Rocks and sticks were flying as we drove away. We have to sympathize with these people. If we were in their shoes we would probably do everything we could to get food too. They are hungry and desperate.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
We Started a Riot
All we wanted to do was deliver some food boxes to the Syrian refugees with Jamal today. The boxes were special for Ramadan and included two frozen chickens and two packages of frozen meat. Everyone was so excited to get them, but the excitement turned ugly when some men from another camp tried to get in on the give-away. Accusations were made, people yelled at Jamal, they started shoving and pushing and then we left. "Yella! Yella! (let's go, let's go!!)
Rocks and sticks were flying as we drove away. We have to sympathize with these people. If we were in their shoes we would probably do everything we could to get food too. They are hungry and desperate.
Rocks and sticks were flying as we drove away. We have to sympathize with these people. If we were in their shoes we would probably do everything we could to get food too. They are hungry and desperate.
Monday, June 29, 2015
No Eating Allowed
Today we had a 9 o'clock appointment to get our car serviced so we left early, drove an hour and a half to Amman, waited for 3 1/2 hours for our car, missed our appointment to go out on a food box delivery and couldn't have anything to eat or drink until we got home. Tonight we're a little bit cranky. We don't know how the Muslims can do this every day for a month.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Boom!! Rattle Rattle!!
Yesterday we heard a loud boom and the windows shook. Lynn said it was probably the wind blowing one of the doors shut. Later on we found out that a stray shell from Syria had come over across the border into Ramtha about 10 miles from here and hit a house and that's what shook our windows. A young man was killed and 4 people were sent to the hospital with injuries. There were four other "stray" shells during the day.
This morning the members of the church from Irbid were all excited that the traffic around streets by the mosques was being rerouted because the cities of Ramtha and Irbid were expecting protests. People are kind of edgy anyway because they're fasting and they've been staying up all night. We decided to send everyone home after Sacrament Meeting for their safety.
As far as we can find out, nothing much happened. The police were ready and had all the streets around the mosques blocked off. In a few days everything should be back to normal. No announcements from the embassy, so we should be okay.
This morning the members of the church from Irbid were all excited that the traffic around streets by the mosques was being rerouted because the cities of Ramtha and Irbid were expecting protests. People are kind of edgy anyway because they're fasting and they've been staying up all night. We decided to send everyone home after Sacrament Meeting for their safety.
As far as we can find out, nothing much happened. The police were ready and had all the streets around the mosques blocked off. In a few days everything should be back to normal. No announcements from the embassy, so we should be okay.
Special Ramadan Breakfast Foods
The belief is that the prophet Mohammed ate three dates when he broke his fast. Today dates are on the menu for Iftar (the fast breaking meal before sunrise). The markets around the area have been selling a brown liquid, usually in a plastic bag or a used soda bottle that looks like oil for your car. Our friends offered us a drink made from the brown liquid and explained that it's made from dried dates.
The Jordanians ruin these perfectly good yummy pancakes by folding them over, putting coconut in the middle, crimping the sides, baking until brown and dipping them in sugar water. Haven't they heard of butter and maple syrup? With a side of bacon of course which you would never get here.
Thick and very sweet!
Pancakes anyone?
The Great Reconciliation
The road to Amman goes through some beautiful country--large valleys, hills filled with olive orchards and magnificent vistas.
We travel this road a LOT!
In one area the road slopes down, passes between two mountains and then crosses over the ancient Jabbok river.
In Genesis when Jacob took his wives and left to go back to Canaan his father-in-law Laban was not happy. Laban chased after Jacob and they had a big "discussion" by this river about the unfair way Jacob had been treated. The two men settled their differences, and Laban left peacefully.
This was not the end of Jacob's worries. Twenty years earlier he had fled Cannan when his brother Esau threatened to kill him. Now Jacob was scared to death to go back. He sent his servants ahead and they returned with the news that Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men. That night Jacob prayed fervently for help and the Lord told him "I will do thee good." The next day Jacob started sending presents to Esau--goats, sheep, camels, cattle and servants to say nice things. Then he sent his wives and sons away and waited alone for Esau.
While Jacob was waiting an angel came to him and they wrestled most of the night. Jacob asked for a blessing and was given a new name--Israel.
In the morning Jacob bowed himself to the ground seven times when Esau approached. Then Esau ran to meet him and "embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him: and they wept."
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Murmur, Murmur, Murmur
My job is to help Haia Tashman prepare the lesson for Relief Society on Friday (the Sabbath). Sounds easy, right? Not so much!! All week I've been worrying about it...worry, worry worry.
1. How do I communicate with and teach a young woman who can only speak limited English and can't read any English?
2. She's not been very active and I don't think she knows much about the gospel.
3. She has never taught a lesson before.
Me: "This is too hard . . . I don't think I can do it."
