Answer: It's a green almond. They taste like green apples. Better not eat too many, you may get a belly ache.
Friday, March 27, 2015
What is this?
They are selling these in the market. We had no idea what it is. Can you guess?
Answer: It's a green almond. They taste like green apples. Better not eat too many, you may get a belly ache.
Answer: It's a green almond. They taste like green apples. Better not eat too many, you may get a belly ache.
Food Boxes and New Friends
Tuesday, March 23
After working in Madaba for two days we took a break and went on a food box delivery with Jamal and the United Muslim Relief. This time we went east of Amman to the city of Zarqa.
We distributed food boxes containing food for one month for 151 refugee families. There were 1,327 individuals in the families. The majority of the families were single parent/widow families.
Jamal's cousin and his wife are here in Jordan visiting from Dubai. They invited us to come to Dubai to see them after our mission. We really liked them both and would love to go.
After working in Madaba for two days we took a break and went on a food box delivery with Jamal and the United Muslim Relief. This time we went east of Amman to the city of Zarqa.
We distributed food boxes containing food for one month for 151 refugee families. There were 1,327 individuals in the families. The majority of the families were single parent/widow families.
Jamal's cousin and his wife are here in Jordan visiting from Dubai. They invited us to come to Dubai to see them after our mission. We really liked them both and would love to go.
I Want To Take Your Blood
Sunday, March 22
Testing for diabetes began in Madaba today. We are staying at the Amman Center guest room and driving the 45 minutes every morning. There are six sites around the city and we were assigned to a clinic in a very poor area of town. The head doctor was Abraheem Mohammed and he was so interested in what we were doing that he took over and did the testing himself. Of course, we had to train him how to use the glucometer first.
One of the woman who came to the clinic remarked that she was 70 years old. That makes me one year older than she is.
Testing for diabetes began in Madaba today. We are staying at the Amman Center guest room and driving the 45 minutes every morning. There are six sites around the city and we were assigned to a clinic in a very poor area of town. The head doctor was Abraheem Mohammed and he was so interested in what we were doing that he took over and did the testing himself. Of course, we had to train him how to use the glucometer first.
One of the woman who came to the clinic remarked that she was 70 years old. That makes me one year older than she is.
Here we are--"salt and pepper."
Old Roman Road and Kyle's Leg
Saturday, March 21
We were standing on this ancient Roman road in Madaba when Kyle phoned to say he had been in an accident and broke his leg. He was lifting a heavy piece of equipment and it fell on him, shattering his leg in a compound fracture of the tibia and the fibula. Both bones were exposed and sticking out of his leg. It sounded ugly. He is in the hospital in Murray.
Even though he was in intense pain, he still maintained his sense of humor. When we told him we were standing on a road built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, part of which ran from Madaba, Jordan (where we were) to Jerusalem he told us they needed to update the highway.
It is very, very difficult to be half-way around the world when our son is hurt and in pain. We want to go to be with him and comfort him, but know that we must stay here. We realize that we have to have faith that the Lord will take care of him and bless him. Our fervent prayer is that He will send angels round about to watch over and be with our dear son.
Even though he was in intense pain, he still maintained his sense of humor. When we told him we were standing on a road built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, part of which ran from Madaba, Jordan (where we were) to Jerusalem he told us they needed to update the highway.
It is very, very difficult to be half-way around the world when our son is hurt and in pain. We want to go to be with him and comfort him, but know that we must stay here. We realize that we have to have faith that the Lord will take care of him and bless him. Our fervent prayer is that He will send angels round about to watch over and be with our dear son.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
The Ancient City of Heshbon
March 21, Saturday
Heshbon is located on a large hill southwest of Amman about 10 miles. When the Israelites came to this area of Jordan it was inhabited by the Amorites. Israel sent messengers to the king of the Amorites, asking for permission to pass through the area and they promised they would not go into the fields or vineyards, nor drink any of their water but the king refused and came out to fight against them. The Israelites defeated the Ammorites and possessed Heshbon and the villages around it. (Numbers 21:21-28)
When the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, conquered the cities of Jordan on his way to Jerusalem, Heshbon was overrun and the population killed and scattered. This defeat was lamented by the prophet Isaiah as he compared the destruction of Heshbon to the destruction that would await Jerusalem.
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Heshbon was important throughout many civilizations of the Middle East. Modern excavations at the site have identified 10 different civilian layers. A large hill represents the central location of the city. It was very WINDY and COLD when we were there.
