We're Out

This week we met with United Muslim Relief and told them we have decided to stop the Food Boxes for Refugees Living Outside of Organized Camps project.  It was a tough decision, and one we have agonized over for a long time.  The program simply is not sustainable.

People who have been receiving food from us will have three choices:

1.  Stay where they are and take their chances of survival
2.  Go back to Syria
3.  Move into the organized refugee camps where there is food, housing, education for their children, and medical care available.  We're still trying to find out why they don't want to do this.

Azraq Refugee Camp in Northern Jordan

This is a difficult time for United Muslim Relief as well.  They are a good organization, but not large enough to carry on a big food project forever.  In the meeting, they agreed with us that it's time to "step out."  We will continue our partnership, but in a different direction.


NEWS UPDATE!!!  The Jordan Times today:  "The United States is providing an additional
$65 million in humanitarian assistance to the UN World Food Programme which feeds nearly six million Syrians and refugees from Syria every month.  The announcement includes $21.2 million for Jordan. ". .

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!   THANK YOU!!

At The End of the Day

Sometimes we think we've had a bad day and nothing has gone right.  It would be easy to get discouraged, except for something we realized on our first mission to Uganda--and that is if we stop at the end of the day and try to think of something good that happened and then write it down (we don't have very long memories) our eyes are opened and we begin to notice the many miracles we have experienced during the day.  We are assured that Heavenly Father is indeed is very near and helping us along.  It is so helpful when we are tempted to get discouraged.

Most of the miracles (we like to call them "tender mercies") are small and others are significant, but we do have them.

When we lost some money, we prayed for help to find it and felt impressed to look in the dryer.  It was there.

We had a very important appointment with the International CEO of United Muslim Relief from New York and I was very sick.  I prayed for the Lord to help me "quick--I only have 10 minutes."  I went into the bathroom, threw up and was all better and out the door.  It was 10 minutes exactly.

When we woke up this morning our iphone was dead.  A dead cell phone is a serious problem for us because we have "everything we know" on the phone--contacts, calendar, pictures, etc. We use it constantly.  There wasn't anything we could do to get it started, so we made an urgent plea through prayer for help.  Immediately the idea came to go look on the internet, google "what to do when your iphone goes dead."  We did it and sure enough we found the answer to our problem, and were able to get the phone up and running again.  Whew!!  Thank you.

The list goes on and on.  The miracles (as they say in Africa), are "too numerous to mention."

Our lesson learned is:  Ask the Lord--even for the small every-day things--and He will help.  Then PAY ATTENTION.  Sometimes we think He isn't listening or helping, when in fact He really is.

Toot Toot!!

The drivers in Jordan love to honk.  It drives Lynn crazy.  He's such an American.

If we're waiting for a stoplight, the very second the light changes, the drivers start to honk their horns.  We don't know if it's because they are impatient, or if it's because they are courteously alerting everyone that the light changed and it's time to go.  Whatever.  It's a Jordanian thing.

Last week we noticed this sign along the road.  What does it mean?  It's okay to honk?  Like they need permission.

Honking your horn is a good thing here because:  

1.  People are talking on their cell phones

2.  Drivers don't use their mirrors or turn their heads left or right

We hope and pray their hearing is good.

Our Pioneer Experience Today

From a talk by President McKay about the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies:

“I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it.” “I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.

Today is Pioneer Day back home.  Everyone is probably celebrating and enjoying the holiday and remembering our pioneer ancestors.  We are remembering them too.  We can't begin to compare ourselves with the pioneers, and we wouldn't even try to do it, but we did have a "handcart experience" at church today.

Nothing seemed to be going right this morning--The Branch President is gone, the first counselor wasn't there, the two Sacrament speakers didn't show up and neither did the Sunday School or Relief Society teachers.  How can you have meetings when so many people including leaders are missing? We felt like we had done our best and (like the pioneers) done everything we could.  We didn't know how we would "pull the load through it."  

When Lynn stood alone at the pulpit he didn't know what he was going to say, but his faith did not waver.  He felt the assurance that things would turn out alright.  He looked down into the audience and saw one man who could speak English, so he asked him to come up and interpret.  The man is the former branch president who left the Church but is now coming back.  He did a beautiful job and was so happy to participate.  We had the Sacrament and then Lynn gave the most beautiful talk on prayer and studying the scriptures, attending church and preparing to go to the temple.  He was speaking to a small hand full of people but he said he felt like the room was full.  We all felt the Spirit and when he told everyone to prepare to go to the temple the feeling was electric.  After Sacrament I taught Sunday School and the feeling continued.  We ended by singing, "Do What Is Right."  