Lynn: "Yes you can."
On Wednesday we went to her home to help her prepare the lesson. I didn't know what would happen, but we started with prayer (a really good idea) and pressed on. As we sat there on the couch together, me with the scriptures and lesson in English on my lap and Haia with her scriptures and lesson in Arabic on her lap, something special happened...the Spirit came. This is important because with the Holy Ghost we were able to understand and learn together. Haia would read a section in her book and I would follow along in my book until she stopped. That's how I knew it was my turn. Then we would talk about it in English and she made notes and underlined her scriptures. She learned things about Nephi that she didn't know, like going back to Jerusalem to get the records from Laban and breaking his bow and the Liahona. After a while, she had a lesson prepared, and I think it will be a good one. That qualifies as a tender mercy and an answer to our prayers.
Want to know the rest of the story? (this is so embarrassing)
The lesson is about Nephi's great attitude. "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." 1 Nephi 3:7
Yes, I'll admit it. I was more like Laman and Lemuel this week than I was like Nephi. I murmurred. BUT . . . I repented really fast. I'm good at that.
1. How do I communicate with and teach a young woman who can only speak limited English and can't read any English?
2. She's not been very active and I don't think she knows much about the gospel.
3. She has never taught a lesson before.
Me: "This is too hard . . . I don't think I can do it."
Lynn: "Yes you can."
On Wednesday we went to her home to help her prepare the lesson. I didn't know what would happen, but we started with prayer (a really good idea) and pressed on. As we sat there on the couch together, me with the scriptures and lesson in English on my lap and Haia with her scriptures and lesson in Arabic on her lap, something special happened...the Spirit came. This is important because with the Holy Ghost we were able to understand and learn together. Haia would read a section in her book and I would follow along in my book until she stopped. That's how I knew it was my turn. Then we would talk about it in English and she made notes and underlined her scriptures. She learned things about Nephi that she didn't know, like going back to Jerusalem to get the records from Laban and breaking his bow and the Liahona. After a while, she had a lesson prepared, and I think it will be a good one. That qualifies as a tender mercy and an answer to our prayers.
Want to know the rest of the story? (this is so embarrassing)
The lesson is about Nephi's great attitude. "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." 1 Nephi 3:7
Yes, I'll admit it. I was more like Laman and Lemuel this week than I was like Nephi. I murmurred. BUT . . . I repented really fast. I'm good at that.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
A Great Big Miracle
When we arrived in Jordan last fall our first visitor was a member of the branch named Ban who came asking for money from the church to pay her bills. Lynn told her he had no authority to pay anything from church funds and she should go to the branch president. Since that time there have been constant requests from Ban and her husband for assistance from the church. All this from a family who runs a candy store (initial start-up financed by the church), owns land and a big 2-story house. Oh yes, they don't come to church very often.
Ban died two weeks ago. On one of our last visits to see Ban in the hospital she asked us for money.
After she died we were expecting to receive a request from the family for the church to pay for the funeral, bills and food, etc. In fact, President Amer already sent us an e-mail from Thailand approving the payment from fast offering funds.
Yesterday the first counselor in the branch presidency phoned Ban's husband to see if he was okay and ask what he could do to help. He got a big surprise when Amjad told him they didn't need any help. We couldn't believe it.
Then today when we went by the candy shop to see Amjad we told him he could sell the expensive oxygen machine the church bought for Ban and use the money to pay bills. We had even arranged for a man to give him advice on how to do that. We got the shock of our lives when Amjad said he would not be selling the machine because wants to keep it and lend it to other families in Husn who might have a need. We were speechless. His change in attitude is a GREAT BIG MIRACLE.
Ban died two weeks ago. On one of our last visits to see Ban in the hospital she asked us for money.
After she died we were expecting to receive a request from the family for the church to pay for the funeral, bills and food, etc. In fact, President Amer already sent us an e-mail from Thailand approving the payment from fast offering funds.
Yesterday the first counselor in the branch presidency phoned Ban's husband to see if he was okay and ask what he could do to help. He got a big surprise when Amjad told him they didn't need any help. We couldn't believe it.
Then today when we went by the candy shop to see Amjad we told him he could sell the expensive oxygen machine the church bought for Ban and use the money to pay bills. We had even arranged for a man to give him advice on how to do that. We got the shock of our lives when Amjad said he would not be selling the machine because wants to keep it and lend it to other families in Husn who might have a need. We were speechless. His change in attitude is a GREAT BIG MIRACLE.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
We're Guilty
In Jordan if you get caught eating, drinking or even chewing gum in public during Ramadan you will get fined and possibly serve some jail time. It doesn't matter if you're a Christian--the law applies to everyone and they have secret service people out watching for violations. (We're not kidding)
For us, going to Madaba early in the morning and returning late afternoon without anything to drink or eat wasn't something we were looking forward to, but we heard that certain restaurants are open and can serve Christians if they have their windows covered so no one can look inside.
