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