Merry Christmas

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!! Today is Christmas Eve, and although I am sad to be away from home, several of us got together to read the nativity story and sing traditional Christmas songs, so I was in good company. Afterwards, I organized a little Christmas party in the dorms, complete with seven paper snowflakes and two stockings (hey, resources are limited at this point). I never realized how much a white elephant exchange would improve people's outlook on spending this first holiday season away from their families, but speaking for myself at least, it was good to share it with such amazing individuals!

Don't have time to write much now, but know that I'm happy and safe here!

Getting close to swearing in!

Hello everyone!

Sorry it's been so long since I last wrote (I know…it’s a pattern), but I don't have internet connection often and when I do I usually don't know where to begin.

We're nearing the end of our pre-service training, and things are going well. I'm feeling much more confident with my Arabic, and am trying (somewhat successfully) to use it as much as possible. Every time I enter a ducan (store) and do my shopping in Arabic the storekeepers tell me I speak well, but I'm not sure if that’s because it really is or they're surprised I'm speaking it at all!

I'm sad to be leaving my host family. They have been incredibly welcoming and helpful, and have introduced me to the zaki-ness (deliciousness that is) of Jordanian food (Magluba, Manself, and Kibsa have become my staples). I've had some great times at their home, and am lucky to have been with them for Iid, a Muslim holiday celebrating Allah sending Abraham a sheep to sacrifice instead of his oldest son. On this holiday, men from each family will sacrifice a sheep, and the whole three day holiday is filled with visits to friends and family (and drinking shai kathir (lots of tea) and enjoying heilu (chocolate)). Another great experience I've had with my family was visiting in the family bayt-shar (a large Bedouin tent made of goat-hair fabric). We sat around a fire inside, maybe 20 of us, drinking tea and coffee for hours; it was really one of those "Wow…I'm really in Jordan" moments.

During the past few weeks we had practicum, three weeks spent training in centers like the ones we will be working in. I trained in a center in Mafraq, putting together lessons for students and trying my best to teach them in Arabic. All in all things went well, and gave me the confidence to do it in my own center.

Speaking of which, I just returned from my site visit. I'll be working in Mafraq, the city we've been training in. We had a conference in Amman at which we met our mudeers/mudeeras and counterparts, and then we went to our respective cities to get a taste of what our lives will be like. I saw my apartment, and I'll just say that I am very lucky (its very specious and fully furnished already…I'll be quite comfortable for the next two years ). I'm living above my mudeera's family, and feel welcomed into the family already. My center is very nice as well. They recently had volunteers from World-Learning come for a beautification day at the center, and it's really a lovely working environment. I'm excited to continue my observations of the center, so I can see where my specific knowledge and experience will best fit in.

I'm sure there's more, but we're starting a session soon and I have to run. All in all, things are really wonderful! Inshala I'll get internet in my apartment and will be able to write more often!

Miss everyone!

Life in Jordan :)

Hello all!

Sorry its been so long since I last wrote...not much internet access where I am at.

A lot has changed since my last post. After leaving Aman, our group stayed for a few days at a university in northern Jordan, taking language and culture classes to prepare us for meeting our families. During these first few days we had a good time meeting and getting to know each other better - basically, making the friendships that we'll hold dear for the next two years.

After a few days we moved into our homestays. I am living in a little village not far from the university. This village is unlike anywhere I had ever been...lots of space between one house and the next, goats and sheep at every turn, and an expansive desert horizon speckled with lights from more distant cities and villages.

The people in this village have been so welcoming. Never a day goes by that I am not visiting others for tea and lunch, or entertaining at my own home.

The food is great so far...definitely not hard to get used to, although I'm afraid I've already forgotten how to use a spoon :)My favorites so far are mansef (a rice dish with lamb and yogurt eaten with the hands), eggplant, and cucumber salads. Happily, I'm constantly offered sweet teas and nescafe, as I can't stop by to pick up a friend without being invited in.

Currently we are in the closest city to us. Usually we spend our mornings in a little school in our village taking arabic lessons, but today we came to help at a field day put on by a J-12 (Emily) for kids with special needs. It was great to get a glimpse of what work we will be doing here in Jordan, and the pizza eating and shopping we get to do now isn't bad either.

Anyways, lots to do at the moment. Hopefully I'll have internet connection soon enough!! Miss everyone!

Orientation in Amman

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am safe in Jordan :)


The flight over from JFK was actually pretty easy. Since we left at night and I thankfully can get some shut eye on a plane, I spent the majority of my time sleeping. We arrived around 5pm local time and were greeted by P.C. staff and RPCVs. Thanks to the staff's efforts, we had a seemless time going through customs, getting our bags, and loading a bus to our hotel.



After arriving at our hotel we had a welcome meeting, followed by a delicious dinner of (you guessed it...) pizza! Actually, the familiarity was a bit comforting. Even now sitting here in the lobby of our hotel, I have to keep reminding myself that I'm a half world away from home! that's one of the great things about traveing ~ you learn how small and interconnected the world really is.


Our orientation has gone well so far today. We've set up our bank accounts, recieved our phones (yes, I'll have a phone here!), and got our first set of immunizations, among other things. We've met much of the Peace Corps Jordan staff, and will continue to go over basics after everyone is wrapped up!