Then we got an idea--go to the internet and see if they have a listing of the restaurants open for lunch during Ramadan. Sure enough, there was a list, and our favorite burger place, "Fatty Dabs" was on it.
For us, going to Madaba early in the morning and returning late afternoon without anything to drink or eat wasn't something we were looking forward to, but we heard that certain restaurants are open and can serve Christians if they have their windows covered so no one can look inside.
Then we got an idea--go to the internet and see if they have a listing of the restaurants open for lunch during Ramadan. Sure enough, there was a list, and our favorite burger place, "Fatty Dabs" was on it.
We felt like a couple of sinners
Ramadan Day 6 Was "Golden"
During Ramadan people fast from sunrise to sunset. They say you can't get much business done during Ramadan because everyone is fasting and they can't think when they're hungry. It's not a good time to be out on the roads, either because people are cranky.
In spite of this, we headed for Ramtha today for a meeting with the director of the Madaba Health Clinic to discuss the possibility of helping them with their diabetes program.
We were very impressed with the director of the clinic, Dr. Wisam. She's a real "doer." In the meeting we talked about LDS Charities working with her on the treatment and prevention of diabetes in Madaba. While we were talking she picked up the phone and called the Dr. Khalid, the director of the Madaba Health District and told him we were coming over to see him in his office. With these two leaders in the community we discussed their "dream" of a diabetic treatment center in Madaba. We love it and are very excited about the possibilities of helping them set it up.
We think it's better to wait until after Ramadan (the middle of July) for further discussions. Dr. Khalid told us his son is planning to go to the University of Utah. He invited us over to his house in the country where he raises camels. It should be fun.
In spite of this, we headed for Ramtha today for a meeting with the director of the Madaba Health Clinic to discuss the possibility of helping them with their diabetes program.
We were very impressed with the director of the clinic, Dr. Wisam. She's a real "doer." In the meeting we talked about LDS Charities working with her on the treatment and prevention of diabetes in Madaba. While we were talking she picked up the phone and called the Dr. Khalid, the director of the Madaba Health District and told him we were coming over to see him in his office. With these two leaders in the community we discussed their "dream" of a diabetic treatment center in Madaba. We love it and are very excited about the possibilities of helping them set it up.
We think it's better to wait until after Ramadan (the middle of July) for further discussions. Dr. Khalid told us his son is planning to go to the University of Utah. He invited us over to his house in the country where he raises camels. It should be fun.
A Big Fat Waste
This very expensive piece of equipment was donated to the Madaba eye clinic by LDS Charities about three years ago. It's still sitting in the clinic wrapped in plastic. Not good.
The excuse for not using it was that the chair is uncomfortable (what kind of a lame excuse is that?) We told the director if they aren't going to use it we will take it out and put it into a place where they will. He seemed okay with that.
The excuse for not using it was that the chair is uncomfortable (what kind of a lame excuse is that?) We told the director if they aren't going to use it we will take it out and put it into a place where they will. He seemed okay with that.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Grandpa Gems of Thought
Reading the Book of Mormon is a special time for us. Grandpa has a great love for the scriptures and always comes up with a "Grandpa gem of thought" to go along with our scripture study.
Gem for today:
"You cannot say you love God unless you truly love your neighbor. You can't point to one person and say 'I love you' and point to another person and say 'I don't love you.' We must love everyone"
see Mosiah 2:4
During Ramadan the Muslims read the Koran.
We think it would be nice to follow their example and read the Book of Mormon.
Pants to Church? Horrors!!
Traditionally, Mormon women don't wear pants to church. It wasn't too long ago that we were not even allowed in the chapel if we were wearing pants. I'm so glad we're not as "stuffy" as we used to be. If we had the no pants rule in the North Jordan branch, no one would come.
Halla Tashman taught a beautiful lesson in Relief Society wearing these lovely pants. She looked darling. The Spirit didn't seem to mind, because it was there and we all were "edified."
We're happy for her that she is engaged to a Jordanian man who lives in the United States and has a good job. We are sad that she will leave us when they are married next year.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Ramadan Day 1
The food court at the mall in Irbid was completely empty at noon today. Everyone is fasting and you better not be caught eating in public! They will open up after dark when the fast ends for the day.
Later this afternoon the couple serving in Kirdistan were pulled out and flew to Amman. Church security told them to leave immediately because Isis is on the outskirts of the town they are in. Apparently there is increased activity because of Ramadan. This is the second time the humanitarian couple has been pulled out of Kirdistan in the last three months.