Looking back, we realize that something very special happened today.  "We knew the angels of God were there."  We felt them pushing us along.


  

Half way

We arrived in Jordan exactly 9 months ago today.  That means our mission is already half over.  We feel like we should burn something - like a tie or a skirt.

I made a cake and it burned.  Maybe that will count.

Jordan Health Aid Society

JHAS is a non-profit organization that provides medical services in the Middle East.  In Jordan they are working in the refugee camps as a partner with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).  On Wednesday we met with the field officer for Northern Jordan to get acquainted.  It was a good meeting and we were very impressed with what they do.

JHAS has clinics in the refugee camps as well as out in communities that serve the poor, including refugees.  We were surprised to learn that they have 36 health centers inside Syria.  In addition to fixed site clinics, they run a mobile health unit that travels all around the country and serves about 60 patients a day.

 

They also run the Dulayl Trauma Hospital which treats injured patients who are brought across the border into Jordan from the war in Syria.  The treatment is free of charge.

One of the things we like about serving here in Jordan is that we get to meet good people doing good things like JHAS. We will continue our discussions to see if there's anything LDS Charities can do to help them in their important work.

What Would You Do?

The food boxes we have been delivering to Syrian refugees over the past few months contain just enough food to keep people alive--oil, beans, rice, lentils, etc.

This is a one-month's supply for a family of five.

In addition, each person registered in Jordan as a refugee has been receiving a monthly food voucher from the World Food Programme (WFP) for $14.  With this little bit of extra money the people we serve are able to buy some fresh fruits and vegetables and meat in the local markets.

In Jordan there are approximately 440,000 refugees who are scattered around the country, not living in the refugee camps.  Our food boxes feed about 6,400 of these people. Many other charities and NGO's help out, but it's impossible to feed them all.

Last month we received notice from the World Food Programme that they will no longer be providing food vouchers to refugees living outside of organized camps effective August 1.  They are out of money.  From now on the only people receiving food will be the ones living inside of organized camps.  Many refugees refuse to go there.

Why won't they go?  Concerns for their safety?  Fear of losing their freedom?  Drugs and prostitution?  We don't know the "real" answers.  It may not be easy but at least they have a choice.  We don't know what we would do.

Oh Happy Day!!

Happy End-of Ramadan-End-of Eid-Al-Fir-Opening-Back-Up-of-Fast-Food-Restaurants-Day!!  

Life is good!

 Papa Johns Pizza right here in Jordan

It's Your Church Lord

It was the Sabbath today and again we didn't know what to expect.  The Muslims are all celebrating Eider (rhymes with eater) and the government has declared a 4-day holiday to conclude Ramadan.  You would think that the Muslim celebrations wouldn't affect us, but they do. For the Muslims, it's comparable to Christmas.  The children get new clothes, everybody kicks back and enjoys lots of good food.  Even the Christians love Eider.

At 10 minutes past starting time for Sacrament meeting there were only a handful of people in the chapel.  The bus had already come from Irbid with only two people on it.  The other counselor in the branch presidency and his family, the Sunday school teacher, one of the Sacrament meeting speakers, the member of the district presidency and our interpreter were all missing.  Did we mention that the branch president is still in Thailand getting his arm "repaired."  He's been gone since the first of May.  I was feeling a little bit panicked but Lynn wasn't.  He walked into the room, looked out at the small group, and told them what he thought we should do--have a short Sacrament meeting, cancel Sunday School and combine everyone for Priesthood and Relief Society.  We had enough in attendance to get by.

At this low point, with Lynn sitting alone on the stand, Heavenly Father smiled down and sent us a miracle. A family of four non-members (with a friend) walked in, followed by a less-active man with his brother.  In a few minutes when we looked out at the congregation we counted 15 people.  Amazing!  We renewed our covenants by taking the Sacrament and had a spiritually uplifting time together before everyone went home.

At the end of the day, we thought about the story President Hinckley told of getting up in the morning, praying for guidance, working as hard as he could to do the Lord's work and at the end of the day kneeling down to pray and saying, "I've done all I can.  It's your church Lord.  Goodnight."  We love that.  Heavenly Father is taking care of his church, we just need to do our best and leave the rest up to him.  Everything will work out.

Eid Mubarek

The celebration of Eid (rhymes with eat) begins at the end of Ramadan.  Traditionally, the Muslim men are expected to buy new clothing for their children for Eid.  The custom is similar to what we do for our children at Christmastime, only instead of toys they get clothes.  For the Syrian refugees and orphans celebrating this event would be impossible if it weren't for Jamal and United Muslim Relief.  Jamal takes care of his little group of people like they are his own children.  He loves them all.

