Jordan

Salamu Alaikum, Peace Be Upon You.  Let me commence this blog by wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day!  As we say goodbye to the land that we love, we are also saying goodbye to another country dear to our hearts, Jordan.  Over a year ago we were selected to live in Jordan for two years.  This fall we visited the beautiful country and left anxious to return for our Olmsted experience.  Since this familiarization trip occurred, a lot of things have changed in the Middle East, and the Olmsted slot in Jordan was canceled.  Thankfully Morocco opened their doors and made room for another scholar.  Now, we are thrilled to be here in Rabat and to kick off our adventures this summer.  However, as we begin to journal about our travels and life in general, I cannot leave out our first familiarization trip, as this too is part of our "Olmsted Experience"!  Much thanks to the Jordan scholars and our dear friends, the Jacobsens, for being such amazing hosts.  After just one week together, we will be friends for life.  Masalama, Jordan.

We sat next to a lady from Syria who kicked off our Arab adventure by sweetly offering much advice on what was best for Abraham throughout the flight.  She truly was a huge help and enjoyed loving on him!  We are thankful to be joining a culture who cherishes their children!

Our first tour was visiting the amazing ruins in Jerash.   It was a hot October day, but A was a trooper and managed not to get a sunburn.

Do you see our last name on the road sign?

Just before we entered our tour of Petra, we came across these two beauties!  Pictures of the former and present king are everywhere.  However, they are generally a normal sized photo hung in a restaurant or whatnot.  The folks at Petra definitely went all out!

Many people recognize Petra from the movie, Indiana Jones.

Abraham slept in the sling while we visited Petra by candlelight!  It didn't make for great picture taking, but we enjoyed relaxing, drinking hot tea and silently taking in the beauty without being behind a lens the whole time.  What an amazing tour!

Wadi Rum

Mark, Isaiah and Jamil camped out in the Wadi Rum for a rugged boys outing! Actually, we would love to have joined them, but the little babies preferred to stay at the Aqaba resort. ;)

Jamil slept under the stars on a cot outside of the tent.  He said he had never seen the stars shining so brightly!

Wendy, Mariam, Abraham and I paused for a quick photo op before we took off for an extra night in Aqaba!

The Red Sea in Aquaba

The ceilings, lanterns, and intricate decor was breath taking!  Of course it was impossible to capture the atmosphere, but it was a lush paradise that took us by surprise after being in the desert all week!

Abraham came bearing gifts... an adorable hat from Aqaba.  There is a lot to do in one week as you prepare to move and study in a foreign country, so we left Gabriel with his little toddler schedule full of naps, library story time, soccer-tots and whatnot with Mimi and Great Mamaw.  They had a ball!  Abraham was only 4 months old and was able to nurse and nap in my sling as we were out and about.  Lucky little one, getting to go on such an amazing adventure!

We missed you like you wouldn't believe, sweet Gabriel!