Mark Tyari and his family live in a different area of Kirdistan. If necessary they will flee to the mountains.
We are hearing lots of gunshots outside tonight, but they are probably just celebratory. The Embassy told us to stay away from the windows. This is only day 1. Exciting!!! WE ARE OKAY!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Here Comes Ramadan!
Decorations at the mall in Amman
Today we saw the following message on the US Embassy website:
"The U.S. Embassy reminds American citizen residents and visitors in Jordan of the upcoming month of Ramadan, scheduled to begin approximately June 17th and lasting roughly thirty days. Local media and news outlets will provide reports on the specific dates. Per Jordanian law, eating, drinking (including water), smoking, and chewing gum in public are prohibited, regardless of religion. Announced penalties include fines ranging from 15 – 200 JD per incidence and may include up to one month in prison.
Regardless of changing U.S. laws and attitudes, the U.S. Embassy reminds American citizens residing in or visiting Jordan that they are subject to all Jordanian laws and regulations. . . . The U.S. Embassy cannot get an American out of jail overseas, or provide legal advice. A list of local attorneys is available at the Embassy’s Web site."
We hope we don't get arrested for chewing gum or drinking water. Things could get ugly.
Our "First Date" Was Golden
We traveled to Madaba today (approximately 100 kiilometers south) to see a doctor we met during the recent diabetic retinopathy campaign. We were anxious to get his ideas and suggestions for ways that LDS Charities can help the medical community in Madaba.
Madaba is a long way from Husn, but we have been given the responsibility to follow up and finish the campaign that was started before we came and was handed over to us last month. We are changing the direction of the campaign and will focus more on the actual local needs, rather than what LDS Charities would like them to do. We want to find out what those needs are.
Developing a relationship with a new partner is sort of like dating. First you get to know each other and find out if you have common goals or interests. If the partner doesn't trust you or your motives, you can explain a little bit about yourself and help resolve his concerns. For us, today was our "first date" with Dr. Fathi.
Right off we could tell Dr. Fathi sensed that there was something different about us. He told us we were doing a holy work that he finds interesting. He has a background in philosophy and has wondered, "is there a God?" He wondered why so many people had different concepts of "The God." He seemed hungry for answers to his questions. His biggest concern about being a Muslim (by birth) and living in the Middle East is that he is not free to believe what he wants to believe.
We wanted to say, "YES, THERE IS A GOD!!!" and teach him about Heavenly Father and his great plan of happiness, but by law we cannot discuss religion with him. It is very difficult because we want very much to share what we know to be true but we must be silent. One day when all the barriers are down he will be free to listen and learn. We feel that there are more people in his situation than we realize. After the meeting we remarked that if there ever was a "golden" contact for the missionaries it would be Dr. Fathi.
Madaba is a long way from Husn, but we have been given the responsibility to follow up and finish the campaign that was started before we came and was handed over to us last month. We are changing the direction of the campaign and will focus more on the actual local needs, rather than what LDS Charities would like them to do. We want to find out what those needs are.
Developing a relationship with a new partner is sort of like dating. First you get to know each other and find out if you have common goals or interests. If the partner doesn't trust you or your motives, you can explain a little bit about yourself and help resolve his concerns. For us, today was our "first date" with Dr. Fathi.
Right off we could tell Dr. Fathi sensed that there was something different about us. He told us we were doing a holy work that he finds interesting. He has a background in philosophy and has wondered, "is there a God?" He wondered why so many people had different concepts of "The God." He seemed hungry for answers to his questions. His biggest concern about being a Muslim (by birth) and living in the Middle East is that he is not free to believe what he wants to believe.
We wanted to say, "YES, THERE IS A GOD!!!" and teach him about Heavenly Father and his great plan of happiness, but by law we cannot discuss religion with him. It is very difficult because we want very much to share what we know to be true but we must be silent. One day when all the barriers are down he will be free to listen and learn. We feel that there are more people in his situation than we realize. After the meeting we remarked that if there ever was a "golden" contact for the missionaries it would be Dr. Fathi.
Tolleys Can Dance
Dr. Arwa, our friend at JUST University, invited us for dinner with her family at her home last night. When we arrived the house was full--brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins were all there. Dinner begins late in Jodan. We arrived at 8:00 and didn't eat dinner until around 10:00, but there were plenty of snacks while we visited and waited. We absolutely loved Arwa's family. They are typical Jordanians, very warm and welcoming. Everyone made us feel comfortable. Lynn wanted to know if we could adopt them.
Soon after we arrived they turned on the Arabic music and people got up and started waving their arms in the air and stepping to the beat. Soon we joined in, laughing and swaying to the music. One of the boys brought in a drum and beat out a rhythm. Maybe we should do that at home, it was really fun.