Friday, March 20, 2015
A Different Kind of Institute
There were 17 people at Institute last night, 10 non-members. This is Morad with part of the group. He's an outstanding teacher and these kids are smart. They aren't the right age to attend Institute, but they are welcome to come. The discussion was about free agency.
Everyone loves to play games after the lesson. They tossed a coin into the air and then guessed heads or tails. Some of the older women played hopscotch. It was hilarious.
Health Care for Syrians
The Altkaful Health Center in Ramtha has been in operation for approximately three years and provides medical services in most of the major medical specialties at very low cost (about $1 - $2) to refugees from Syria. The center was one of the locations where we did diabetic testing during the recent campaign and we called it the "clean hospital" because every time we went there someone was mopping the floors. The facility is providing a very valuable service to a large number of refugees.
We met the director Dr. Abd Elmajid Ali Alzubi, during the recent campaign and were very impressed with him and the clinic. We were anxious to go back and visit with him again and explore the possibility of LDS Charities being of assistance in some way.
Dr. Abd was very welcoming and proud of the clinic. He has great passion for what he is doing. He told us they serve approximately 315-400 patients per day. The facility is not the most modern but seemed to be fairly well equipped. They serve a wide area including nearby Irbid and have two mobile units that go out into the community twice a week to serve patients that cannot come to the hospital. They utilize medical students and nursing students in training from nearby Jordan University of Science and Technology.
Their most pressing need is for medicine and supplies like bandages. We hope LDS Charities will be able to help them.
We met the director Dr. Abd Elmajid Ali Alzubi, during the recent campaign and were very impressed with him and the clinic. We were anxious to go back and visit with him again and explore the possibility of LDS Charities being of assistance in some way.
Dr. Abd was very welcoming and proud of the clinic. He has great passion for what he is doing. He told us they serve approximately 315-400 patients per day. The facility is not the most modern but seemed to be fairly well equipped. They serve a wide area including nearby Irbid and have two mobile units that go out into the community twice a week to serve patients that cannot come to the hospital. They utilize medical students and nursing students in training from nearby Jordan University of Science and Technology.
Their most pressing need is for medicine and supplies like bandages. We hope LDS Charities will be able to help them.
We're Good To Go With HUDA
Question: How do you find where you're going in Amman when no one has an address?
Answer: Pray a LOT and then use the GPS that we affectionately call HUDA.
On Monday we had a meeting with the country director for Handicap International in Amman and we drove directly to their office in Amman without any problem using our GPS with the coordinates already programmed in.
Earlier this year we had the opportunity to meet with the HI field representative in Irbid and to tour one of their nearby service facilities. Today, the purpose of our meeting with the director and his staff in Amman was to solidify the input we have received concerning their need for wheelchairs and other prosthetic devices. They all spoke English (sort of) and it was a delight to get to know them.
As a result of the meeting, contact was made with one of our distributors of wheelchairs here in Jordan who expressed an interest in working with Handicap International. We feel that there is a possibility of a mutually beneficial relationship between the two organizations, as both have service centers in the two major refugee camps and communities around Jordan.
Yee Haw!!!
After the meeting HUDA took us to Fatty Dabs for the best hamburgers in the middle east and then to the ice cream shop for dessert. It was a fantastic day.
Answer: Pray a LOT and then use the GPS that we affectionately call HUDA.
On Monday we had a meeting with the country director for Handicap International in Amman and we drove directly to their office in Amman without any problem using our GPS with the coordinates already programmed in.
Earlier this year we had the opportunity to meet with the HI field representative in Irbid and to tour one of their nearby service facilities. Today, the purpose of our meeting with the director and his staff in Amman was to solidify the input we have received concerning their need for wheelchairs and other prosthetic devices. They all spoke English (sort of) and it was a delight to get to know them.
As a result of the meeting, contact was made with one of our distributors of wheelchairs here in Jordan who expressed an interest in working with Handicap International. We feel that there is a possibility of a mutually beneficial relationship between the two organizations, as both have service centers in the two major refugee camps and communities around Jordan.
Yee Haw!!!
After the meeting HUDA took us to Fatty Dabs for the best hamburgers in the middle east and then to the ice cream shop for dessert. It was a fantastic day.
The ride home. Beautiful.
Madaba Tree of Life
Madaba is a medium-sized city about 20 miles southwest of Amman and approximately a 3-hour drive from Husn where we live. It is mentioned several times in the Old Testament and usually is associated with the land of Moab. Some have speculated that it might be the home of Ruth but there is no ancient evidence of this. A great battle was fought at Madaba between David's army and the Ammonites. After the allocation of the conquered land to the 12 tribes, Madaba was in the area assigned to Rueben.