All for now! I'll make sure to write when I can!

Leaving...on a jet plane

Hi there!


Well, I am leaving for Amman tonight! We're taking buses to JFK a little after 2pm and catching a flight after 10. Just wanted to let everyone know that I may not be able to call or email for a few days (up to a week?), so don't worry; no news is good news!


Take care!

Staging in Philadelphia!

Hola!!

Well, I'm here in Philadelphia! It's been a VERY long day, but well worth it. Justin dropped me off at the airport shortly after 5am and we said our goodbyes (tear...sad face...). I made perfect timing to board, and studied the arabic alphabet pretty much the whole way to Philly (minus a chat with a random but very nice German research scientist/lecturer). I'm happy to have done so much traveling in my life... getting out of the airport and into a shuttle proved little challenge for me!

The hotel I'm staying at is in the heart of the old historical districts. After checking in, I immediately came back downstairs and took off wandering (structured aimlessness is what I call it) throughout the city. I saw Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the site of the Continental Congress and the Tomb of the Unnamed Soldiers, Penn Station, and enjoyed my afternoon meandering throughout all of the parks and quaint (albeit lively) city streets. I also found time to stop and have my palm read (apparently I seek adventure and am full of life, am looking for change, and am conflicted by desires to explore the world and never look back versus to stay in one place with the people I love...EERY how dead on she was!).

After exploring for several hours I headed back to the hotel and ate (what else??) a delicious Philly Cheesteak. After dinner I met my hotel roomate MJ, who I'm convinced is an Oregon-raised version of myself!

Tomorrow I'm planning on having an easy morning and perhaps touring Independence Hall. Registration begins at 1:30 sharp, and no way would I be late for that!! Guess I'll go to bed now to make sure I am all ready to go tomorrow.

Miss everyone!

Stephanie

All packed up!

Here it is! Two years worth of belongings all packed up and ready for travel!!

Goodbyes and Promises

So the last few days have been a whirlwind of visiting friends and family and saying my goodbyes. I drove back to SD from my parents house on Thursday straight to the Salvation Army's Door of Hope where I volunteer with kids and was welcomed with a "Goodbye Steph" party. It was so unexpected, but I very much appreciated all of the warm thanks and homemade gifts and cards. Later that night I made some memories at dinner with a few of my best friends at Rocking Bajas in Old Town. Friday night everyone got together and went out in Pacific Beach... one last night out with all my friends together before I left. Saturday was date night with Justin and it was such a night to remember!! He took me to Flemmings down in the Gas Lamp and suprised me with a beautiful ring (smart boy! love you!). After that we went to the Civic Center and saw the Lion King (we both got chills throughout!!) and went to Raa Sushi for some quality face to face time. On Sunday I drove up to Los Angeles for a family Goodbye/Happy Birthday party (thanks to Julie and Di for the two beautiful cakes... even if Julie was upset with the baker, I still think it turned out wonderfully!). It was so good to see all my family before I left, and I was a teary mess saying my goodbyes. My dad especially got the tears flowing (nothing makes a Daddy's girl cry any harder than when her pops sheds a few tears himself (hehe, sorry for blowing your tough guy cover dad!)). And while it was hard to say goodbye to everyone, I was and still am beside myself knowing how much love and support my family has shown me throughout this entire process! Of course, I appreciate all the last minute gifts and packing additions that everyone gave me... seems everyone really does know me all too well!! It's crazy to think about how much will change in the next two years. I'm sure that time will fly by, but as much as I am going to miss everyone, I really want to get the full experience of living in Jordan, and I know that when I am there I'll want nothing more than to slow down time and appreciate the little things. I'm such a lucky girl and want to thank everyone for all of their love and support. I promise to keep in touch with you all, as long as you all promise to keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

Empty House

So my family all just left for school and work and I'm at the family house all alone. It's kind of sad to think the whole family won't be together in our house again for over 2 years. I don't know why I am so sad...after all, I haven't lived here for over 4 years, but still, it's just a reminder of how long I'll be gone. I'm alternating constantly between jubilation and tears, which I'm assuming is normal, but I'm not sure how much more of my mood swings Justin will be able to take!

A week away and counting...

Is this what I have to look forward to?? I am so excited!!!!

Getting ready for new adventures

Hello all!

Well, I am a little over a week away from leaving for my Peace Corps assignment and am getting very anxious. While I am excited to begin this adventure, it is a little bit unnerving knowing how much I am leaving behind in San Diego. Luckily, I have an amazing support system, and I know my friends and family will always be there for me!

Speaking of family, I'm home at my parents’ house for some quality time and R & R before I head off. For now I am just wrapping up things here, visiting with friends, and trying to find Jordanian-approved clothing at the local thrift stores. I received my invitation to serve just over a month ago, and I've got an intimidating to-do list ahead of me. About all my free time has been spent studying Arabic and the P.C. materials, but all is going well at this point.

Hopefully I'll stay as optimistic as I currently am about leaving. I've got a big adventure ahead of me, and I am ready for it :)

Until next time,

Stephanie