Sorry, folks, we forgot the camera so you'll just have to believe that we did it.
Soon after we arrived they turned on the Arabic music and people got up and started waving their arms in the air and stepping to the beat. Soon we joined in, laughing and swaying to the music. One of the boys brought in a drum and beat out a rhythm. Maybe we should do that at home, it was really fun.
Sorry, folks, we forgot the camera so you'll just have to believe that we did it.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Greek Orthodox Funeral
Our dear sister Ban Alzrai passed away on Saturday morning from lung cancer. It was a blessing. She has suffered so much. For the past week, we were praying for the Lord to have mercy on her. Finally she can be at rest.
When a person dies in Jordan the funeral takes place very quickly, probably because of lack of embalming. The service for Ban was held yesterday in the Greek Orthodox church here in Husn. The family is only semi-active in the Mormon church and their son is a priest in the Greek Orthodox, so we can understand why they would want the funeral to be held there. At first we thought it would be nice to have it at our chapel, but that never would have worked - there's not enough room and there are too many stairs. About 300 people attended and filled the large, ornate hall--men and women seated separately.
Fifteen priests stood in a circle around the casket, sang, chanted and threw smoke out out into the congregation by waving an incense burner. The smoke smelled good.
After about an hour it was all over and the men took the casket to the cemetery while the women went into a hall to drink cold water and wait. When the men returned from the cemetery they again went to separate rooms and were served big plates of mansif (rice and lamb with yogurt sauce). No ham, no funeral potatoes, salad in a bag or cake with chocolate frosting. Darn. It was all very nice, but we didn't feel the comforting spirit of the Holy Ghost.
My memory of Ban is that when she came to church she would sit by me and interpret because she could speak English. I will miss that. Ban is from Bagdad, Iraq. Once she showed us a picture of her with Sadam Hussein when she was a teenager. He presented her with an award for being the smartest student.
For the next 3 days it's customary for friends and neighbors to drop by the home to visit the family.
When a person dies in Jordan the funeral takes place very quickly, probably because of lack of embalming. The service for Ban was held yesterday in the Greek Orthodox church here in Husn. The family is only semi-active in the Mormon church and their son is a priest in the Greek Orthodox, so we can understand why they would want the funeral to be held there. At first we thought it would be nice to have it at our chapel, but that never would have worked - there's not enough room and there are too many stairs. About 300 people attended and filled the large, ornate hall--men and women seated separately.
The priests all looked like this--with hats
Fifteen priests stood in a circle around the casket, sang, chanted and threw smoke out out into the congregation by waving an incense burner. The smoke smelled good.
After about an hour it was all over and the men took the casket to the cemetery while the women went into a hall to drink cold water and wait. When the men returned from the cemetery they again went to separate rooms and were served big plates of mansif (rice and lamb with yogurt sauce). No ham, no funeral potatoes, salad in a bag or cake with chocolate frosting. Darn. It was all very nice, but we didn't feel the comforting spirit of the Holy Ghost.
My memory of Ban is that when she came to church she would sit by me and interpret because she could speak English. I will miss that. Ban is from Bagdad, Iraq. Once she showed us a picture of her with Sadam Hussein when she was a teenager. He presented her with an award for being the smartest student.
For the next 3 days it's customary for friends and neighbors to drop by the home to visit the family.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
A True Princess
Today we were invited to a meeting at the Sheratan Hotel in Amman. The meeting was to give an update of an ongoing project regarding water conservation and drinking water in impoverished areas in Jordan. We had nothing to do with the project, but were invited by Princess Basma to attend the meeting. Princess Basma is the aunt of King Abdullah. Why would she invite us? Because of Jamal, of course. In a meeting with the princess yesterday he told her about our work with providing food for Syrian refugees. When she heard about the project and also about our interest in agriculture projects she insisted we attend the meeting today. We brought the Hammonds with us.
We were seated on the same row as the princess (that's her leaning forward to offer us some candy). She spoke English to us, but we were provided headsets so we could listen to a translation of the Arabic speakers on the program. It was a very thoughtful thing to do and we appreciated being able to understand what was said. After the program we hated to hand them back in. It would be so nice to keep them (along with the translator).
Princess Basma is a great lady. She has spent her life doing charity work among the poor people of Jordan. We found her to be very gracious and kind. After each speaker on the program finished their talk and walked back down the stairs into the audience, she rose and met them, gave them a hug and a kiss on each cheek and spent a moment expressing her appreciation. Now that's a TRUE princess. No crown, no jewels, no fancy clothing--just a genuinely nice person with love in her heart for her countrymen. She is a great lady, a Muslim who follows the words of Christ, "Love one another as I have loved you."
Can you guess the reason she is so deeply loved by the people of Jordan? It's because she loves them.
