon, September 2012

Lilian's 6th Birthday

Someone's happy!!

Here are some snap shots from Lilian's birthday. We, with the help of others, made this a special day despite being so far from (Wales) home...

Giant cookie cake (in honour of Abigail Curtis who doesn't like cake)

Lilian's friends ready to celebrate her birthday with her

Special new dolly from Grandma and Grandad

Catch up...

We haven't written a blog in a while, life has been super busy. We have completed the renovations of the new classrooms for Grades 1 and 2 and have had four weeks of school, which I think would have always been a hectic time without a new classroom to organise, furnish, kit out with Montessori materials, and training new children who haven't been used to our system of doing things before. There have been many challenges, but God gives us the strength and solutions to get through them.

 

The Kindergarten is running well, without Puanana in there, heading it up, for the first time. Miss Abi and two others are working hard. One teacher, Miss Mariam has been working for Legacy with Fraser and Puanana for one and a half years, and we have a newly trained Montessori teacher, Miss Enas, who is finding her feet in our very different way of doing things. After this short time in the first semester the children are really beginning to settle down and are learning how to use our special materials and, we hope and pray, are developing a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Author: A.E.

Leave A Legacy

Take a look at our fundraising Campaign to assist the development of the school we are working with here in Zarqa, Jordan.

http://www.indiegogo.com/Leavealegacy?a=938161#share

This image is a snap shot of the renovations which are currently underway to create two new classrooms for Grades (Years) 1 and 2.

The school also has a new Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/LegacyLearningCentersInternational

Power cuts and water shortage!

Last night, around 11pm, the temperature of our apartment was around 35*C, with the air outside a little warmer.  We were lay on our bed, enjoying the a/c, watching a DVD before crashing out for the night.  Then it happened... the electricity cut out! 

I felt my way to the children's room to where I could just about see the faint glow of their wind up torches.  I took the torches and checked the fuse box to find all was okay there, we looked out of the window to see that the whole of Zarqa was in darkness.  Oh dear, no electric means no fans, and NO A/C!! I flash the torch into the bathroom just before going in for pre-sleep wee and an ugly black cockroach froze to the spot in the middle of the floor.  Okay so its pitch black and if I move my torch the little thing will scarper and I won't be able to use the bathroom for the night out of fear, "Riiichaaaard."  Just as Richard manages, after several attempts, to splat the poor thing I catch sight of another in the open hinge of the door-frame.  The shoe isn't going to work for this one, but if I move my torch he will disappear... Richard takes over with the torch as I go to find the bug spray (remember, all of this is in complete darkness apart from the small torches we keep needing to wind up to keep them lit).  I find the spray but a soon as I spray the cockroach he runs out of sight behind the door.  I stood outside the bathroom, torch pointed at the floor to watch he didn't escape.  Richard lost the cockroach a number of times, it was like find him, spray, loose him, find him again, spray, loose him again, until eventually we (I mean he) got him!! By this point the whole apartment was intoxicated by the fumes. 

Okay, so now we can use the bathroom and get to bed.  We lay in bed creating puddles of sweat, even with the window open the air had no movement to it.  A few moments later George wanders in, wanted to cwtch up, 3 in the bed... as much as I love my son, I really did not want any skin contact in the heat of last night.  A short while later a few more footsteps and we also have a Lilian in our bed. Four in the bed, not sure how to survive this heat...help! Most of us have finally dropped off to sleep and *CLUNK* the a/c kicks back in, the lights come on, it didn't last long though. We were back to cooking in our bed in no time.  The electric was on/off several times throughout the night, but thankfully on when we got up in the morning. 

We went to school for the final day of the summer programme, all was going well until mid morning... another power cut!! No fans, no lights, no internet!! Everything carried on as normal-ish, we were just dripping with sweat constantly.  Then, to add into the mix, we turn on the tap at the school, to wash the dishes and nothing came out! Fraser went upstairs to check the 3 tanks on the roof to find that they were completely empty.  The first time this has happened in the 3 years they've been there.  The tanks are filled on a weekly basis, but it seems the pressure must have been too low and the water didn't make it up to the tanks!  To end on a positive note, the electric did come back on!  And we've got our torches ready in case it cuts out again tonight.  It's all character building apparently. 

