Settling In

Let the blogging begin! I have probably sat down a dozen times to start this blog but then find myself at a loss for words. How do you accurately describe an experience like this? Today there was a huge mile marker in my life here in Jordan. I UNPACKED my suitcases and also made a solo journey around my neighborhood to find a grocery store. I even found my way back! It sounds kind of funny to say that, but it really does take a bit of courage to do that for the first time. Here are a few things that I learned on my short journey:

1. Shoes with traction are preferred. 

You might be asking yourself why I would comment on something like that. Well, let me tell you. I almost biffed it a few times on my little journey when I would come across store front with abnormally slick tile right there in the middle of the sidewalk. I was wearing flip-flops and about had a couple of face plants. Not pretty.

2. Shopping decisions are a lot more difficult when you realize that you have to carry all of your purchases all the way back to your house. 

3. Cereal is ridiculously expensive! Some of the regular boxes were about 9 bucks!

4. I need to start recognizing landmarks because I will never be able to remember the street names!! 

5. I love my apartment. The garden area in the front is pretty snazzy! After my adventure and getting settled in I feel like I can call this home for the next year.

So, let me recap what the last 11 days have been like.

I have had the privilege of staying with Ed, Julie, and their family up until yesterday. Staying at their house was really great. It was nice staying in a home for the first few days as I adjusted to the new culture. They took me around to try and get acquainted with the city, and I think it is actually working! 

Last friday I had a chance to go to the Dead Sea and Mt. Nebo with Ed and some other people visiting from the United States. It was great to actually see some of the places that you read about in the Old Testament. It has helped me get a better handle on the geography of this area which is really helpful in reading the Bible.

Saturday all of the international workers in this area met in Petra for a retreat. Petra was amazing! Check out my facebook for more pictures from Petra. It was great getting to know some of the people working in surrounding areas. I loved hearing their stories of ups and downs. It gave me courage for the year ahead of me. 

Currently I am sitting on my bed enjoying the fact that my bags are unpacked! I moved in yesterday and it feels great. Thanks for all of your emails, comments, and prayers of encouragement. I am very thankful for all of you. Enjoy my pictures!

This is the Dead Sea. Across from the Dead Sea is Jerusalem. From this point you could actually see Jericho, the Jordan River, and Jerusalem. Although they are not visible in this picture.

This monument is found on Mt. Nebo which is where God showed Moses the Promise Land. See Deut. 32:48-52. It is a cross with a snake wrapped around it. It is supposed to symbolize the verse that says, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."

This building was built in 1st century AD memorializing the place where God showed Moses Canaan. 

These are random camels that we saw on the way down to the Dead Sea. I snapped with through the window with my little camera.

This is Petra from my hotel room!

This if from inside Petra. Check out my facebook for more like this.

This is a boy who was selling some things in Petra. He wanted to see himself on my camera.