We were seated on the same row as the princess (that's her leaning forward to offer us some candy). She spoke English to us, but we were provided headsets so we could listen to a translation of the Arabic speakers on the program. It was a very thoughtful thing to do and we appreciated being able to understand what was said. After the program we hated to hand them back in. It would be so nice to keep them (along with the translator).
Princess Basma is a great lady. She has spent her life doing charity work among the poor people of Jordan. We found her to be very gracious and kind. After each speaker on the program finished their talk and walked back down the stairs into the audience, she rose and met them, gave them a hug and a kiss on each cheek and spent a moment expressing her appreciation. Now that's a TRUE princess. No crown, no jewels, no fancy clothing--just a genuinely nice person with love in her heart for her countrymen. She is a great lady, a Muslim who follows the words of Christ, "Love one another as I have loved you."
She didn't have time to spend with us today, but invited us to meet with her after Ramadan, which begins next week. We will most likely be discussing agriculture and water with her. We know that agriculture and water are important, but we also know that having an advocate for the Church being officially recognized in Jordan is more important. Maybe she's the key--we don't know yet. So many times we feel like Nephi--we don't know, but the Lord knows and that's all we need to know. We trust in Him to guide us. We hadn't expected anything like what happened today.
Christians in Salt
Yes, there is a small group of Christians in a town called Salt (They are the "salt of the earth"--ha-- that was a joke). Eighteen Syrian Christian refugee families who have fled for their lives are now living in humble circumstances, trying to make a life here in Jordan. They don't have many resources. United Muslem Relief found out about them and came to their aid--with their trusty partner, LDS Charities. We both feel strongly that we are all human beings and should treat each other with kindness and respect.
Food boxes being distributed . . .
"Making a list and checking it twice. . ." to find out if they are receiving help from anyone else. No cheating allowed.
This girl is 13 years old. She speaks beautiful English. Her family can't go back to Syria because their home isn't there any more (bombed). They don't want to go back. Their dream is to go to France.
One woman had a necklace with a cross. Jamal took the necklace and put it on each woman to have her picture taken. When the vice-president of UMR made a speech he said "Jesus Christ, may peace and blessings be upon Him." (Whenever the Muslims mention Mohammed they say the same thing). We thought it was very kind and respectful for him to say that.
A Gift From the King
King Abdullah recognized Jamal for his humanitarian contributions in Jordan by giving him an Omega watch engraved with the king's crown. Who wouldn't be proud to receive such a gift?
Our question was, "Why aren't you wearing the watch, Jamal?" His reply was very sweet. "See this watch?" he said, pointing to a well-worn watch on his arm. "I bought this watch for me and one for my wife on the day we were married and I will never take it off. Let my children inherit the watch from the king."
Our question was, "Why aren't you wearing the watch, Jamal?" His reply was very sweet. "See this watch?" he said, pointing to a well-worn watch on his arm. "I bought this watch for me and one for my wife on the day we were married and I will never take it off. Let my children inherit the watch from the king."
Thursday, June 4, 2015
A BIG Problem in Jordan
Around 30% of the people in Jordan have diabetes. We have been involved in a diabetes testing program with LDS Charities for the past few months that has focused on diabetic retinopathy (vision problems caused by diabetes). The program was started by another couple who has now gone home and we are now the new directors of this massive country-wide project.
We've spent a lot of time praying, working and trying to learn about diabetic retinopathy. The more we get into it the more we realize that a comprehensive approach to the bigger problem of diabetes would be the right way to go. We are considering helping local health districts that already have diabetes programs in place, so as Lynn says, "we're not here to make their program...we're here to help them make their program better." We can help them fill in the gaps in what they already have--not start something new.
Our experience with measles immunization has taught us that it's always good to see what the local people are already doing before we march in with our western ideas, so on Tuesday we arranged a tour of the national diabetes center in Amman. We were very impressed. They have a state-of-the-art facility that treats half a million patients every year. Everything is "up to standard."
We asked them what should the local clinics be doing? And the answer was one we expected--education at all levels, early testing, life-style change and quality control.
We've spent a lot of time praying, working and trying to learn about diabetic retinopathy. The more we get into it the more we realize that a comprehensive approach to the bigger problem of diabetes would be the right way to go. We are considering helping local health districts that already have diabetes programs in place, so as Lynn says, "we're not here to make their program...we're here to help them make their program better." We can help them fill in the gaps in what they already have--not start something new.
Our experience with measles immunization has taught us that it's always good to see what the local people are already doing before we march in with our western ideas, so on Tuesday we arranged a tour of the national diabetes center in Amman. We were very impressed. They have a state-of-the-art facility that treats half a million patients every year. Everything is "up to standard."
We asked them what should the local clinics be doing? And the answer was one we expected--education at all levels, early testing, life-style change and quality control.