Today, Madaba is known for its beautiful ancient mosaics, among which is a depiction of a tree of life with fruit hanging on its branches.
On Sunday we went to Madaba with the Strongs to meet with the community health leaders and get their support for the next diabetic retinopathy campaign which will be held there. The people we met with were very enthusiastic and gave us good recommendations for the testing sites. It's always interesting to sit in a meeting where everyone is speaking Arabic and still be able to basically understand what everyone is talking about by their body language and facial expressions.
These outstanding young men will provide 20-22 volunteers every day for three weeks. The volunteers will be trained before they come to Madaba, which will be a big time-saver for us.
Today, Madaba is known for its beautiful ancient mosaics, among which is a depiction of a tree of life with fruit hanging on its branches.
On Sunday we went to Madaba with the Strongs to meet with the community health leaders and get their support for the next diabetic retinopathy campaign which will be held there. The people we met with were very enthusiastic and gave us good recommendations for the testing sites. It's always interesting to sit in a meeting where everyone is speaking Arabic and still be able to basically understand what everyone is talking about by their body language and facial expressions.
Later in the day we returned to Amman and had a meeting with the student leaders of the medical student association that will be providing testing volunteers for the campaign. We enjoy the enthusiasm and helpfulness of these young people. We are always looking for ways to make the campaign process simple, efficient and effective.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Nasser the Egyptian
Today (Friday the Sabbath) was the first day of the district's speaker exchange program. On the second Friday of each month the two Arabic speaking branches in the district will each send someone to speak in the other's Sacrament Meeting. Brother Nasser from Amman First Branch came to the North Jordan Branch today and he did a very nice job talking about the Book of Mormon.
Nasser is an Egyptian living and working in Jordan. He is the only member of his family who is a member of the Church. He works as a landscaper and supports his mother and sister in Egypt. He's a good man. Many Egyptians come to Jordan to work in construction and landscaping. They take the jobs the Jordanians don't want. We're so glad we got the chance to meet him.
Brother Fayez was the exchange speaker from our branch and he went to Amman to speak in the Amman Second Branch (English Speaking). We hear he did a great job with an interpreter. Hopefully the members in the three branches in Jordan will get to know each other better and strengthen each other through this program.
Nasser is an Egyptian living and working in Jordan. He is the only member of his family who is a member of the Church. He works as a landscaper and supports his mother and sister in Egypt. He's a good man. Many Egyptians come to Jordan to work in construction and landscaping. They take the jobs the Jordanians don't want. We're so glad we got the chance to meet him.
Brother Fayez was the exchange speaker from our branch and he went to Amman to speak in the Amman Second Branch (English Speaking). We hear he did a great job with an interpreter. Hopefully the members in the three branches in Jordan will get to know each other better and strengthen each other through this program.
We're Simple Minded Folks
Anyone reading our blog for the past few weeks has read about our involvement in the huge vision project here in Jordan. The project was started about a year ago by the humanitarian couple, Brent and Margaret Strong who will be finishing their mission and going home in May. They have put a lot of time and effort into it. We have been in training to take it over when they leave. We've spent a lot of time trying to understand the project and learning as much as we can. It's not been easy for us to get our arms around the complicated project, probably because we're just a couple of simple minded old people from the Salem 9th Ward who know nothing about ophthalmology.
On Monday we had a chance to discuss diabetic retinopathy and the direction we're going with the specialists from Utah and the couples here in Jordan. We appreciate the fact that we were able to express our views and insight. It's our opinion that diabetic retinopathy (loss of vision) is a very important component of the epidemic of diabetes in Jordan. We talked about sustainability and ways to get the Ministry of Health more involved with a major campaign addressing diabetes, similar to what has been done for immunizations in other countries. We do know something about immunization campaigns!! We will continue our discussions with the Strongs and make additional contacts in the Ministry of Health where we are hoping to identify a "champion" to carry this effort forward in a way that will bless the lives of the people here.
On Monday we had a chance to discuss diabetic retinopathy and the direction we're going with the specialists from Utah and the couples here in Jordan. We appreciate the fact that we were able to express our views and insight. It's our opinion that diabetic retinopathy (loss of vision) is a very important component of the epidemic of diabetes in Jordan. We talked about sustainability and ways to get the Ministry of Health more involved with a major campaign addressing diabetes, similar to what has been done for immunizations in other countries. We do know something about immunization campaigns!! We will continue our discussions with the Strongs and make additional contacts in the Ministry of Health where we are hoping to identify a "champion" to carry this effort forward in a way that will bless the lives of the people here.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Did Jesus Come Here?