Thanks for reading.

Visa Extension...

We have been in Jordan for 3 months!! Time has flown and dragged at the same time, as we have been super busy with school and making new friends, but missing our friends and family so far away.

Today we were due to go to Amman and extend our visas for another 3 months, after which we will need to exit the country and then reenter in order to begin the whole process again!  We were half expecting it to be an ordeal, as it was last time. But it seems that Amman is much more organised than Zarqa. So we spent half an hour filling out some simple forms and a brief chat with a member of staff, and now we have to return in 2 weeks to confirm our visa and stamp our passports (which we have been guaranteed will be fine).  We were also told that if we take a letter confirming that we're volunteering at the School we can get a visa for a year, which would take away all this back and fore visa hassle. So lets just pray they keep their word and it can be that simple!!

We're grateful that today was so straight forward and want to say a big thank you to Auntie Bekah for Lilian and George's magazines, we saved them for today and they were a welcome surprise!!

The Falafel Sandwich

The first Saturday after the end of the school year, Puanana had a call from a company she has contact with in Amman called SkyLark http://www.skylark-jo.com/ who were looking for a last minute Native English speaker to teach English on their summer programme for 4-6 year olds, as their teacher had just pulled out. I (Abi) spoke to the company director on the phone and went into Amman with Richard on Sunday to meet her, and then began the 2 hour English class on that Monday! It really was last minute. I took Richard with me as I wasn't used to travelling on my own and took advantage of my parents visiting for someone to take care of the children.

Half way through that busy first day we arrived back in Zarqa bus station and were due to go straight to the school to attend an end of the year staff debrief. We were very hungry and unsure if there would be anything to eat at the school, so we bought falafel sandwiches from one of the many street vendors there. We took our food to the school where Mum (Ann) was preparing some food, so we very kindly cut up or sandwiches so they could be shared with the rest of the food. I think that only four of us were unlucky enough to have some Falafal sandwich, because the week to follow was far more than we'd bargained for...

It hit me first early Tuesday morning, glued to the toilet seat, then in the evening came down with a fever. When you're feeling cold and shivering in 35 degree heat you definitely know that something's wrong. The next morning, with a bout of vomiting thrown in the mix, Richard ventured into Amman to take my English class. But then he also began to get the rumblings, along with Mum and Dad (Ann and Tim). Then the penny dropped, as we took turns racing back and fore the bathroom - The Falafel Sandwich!

Mum and Dad began they're journey home to Wales Thursday evening, still with gripes in their bowels, reminding them to never be too far from a toilet. And for us, despite being I'll, life goes on! Saturday morning I was anxiously going back into Amman to teach another English class. Back and fore the bathroom 4-5 times before I left, I feared I wouldn't last the journey. But I survived as I discovered I could hold it in. Woohoo!! What a revelation! I just felt physically very weak and still needed a bathroom whenever I could find one.

So on Monday, seven days after the first of my dreaded symptoms, after losing 10lb in weight, both Richard and I feeling at all time lows, I went to a pharmacy and bought an antibiotic a good Doctor friend (you know who you are) recommended.  Within a day we finally felt hungry again, began to see reason, and stopped being quite so cranky with each other and the children.  Richard went from one day being filled with self pity and home-sickness to the next day devising plans and visions for the future.  So now we know what to avoid, we hope to stay away from this kind of trauma and anguish in the future!

Author: A.E.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches, cockroaches, All around the house. 

They hide in little secret places, They're quieter than a mouse.

 Cockroaches, cockroaches, We find them in the bath. 

You find them when you least expect, I think they're having a laugh. 

 Cockroaches, cockroaches, They're running across my feet. 

Up the wall above my head, And going around the toilet seat.

 Cockroaches, cockroaches, We're not putting up with you. 

If you keep appearing, He'll splat you with my favourite shoe! 

 Author: Abigail Eynon (June 2012)

An interesting take on Education at present

We think we may have shared this before, but we thought we would share it again.  A very interesting take on education and how change needs to happen in order for the children and young people of today to have a fighting chance for success (depending on the definition of success??!).