We're Glad We Went
We had a meeting with Jamal Iqtish on Wednesday morning to discuss some upcoming humanitarian projects for LDS Charities and United Muslim Relief. We were on the road by 7:30 a.m. headed for Amman when we got a phone call from Jamal inviting us to go with him to Mafraq again. We weren't too excited to go to Mafraq since we were there just two days ago for a food box delivery. Why could he possibly want us to go back?
I think we mentioned once or twice that we love Jamal dearly, but sometimes trying to follow an Arab man who is going a mile a minute creates a bit of a problem. We don't always completely understand what is happening or where we are or what we're doing. We reminded him of our meeting in Amman and he apologized - "oh, oh, oh, so sorry, so sorry, so sorry" but insisted we turn the car around and go to Mafraq. He also assumed that we knew the meeting place. Nothing but the Spirit can help us, and He always does--we were able to find the meeting spot and join him for his project of the day.
It seems that Jamal recently found out about some families who are living out in the desert in the same area as the other people we visit and we were off to the rescue. "Yella!!" (Let's go). What's really funny is that he didn't know exactly where we were going and when he motioned his arm out the window for us to take the lead (two cars and a truck) we were astounded. The good thing is that two of his assistants who thought they knew where we were going were riding in the back seat of our car. The bad thing is they didn't speak English. So off we went out into the desert laughing and pointing and yelling at each other. We wouldn't have missed this for the world.
The first thing we noticed when we found the camp was a large tent with speakers on the top. The tent has been set up as a prayer room or a "mosque in a tent." Everyone knows you have to have speakers with a prayer room so someone singing in Arabic can remind you and everyone else to pray.
Jamal took one look at the tent and made a decision. (Mormons aren't the only ones who receive inspiration). He told the leaders they can pray anywhere, but the children need to go to school and they should use the prayer tent for a school. He promised to help them set it up. Before we left everyone was very excited about the plan. Then we rode off like the Lone Ranger. How fun!
I think we mentioned once or twice that we love Jamal dearly, but sometimes trying to follow an Arab man who is going a mile a minute creates a bit of a problem. We don't always completely understand what is happening or where we are or what we're doing. We reminded him of our meeting in Amman and he apologized - "oh, oh, oh, so sorry, so sorry, so sorry" but insisted we turn the car around and go to Mafraq. He also assumed that we knew the meeting place. Nothing but the Spirit can help us, and He always does--we were able to find the meeting spot and join him for his project of the day.
It seems that Jamal recently found out about some families who are living out in the desert in the same area as the other people we visit and we were off to the rescue. "Yella!!" (Let's go). What's really funny is that he didn't know exactly where we were going and when he motioned his arm out the window for us to take the lead (two cars and a truck) we were astounded. The good thing is that two of his assistants who thought they knew where we were going were riding in the back seat of our car. The bad thing is they didn't speak English. So off we went out into the desert laughing and pointing and yelling at each other. We wouldn't have missed this for the world.
The first thing we noticed when we found the camp was a large tent with speakers on the top. The tent has been set up as a prayer room or a "mosque in a tent." Everyone knows you have to have speakers with a prayer room so someone singing in Arabic can remind you and everyone else to pray.
Jamal took one look at the tent and made a decision. (Mormons aren't the only ones who receive inspiration). He told the leaders they can pray anywhere, but the children need to go to school and they should use the prayer tent for a school. He promised to help them set it up. Before we left everyone was very excited about the plan. Then we rode off like the Lone Ranger. How fun!
"Your children need to be in school!"
A box with enough food for one month for one family.
The flies were "thicker than flies."
Not Him!!
Some people think they belong to the bank of Jesus Christ not the Church of Jesus Christ and they expect the church to pay for their support. When they ask us for money we say we can't authorize any payments and refer them to the branch president. Lynn counseled President Amer to have everyone who needs financial help come into his office at the church and receive some counsel about money management and how to use the fast offering money. Since he started doing this the begging has slowed down considerably. We haven't purchased food for anyone for quite a while, which proves that they really don't need the help, they just want it.
Except for one couple. They can't seem to get the message or understand the concept of self-reliance. This week we received a request for 100 JD's from a woman and her husband so they could buy "some things." President Amer is in Thailand or a few months and the couple told us they cannot go to the first counselor in the branch presidency to ask for money because they don't respect him. After a quick e-mail to President Amer they decided to tell the man that he would have to deal with the first counselor. If he won't go to his Priesthood leader (who the Lord has called), what can we do? So sorry.