Yesterday he invited us to go to Mafraq for a day of shopping for 450 children.  Each child was given a voucher to spend at a large clothing store on brand new clothing.  Arrangements had been made with the merchant to give a discount.  It was the most fun, wild, wonderful day we have had in a long time.

 Jamal at the check-out .  .Nobody pulls anything over on him.  He knows them all.

Squeezing all these people inside the store wasn't easy, but they were orderly . . except for one man who had an angry yelling fit at the store manager, but he got over it.

 A mother (probably a widow) and her 3 children

 Jamal watching over.

The children had definite ideas about what they liked - and didn't like.

 For some, the sadness and horror was still in their eyes and on their faces

Eid Mubarek!! (Congratulations you finished Ramadan)

We recognized many of the children from the camps (tents, barns, abandoned buildings) we have visited to deliver food over the past few months.   They had big smiles on their faces and were so excited as they rushed around, selecting new shirts, pants and other items.

Jamal said if someone gave him a million dollars he wouldn't trade it for the smiles on the faces of these sweet little children who have not had much to be happy about in their lives.  The previous night Jamal was sick and spent 6 hours in the hospital, yet he stood at the check-out and helped every person individually with their purchases (while fasting).  What can we say about such a man?  We get tears in our eyes when we think about it.

One More Day!!

According to local forecasters, we should see the crescent moon in Jordan tonight.  The crescent moon signifies the end of Ramadan.

For Muslims Ramadan is a time to clean up their lives, read the Koran, remember the poor and do away with bad habits.  We really admire that.

Over the years, many additional customs and traditions have become part of Ramadan.  Now, the markets are full of people buying excessive amounts of food during the day for the "Iftar" meal at night.  Around 8 p.m. the signal is given to end the fast and everyone begins eating.  They serve and eat elaborate meals, all prepared in the home.  It's like having Thanksgiving dinner every night for a month.  

The families stay up late, even the little children.  Everyone has a good time.

  About 5 a.m. the signal is given for the daily fast to begin, so a big breakfast is eaten around 4:30.

  

The women must be exhausted after all that cooking, not to mention the dirty dishes.  People don't have to be on the job until 10 a.m. but most are sleepy, thirsty and can't think good.  Offices close at 3:00.

 We can see why it's easy to lose focus on the real importance of Ramadan when all you do is think about food, buy food, prepare food, and eat excessive amounts of food (and watch each other to make sure they don't eat food).  We're glad it's over.

BUT WAIT!!  It's not over!!!

The next four days are Eid Ul Fitr....the feast of breaking the fast.  During Eid, the eating really gets going.  The traditional foods are sweet, creamy and rich.  The government declares a holiday and everyone stays home with their families and enjoys the binge.  During this time the men are expected to dig into their already empty pockets to get money so they can buy new clothing for their children and their women (wives, sisters, etc).  Most can't afford it, but they do it anyway.  Have mercy, we hope this ends soon and we can get back to normal, whatever that is.

Ed Mubarek!! 

40% of Jordanians have diabetes.

We Love America!!

We celebrated the 4th of July by eating hamburgers and apple pie.  The only thing missing was our family.  We hope everyone had a great day!

"I Want My Name Removed"

A young man we hadn't seen before came Church two weeks ago.  His name is Nadar and he is a career military man, working with Jordanian Air Defense.  Unlike Emad, he came back to request that his name be removed from the records of the church.

While he was there Nadar visited with the members, shook their hands and gave hugs and stayed for all three meetings.  Most people remembered him, even though he left about 11 years ago.  We thought he had a good spirit about him.  He speaks good English, and Sister Tolley sat by nearby and asked him to translate for her.  He participated in Sunday School and gave great comments during the discussion.

Nadar told us it was a requirement for military service in Jordan for his name to be removed from the records of the church.  Lynn explained that it would be necessary for him to write a letter and sign his name. Nadar left without doing it.  Then a week went by and we saw him in the market.  Again, he said he wanted his name removed.  Lynn told him what a serious thing it is to denounce your membership and reminded him of all the people who gave their lives, their families, their occupations and all worldly possessions for the church.  He counseled Nadar that he absolutely wouldn't recommend doing it under any circumstances.  Nadar said "God will forgive me."

Friday, Nadar came to church again  and made the same request, that his name be removed.  Lynn asked him to confirm that it is an order from the military and he said yes, it is and there would be negative consequences if he didn't do it.  All Nadar had to do was get a piece of paper, write "take my name off the records of the Church" and sign it but he just couldn't do it.  We think that the reason Nadar can't do it is because when he came back to Church he felt something and it awakened his testimony.