On Monday we went with the LDS Charities specialists visiting from Utah to see Pella where some historians believe Jesus went to spent some time before his last trip to Jerusalem.
Pella is located in the Jordan River Valley and is about an hour's drive from where we live. We've had a lot of rain this winter so everything is beautiful and green. Most of the fruits and vegetables for Jordan are grown here.
An ancient olive press. . .
Jesus is thought to have slept in this cave . . .
It's a beautiful place. Early Christians came here to escape persecution. . .
Pella is located in the Jordan River Valley and is about an hour's drive from where we live. We've had a lot of rain this winter so everything is beautiful and green. Most of the fruits and vegetables for Jordan are grown here.
One of the companions of the prophet Mohammed fell in battle near Petra in 635AD.
Jesus is thought to have slept in this cave . . .
It's a beautiful place. Early Christians came here to escape persecution. . .
Diabetic Retinopathy
This week LDS Charities is hosting four seminars about diabetic retinopathy (blindness caused by diabetes) in Jordan. Local internists and opthomologists have been invited to lectures given by LDS Charities vision specialists who have come from Utah (Bob and Shannon Christiansen) and Colorado (Rob and Robin Slover).
The facility we reserved for the seminar is mainly used for wedding receptions. We couldn't resist having our picture taken in the "love seat" located at one end of the room.
These two guys manage the facility where we had the lecture and dinner. We've been working with them on the arrangements for the past two months. Sometimes we felt like our heads were going to explode, trying to negotiate and understand the way they do business, but in the end we were all friends. They did a good job. After the event they waited in line for their turn for the kiss kiss on both cheeks that everyone does here.
We can't tell people what we believe, but we can surely be ambassadors for good.
The first seminar was held right here in Al Husn on Sunday (not the Sabbath). Over 50 doctors from northern Jordan attended. We thought it went very well, even though we didn't have much of a clue what they were talking about.
The facility we reserved for the seminar is mainly used for wedding receptions. We couldn't resist having our picture taken in the "love seat" located at one end of the room.
The director of the medical center in Ramtha attended the meeting with his daughter and son. We had a wonderful conversation at dinner with them using SwaySway (very little) Arabic and Sway Sway (very little) English. We learned that he came from a polygamist family and has 24 brothers and sisters. We told him that's a lot of people to feed!! Everybody laughed. We really love the Jordanians.
We can't tell people what we believe, but we can surely be ambassadors for good.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Tithing Blessings
Sat, March 7
For the past few years we've traveled around the world and spent a lot of time in developing countries where most of the people are very poor. It breaks our hearts to see their suffering. It's always a thrill when we see how the Lord blesses the ones who pay their tithing. We know it's the best way for them to come out of poverty.
For the past few years we've traveled around the world and spent a lot of time in developing countries where most of the people are very poor. It breaks our hearts to see their suffering. It's always a thrill when we see how the Lord blesses the ones who pay their tithing. We know it's the best way for them to come out of poverty.
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. …
“For ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Mal. 3:7–8, 10–12.)
Friday, March 6, 2015
The Book of Mormon Kick-off
Today (the Sabbath) we had the launch for the Book of Mormon reading program for the year. President Amer made some excellent comments emphasizing the importance of reading the Book of Mormon. We passed out individual reading progress charts and a manual for lessons and personal study. All materials distributed were in Arabic. The emphasis for the year is that everyone read the Book of Mormon as individuals and as families. All three of our prospective missionaries were in attendance and some were anxious to get started in the book of Mormon reading right away.
The seminary and institute manuals are not available in Arabic. We feel it would be a huge strength to the young members in our Branch to have access to the S&I materials and hope they will become available soon.
The seminary and institute manuals are not available in Arabic. We feel it would be a huge strength to the young members in our Branch to have access to the S&I materials and hope they will become available soon.
Where's the Army?
Our Relief Society President, Huda,(in the red jacket) invited us to her home for lunch on Wednesday. There was enough food for an army.
She and her two daughters worked very hard to provide a variety of dishes. It was really good and we ate until our eyes bugged. Then we had dessert.
Huda and her family joined the church about 16 years ago. She is a faithful member, has sent two sons on missions and has been to the temple with her family. She is a true stalwart and strength to the branch. As Relief Society President, she keeps almost daily contact with the sisters by telephone. Everyone loves her. She doesn't speak English, but her daughters do (limited).