Except for one couple. They can't seem to get the message or understand the concept of self-reliance. This week we received a request for 100 JD's from a woman and her husband so they could buy "some things." President Amer is in Thailand or a few months and the couple told us they cannot go to the first counselor in the branch presidency to ask for money because they don't respect him. After a quick e-mail to President Amer they decided to tell the man that he would have to deal with the first counselor. If he won't go to his Priesthood leader (who the Lord has called), what can we do? So sorry.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Friday Meetings - Never the Same
One of the exciting things about living in a small branch, is that you never know what to expect.
Last week a window was left slightly open at the church and a bird came inside and built a nest in the window sill. On Friday when we came in to the room the mother bird got all excited and tangled up in the curtain and couldn't get out. Samaya scooped her up in the curtain and set her outside, flapping and squawking. We started the meeting after she calmed down.
We wanted to show a video of a general conference talk, but we also knew that the handbook says no videos in Sacrament Meeting. What should we do?
After thinking and praying, Lynn came up with a solution--have opening prayer, song, sacrament and then close the meeting. Then have Sunday School, show the video and have a discussion. Perfect! Everything went so well we couldn't believe it. Lynn led the discussion after the video and Samah translated. It was probably one of the best gospel discussions we've had in the branch since we've been here. We think the members here really benefit from hearing the leaders of the Church and knowing what they are part of.
The former branch president attended again and participated with some very thoughtful comments. Lynn had a good private discussion with him after the meeting and feels he wants to come back into the church. What a great blessing it is to be able to repent, and be "washed clean." We welcome him with open arms.
We wanted to show a video of a general conference talk, but we also knew that the handbook says no videos in Sacrament Meeting. What should we do?
After thinking and praying, Lynn came up with a solution--have opening prayer, song, sacrament and then close the meeting. Then have Sunday School, show the video and have a discussion. Perfect! Everything went so well we couldn't believe it. Lynn led the discussion after the video and Samah translated. It was probably one of the best gospel discussions we've had in the branch since we've been here. We think the members here really benefit from hearing the leaders of the Church and knowing what they are part of.
The former branch president attended again and participated with some very thoughtful comments. Lynn had a good private discussion with him after the meeting and feels he wants to come back into the church. What a great blessing it is to be able to repent, and be "washed clean." We welcome him with open arms.
Batman and Iron Man
These two young superheroes are sons of the shop owner across the street from where we live.
The shop is in a great location--within a block of a big school. He sells junk food--candy, chips and soda.
Monday, June 1, 2015
We're Learning to Love Them
One of our favorite things to do is to go with Jamal Iqtish, United Muslim Relief, to deliver boxes of food to the Syrian refugees living outside of organized camps. (LDS Charities partners with United Muslim Relief to provide the boxes of food.) We are becoming acquainted with these people and learning to love them. Words cannot express our feelings of sympathy for them all.
Most of the refugees fled their homes, their gardens, and all their possessions, leaving with only what they were wearing and escaping for their lives. If they were lucky enough to survive the bullets and the long walk to the Jordan border, they were put into a crowded camp or settled in a field or an abandoned building or given a tent out in the desert. They are free now, but not really. There isn't much of a future for them. No income, no food, and no possibility of owning any land. The Jordanian police (understandably) watch them carefully. The government does what they can, but the numbers are just too overwhelming.
We ask ourselves, how would we like to live in a tent out in the desert with nothing to do but sit around and wait for the next food box delivery? Would we like to be covered with flies, bitten by mosquitoes, have babies without any medical care? How would we survive the cold winters and the hot summers?
One of the most touching experiences I've ever had happened yesterday when Mamood, a woman in one of the camps, gave me a big hug and 3 kisses on each cheek, then slipped a ring off her finger and gave it to me! It was only a cheap bauble, but it means everything to me because she gave a gift out of her poverty.
Back at the UMR office in Mafraq we heard and watched F-16's roaring overhead. Then some helicopters followed. It was fun to watch. Lynn really liked the excitement.
We ask ourselves, how would we like to live in a tent out in the desert with nothing to do but sit around and wait for the next food box delivery? Would we like to be covered with flies, bitten by mosquitoes, have babies without any medical care? How would we survive the cold winters and the hot summers?
We love the little babies . . .
This little one had eyeliner on!!
Children reciting verses from the Koran in the "school in a tent." They sounded GOOD.
Passing out candy to the boys can be risky in this camp. The children here aren't so well disciplined as in some of the other camps.
No Problem Too Big
To our dear beloved family and friends,
Today we would like to share something that touched us deeply. We are sending you a link and hope you will listen to the very important message by President Uchdorf. His words are true.
www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/president-uchtdorf-testifies-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng&cid=email_inspiration-and-news_5-2015_img1
Today we would like to share something that touched us deeply. We are sending you a link and hope you will listen to the very important message by President Uchdorf. His words are true.
www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/president-uchtdorf-testifies-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng&cid=email_inspiration-and-news_5-2015_img1
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