Nadar came to our house late Friday evening and stayed for a long time telling us about the history of the branch and all about the old members and missionaries.  He shared memories of his baptism and his activity in the Church.  Then he left.

What will happen next?  Nadar is in our prayers.

Coming Back

It can't be easy to walk  in the door of the church after you've been gone for 6 years--especially if you think you were treated unfairly and were angry when you left.  Taking the first step takes a lot of courage, but it's definitely worth it.

Emad Abwi  probably wondered what would happen when he finally decided to come back after having been gone so long.  He may have wondered how the members would react to him.  We don't know.  What actually did happen was the members shook his hand, gave him hugs and treated him like an old friend.  They were very welcoming and glad to see him.  The next week when he came back again, the Spirit was so strong and there was such an outpouring of love that we delayed the start of the meeting.  It was sweet. We all rejoice over his return.  He is a good man.  He needs the church and the church needs him.

Emad is the one in the light colored shirt.  

"I Will"

We never know what to expect on Friday (the Sabbath) at church.  Typically we scramble to cover for someone who didn't show up for one reason or another.  Today was a classic.

The other Relief Society counselor wasn't able to attend because she was preparing the Iftar Ramadan meal for her Muslim husband's family.  The Relief Society President went to a funeral for her neighbor.  The teacher couldn't get out of bed because she was up partying late (I know this because she posted a picture on Facebook--dumb idea).  The young woman who teaches Sunday School and also interprets for me was too tired and didn't show up.  That left me to conduct Relief Society and teach 5 women who don't speak English.

When I opened the door to the Relief Society room and looked inside I went into a severe panic.   I really, really wanted to turn around and go home.  What to do?  How could I teach these women anything?  They were all waiting.

That's when the Lord gave us a "tender mercy" and taught me a lesson.  Looking up I saw a young 16-year-old girl Yara (non member visitor) who speaks English sitting in a chair with the women.  I turned to her and said, "can you help be my interpreter?" She said "yes, I will."   Then we prayed.  I told her to write the words "I will" in Arabic on the board because the lesson was about Nephi.  Next we got the blue gospel pictures box and found the pictures of the Liahona, Nephi's Bow and the ship he built to take the family to the promised land.

At this point, one of the older women "took over" and started reading out of the Arabic manual.  Yara held up the pictures while the women all took turns reading in 1 Nephi: 16, 17 and 18.  Even though I didn't understand the words they said, I knew it was a wonderful lesson, with a great spirit, and everyone learned, especially Yara and me.

I don't know how many times I've read and taught about Nephi's great attitude.  Today I was reminded once  again that these Book of Mormon stories very much apply to me.  It's my testimony that when we try to do something the Lord wants us to do and we say "I will," he will help us.

Doctors Without Borders

Last week we were approached by the project manager for Doctors Without Borders, Dr. Carolyn Thiedke, to request a meeting.  In Jordan Doctors Without Borders provides medical care to Syrian refugees.  Dr. Thiedke heard about LDS Charities' work in the area of diabetes awareness through a contact we made at a UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) meeting.  

 Dr. Thiedke is the Director of Medical Education and an Associate Professor at the Medeical University of South Carolina.  She left her home, her practice and her family to come to Jordan as a volunteer for three months.  We found her to be a delightful, caring woman and we discussed possible ways we might work together.  She took us to one of their clinics in Irbid for a tour and we were very impressed with their Health Education Program.  We agreed to meet again in 2-3 weeks after Ramadan.

These people need a cigarette!!

During Ramadan it's against the law to smoke or eat or chew gum in public during the daylight hours.  Giving up food makes them irritable.  Giving up cigarettes makes them crazy.  By mid-afternoon things get wild on the highways, so we try to be home early.

On the highways cars go zipping in and out from all sides, cutting in and cutting off the other drivers.  This vehicle ran off the road to try to get ahead of us. It's nuts. The people don't do well without their nicotine.  Only 9 more days to go until the end of Ramadan. 

Sign on the door of a water pipe store in our neighborhood.  We wonder what would happen if they used the holy month of Ramadan as a time to QUIT smoking not just in the daytime.

 

Teaching an Area Authority Seventy

Every Saturday we get together with the Hammonds, the other couple here in Jordan, for a spiritual meeting (sort of like a zone conference).  Brother Hammond is the leader and our country director.  He was also an area authority seventy (twice) and a very spiritual man.  It's a little bit intimidating to teach him and his wife.

Here is Lynn teaching the Hammonds about "loving our neighbor."  He did a good job.