Huda and her family joined the church about 16 years ago. She is a faithful member, has sent two sons on missions and has been to the temple with her family. She is a true stalwart and strength to the branch. As Relief Society President, she keeps almost daily contact with the sisters by telephone. Everyone loves her. She doesn't speak English, but her daughters do (limited).
Friends
The three couples here in Jordan try to get together occasionally to review our work, talk "American" and enjoy each other's company. We have our own little missionary district meetings as often as we can. One of our jobs in Jordan is to make friends, and today we made friends with the chef of an Italian restaurant where we went for lunch.
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Our new friend
The "sisters"
The "brothers"
We don't use the title "Elder" and we don't wear missionary badges. We can't preach the gospel, but we can't take the light out of our eyes. Many people are drawn to us because they see something special and different and they're not sure exactly what it is, but know it's good. We wish we could tell them, but we can't.
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How About a Helicopter?
March 3
We went to Amman for a meeting with the members of the Diabetic Retinopathy Consortium (try to say that 3 times - fast). The members are leaders in the Ministry of Health and other partner organizations. We reviewed the recent diabetic testing we did in Ramtha and made plans for future campaigns in other parts of Jordan. We see a LOT of traveling in our future and wonder how we'll do it. We've requested approval for a helicopter, but don't think we'll get it.
We went to Amman for a meeting with the members of the Diabetic Retinopathy Consortium (try to say that 3 times - fast). The members are leaders in the Ministry of Health and other partner organizations. We reviewed the recent diabetic testing we did in Ramtha and made plans for future campaigns in other parts of Jordan. We see a LOT of traveling in our future and wonder how we'll do it. We've requested approval for a helicopter, but don't think we'll get it.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
We're Excited About A Meeting??
Up until now, most of the training and leadership in our branch has come from the missionary couples. These wonderful amazing couples who have come before us have put a lot of effort into keeping the church running and helping the members. We feel very unqualified to follow them and are constantly reminded of our weaknesses.
However . . . . we may not be as smart or talented as the others, but we have learned a few things along the way that have helped us. First of all, we know that everything works much better when the district leaders do the training and teaching. Missionary couples can assist, but the Priesthood line of authority doesn't go through us! We have requested some assistance, and by golly, we got it!!
We now have a district councilman!! He is an American who works at the embassy and speaks fluent Arabic. He will be visiting the branch every month. What a strength he is and like a breath of new, fresh air.
And we have a district Relief Society counselor--and she visits us and trains us!! Another gift we are so grateful for. I could do it, but having someone from the district is so much better. She'll be here long after I'm gone.
The best new thing that's happening is that we are now having DISTRICT LEADERSHIP MEETINGS once a month!! Did I say I'm excited about having a MEETING? YES, I AM!! Yesterday we took our van full of leaders and traveled to Amman and attended a meeting that was held under the direction of the counselor in the district presidency (and a former area seventy authority). He was so awesome. He taught them so many things about the church. It was really good. The best part was when he taught them how you can't have one foot in your former church and one foot in our church. You have to decide. He demonstrated by pulling up squares of carpet off the floor and had someone stand with one foot on one square and the other foot on another.
However . . . . we may not be as smart or talented as the others, but we have learned a few things along the way that have helped us. First of all, we know that everything works much better when the district leaders do the training and teaching. Missionary couples can assist, but the Priesthood line of authority doesn't go through us! We have requested some assistance, and by golly, we got it!!
We now have a district councilman!! He is an American who works at the embassy and speaks fluent Arabic. He will be visiting the branch every month. What a strength he is and like a breath of new, fresh air.
And we have a district Relief Society counselor--and she visits us and trains us!! Another gift we are so grateful for. I could do it, but having someone from the district is so much better. She'll be here long after I'm gone.
The best new thing that's happening is that we are now having DISTRICT LEADERSHIP MEETINGS once a month!! Did I say I'm excited about having a MEETING? YES, I AM!! Yesterday we took our van full of leaders and traveled to Amman and attended a meeting that was held under the direction of the counselor in the district presidency (and a former area seventy authority). He was so awesome. He taught them so many things about the church. It was really good. The best part was when he taught them how you can't have one foot in your former church and one foot in our church. You have to decide. He demonstrated by pulling up squares of carpet off the floor and had someone stand with one foot on one square and the other foot on another.
We are "feeling the love."
After the meeting we took our group to McDonalds and everyone got sandwiches, fries and sodas and Lynn paid. They were so excited and happy, they chattered (in Arabic) all the way home.
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