Driver's License

I can officially drive!!! After two days of going from one office to another, take this test and that test, and paying money here and there, I finally have my driver's license.

Day one: Went with our national staff member who told me that since I already had a license from the States that it would not take long at all. We waited outside, thankfully it wasn't too hot, for this one particular officer to show put. Instead of him telling us that I just needed to pay money and get my photo taken, he wrote on my paper that I need to go through the whole process. What an experience!! First to the psychological doctor, he looked at me and in Arabic asked me if I was healthy. Of course I told him yes in Arabic and he laughed, don't think he expected a white person to speak Arabic to him. That was all he needed, along with money, I passed this part. Next stop, the vision test. I had to point to the direction the E was facing. The chart looked alot like our vision test in the States, except it only had on letter on it. Again, paid some money and passed the test.


Next was the written test. Walked into this room full of computers and was thinking oh my I already did this once in my life didn't think I would have to do it again in a different language. Thankfully, they let me take the paper test and after some talking they allowed our national staff to translate for me. Again paid some money and passed the test. Next stop was the driving test. There was only one other female in a group of about 25 people waiting to take the test. She was really nice and I learned that this was her second time to try and pass the test. Thank you, Daddy that you made me learn to drive a manual transmission!! The driving part only took like a minute. The key was to make sure you had on your seat belt, even though the nationals don't ever wear them. Passed the test and so did my new friend, which she thinks it was because I was there. After we both passed, her dad insisted that we go back to there house to celebrate. This was the end of the first day.

Day two: I was told that all today consisted of was paying more money, getting my photo taken and having the card made. When we arrived we were allowed to wait inside this time. But of course, the people taking the money were not in the office. Once they finally showed paid my money and waited some more to have my picture taken. Got my picture taken and waited till my card was ready. This day it only took 3 hrs and the total process was 8 hrs. I can drive though...if only I had a car to drive.

Jordan

I went to Jordan to take some classes. The view from our classroom was a drastic change from where I have been living.


I met up with some friends and we went to Mt. Nebo, where Moses looked across at the promise land.


We tried to go to the Baptism site of Jesus, but it was closed. So, instead I took a picture of the sign...just to show how close we got.


We did get to go to the Dead Sea. What a neat experience, the only disappointing thing was that I forgot to bring a change of clothes and was able to experience the floating. Funny story though: we were walking back from the sea heading back to our car and I had this pain coming from the bottom of my foot. Sat down to look at my foot and notice blood. Months later, I have to tell you that I have a scar from walking on salt rock in the Dead Sea.

Christmas Time!!!

I have to say that it was really hard to be away from family and friends back home during this season. I missed all the family traditions, BUT God was so great in allowing my time here to be special as well. My roommates and myself got up Christmas morn and shared a special time of giving to each other. We finished our last minute food preparations and headed to our team leaders house. We began with a wonderful brunch and included lots of different cheeses and BACON. Next, we push ourselves away from the table for a brief time to watch my favorite Christmas movie...ELF and to play several rounds of Guess Who with the kids. It was time for dinner, which I really didn't have room in my stomach for...but it was oh so good (ham, turkey and dressing, broccoli, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn and carrots). We then had a time to exchange gifts and to read the Christmas Story. Next, dessert...not sure how I didn't explode, but it was a great day(pumpkin pie, apple pie, candle cake and fruit salad).

Sammie the Sheep

Eid al-Adha"Festival of Sacrifice"is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God. However, God provided a ram in place once Ibrahim demonstrated his willingness to follow God's commands.

Sammie is the Sheep that our guard brought to spend the night in our compound before it was sacrificed the next day. We decided that Sammie should have some photos to remember its last night.

We went to several national's homes to visit and eat with them. I have spared you guys the photos that would have been too much to handle. I have a picture of me using a motar and pastel to grind up garlic.

Thanksgiving!!!

There is sooo much to be Thankful for!! Awesome friends and family back in the States that love and support me!! Great friends and food on this special day!! I think this was the first year that I was sooo excited about the food (roasted chicken and stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and corn). I realized how much I take for granted the wonderful food that my family has every year and me not having to cook one thing. It was so nice to have a great meal with wonderful friends and to share what all we have to be thankful for.



We were also able to share the meal with some nationals. I am not so sure that they enjoyed it as much as we did. It was neat to hear the things they are thankful for.