Enjoy...

Meeting the locals and the Mansaf experience

From our experience so far, the local Jordanians' are very friendly and wonderfully hospitable.  Most people we have met have either tried to invite us around for coffee or for dinner.  The offer of food, particularly the middle eastern food is hard to resist, however after a long day/week, it hasn't always been possible to accept the invitations.

However this week we had the delight in going to a friends house for food.  Ibrahim, a gentleman that Richard and Fraser met randomly has been a wonderful example of the Jordanian people.  For a couple of weeks, Richard has been playing football with Ibrahim and his team, whilst also sorting a problem out with the school dishwasher.  Every week Ibrahim has invited us to eat at his house and finally this week we were able to go.

For those of you who have had the pleasure to eat with Arabs, you will know that an invitation for food is not just for food, but Arabic coffee, food, more arabic coffee, Sweet Tea and then cold drinks.  This was our experience with Ibrahim and his family.  Very honored to have us at his house, his family and himself, served our every need whilst getting to know us even more.  After talking for a while, we were invited to go into the dining room for food, there on the table was a massive platter of a traditional Jordanian dish 'Mansaf' (We have attached the recipe below) Ibrahim then gave us a demonstration of how to eat the food, using the bread available, your grab the rice using only your right hand and 'pop' it in your mouth. Your fingers should not go into your mouth for whatever reason. Ibrahim had shown us how to eat this meal the 'proper' way, he and his family left us in the dining room to eat alone. We had tried insisting on them eating with us, but we are not sure why they wouldn't.  The food was delightful, as you can see from the picture.

Mansaf is cooked in jameed (the Arabic word for dried yogurt), which is then mixed with water in a tray to produce a creamy sauce. This is poured into a large stewing pot with chunks of lamb meat. The pot is put over an open fire. As the stew begins to warm, it is stirred to prevent the yoghurt from separating.

Large trays are covered with the doughy flat Arabic bread and dampened with yogurt. On top of this, a layer of rice is heaped. The meat is then piled on top. Almonds, pine-kernels and other nuts may be sprinkled over the dish, which is then ready for serving.

Ingredients:

• 6 pieces jameed (about 1/2 pound)
• 3 quarts plus 2 cups water
• 10 tablespoons clarified unsalted butter
• 4 1/2 pounds lamb shoulder on the bone, cut into approximately 3/4 pound pieces and trimmed of excess fat
• 2 tablespoons all spices
• 3 cups long-grain rice, soaked in water to cover for 30 minutes and drained or rinsed well under running water until the water runs clear
• 3 to 4 cups boiling water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup blanched whole almonds
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 2 pieces shrak (Arabic flat thin bread/Saj bread)

We cant wait for the next culnary experience....

Author: R.J.E.

Happy Birthday Jordan

Jordan is 66 Today......

History of Jordan's Independence

On May 25, 1946 the United Nations approved the end of the British Mandate and recognised Jordan as an independent sovereign kingdom. The Parliament of Jordan proclaimed King Abdullah as the first King.

On April 24, 1950, Jordan formally annexed the West Bank and East Jerusalem, an act that was regarded as illegal and void by the Arab League. The move formed part of Jordan’s "Greater Syria Plan" expansionist policy, and in response, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Syria joined Egypt in demanding Jordan’s expulsion from the Arab League. A motion to expel Jordan from the League was prevented by the dissenting votes of Yemen and Iraq. On June 12, 1950, the Arab League declared the annexation was a temporary, practical measure and that Jordan was holding the territory as a “trustee” pending a future settlement. On July 27, 1953, King Hussein of Jordan announced that East Jerusalem was "the alternative capital of the Hashemite Kingdom" and would form an "integral and inseparable part" of Jordan.

Abdullah I was assassinated in 1951 as he was leaving the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Jordan became a founding member of the Arab League in 1945 and, as an independent country, it joined the United Nations in 1955. In 1957 it terminated the Anglo-Jordan treaty, one year after the king sacked the British personnel serving in the Jordanian Army. This act of Arabization ensured the complete sovereignty of Jordan as a fully independent nation.

(taken from Wikipedia)