A Horn is Essential in Jordan

Yesterday we went to Madaba and on the way we noticed that the horn on our vehicle wasn't working.  Normally, we probably wouldn't have even given it a thought, but in Jordan a horn is essential for your safety.  Everyone honks all the time.  People honk for everything and nobody gets angry about it. It's the Jordan public safety at work.  If you don't honk, how would the other drivers know you are there--especially if they're talking on their cell phones or visiting with family members in the back seat?  It's a crazy system, but it works.

The "tender mercy" of the day was that we happened to be near the Kia Service Center when the horn went out and we happened to have extra time to stop by and get it fixed.  If the horn had gone out in Hussen we would have had a long dangerous time getting back to Amman to get it fixed, and it would have taken us a whole day to do, which we don't have right now.

Often the Lord helps us do big things, but most of the time He helps us with small things--and that reminds us of how much he loves us and is aware of us.  We know he feels the same way about all His children.

I hope we remember that you NEVER honk at other drivers back home.

Was it Easter?

When you live in a Muslim country, nobody mentions Easter so it's easy to forget.  In Jordan Sunday is a regular work day and Friday is the Sabbath.  So if Easter Sunday is Friday, is Good Friday really Wednesday?  I get so confused.

On Sunday we took some time to read about the last week of Jesus' life, his crucifixion, death and resurrection.  It's always difficult to imagine the tremendous suffering He went through to pay the price for all our sorrows, heartaches and sins, but we're very grateful that He did.  Words cannot express how much we love Him.  We feel so honored to have the privilege of representing Him in His work.  Next month we will be visiting the Holy Land and seeing where Jesus lived, walking in his footsteps and enjoying the places he loved.

It will be a great "capstone" to our mission.  

Happy Birthday Relief Society

Today we celebrated the Relief Society birthday at church.  

Each sister was given a bouquet of fresh roses from Sister Virginia's garden.

Last year the Relief Society had a huge barbecue that included an $80 cake.  

Things have changed since then.  Most of the people who were coming to church to get "free stuff"  have gone away because the church stopped the excessive spending and hand-outs. We feel sorry that the people who left never understood the great blessings of the gospel.  The gifts from God are infinitely more valuable than anything money can buy.

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."  Matthew 6:33 

School Mother's Day Celebration

We love the Khadaja Primary School for girls in Al Husn.  The project we had with them for the last few months has been so much fun!  LDSC donated classroom heaters, clean water dispensers, a copy machine, laptop computer and some other things to enhance the learning environment at the school.

Shopping for the laptop computer with the school principal and vice principal.

Freyal LOVES the laptop.  "It's Windows 10!!!"

Every time we visit the school we get MOBBED.  Everyone wants to shake our hands, give kisses and hugs and ask "how are you" in English.

One of the teachers invited us to lunch at her home.  It was a feast.  We laughed and talked for several hours.  When it was time to leave they invited us to stay and spend the night!! 

 If this is lunch, what do they do for dinner?

After lunch we sat around learning some new Arabic words.  It was very funny.  

Everyone laughed and laughed at us. 

We're glad there wasn't an exam because we would have flunked.

This week the primary school had a very impressive program involving students to celebrate important historical events in Jordan, along with Mother's Day. 

We were invited to attend the activities but didn't understand that we were going to be honored guests.  Other invited guests included school district officials, local school principals and teachers, government officials, parents, civic and religious leaders.

As a result of recent projects and activities in the Al Husn area, we are acquainted with most of the dignitaries who attended.

Lynn was asked to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony with the member of parliament representing Al Husn.

The printed introduction to the program from the school director said the following:

"Please allow me to thank all of those from the local community for their cooperation with our school, especially Mr. Leen and Mrs. Murna as it is a great example of religious unity, forgiveness and love between societies and religion . . . ." 

The objective of the recent projects LDSC had with the two schools in Al Husn was to help improve the educational environment in the schools.  In addition, an important objective was to enhance the image of LDSC and the Church in the community. The projects have provided excellent public relations opportunities and have helped others to see the Church as being an example of "love between societies and religions.

The Women's Hygiene Kits

LDSC donated 100 women's hygiene kits to the National Women's Health Center for their hygiene education program.  They were so happy to get them.

This cute Muslim woman named Asma will visit one of the poorest areas in Jordan and teach the women the importance of personal hygiene.  Feminine hygiene products are not available to many women, so these should be a very welcome gift.  The cloth products can be washed and re-used.  This project benefits the women who sew as well as the recipients.

Kawkab, Nesreen and Nada at United Muslim Relief came to our rescue when we were right down to the wire in having the kits available in time. They deserve a great big thank you. (and three kisses on each cheek)!!

Towels, soap, pad holders, extra pads and panties are included in the kit.  And a comb and toothbrush.

Roya Eye Clinic an Example of Service

Dr. Thara is an ophthalmologist at the Roya Eye Center in Irbid.  Two days a week she goes to Ramtha and and provides free vision care services to the Syrian refugees at the Altkaful Health Center  The refugees with eye problems receive advanced treatment at a deep discount at the Roya Eye Center.

The Roya Eye Center is equipped with state-of-the art vision equipment.  Dr; Shadi Alkahateeb, the owner, was educated in the United States and chose to come back home to Jordan to serve his countrymen and those less fortunate. 

These good people understand the joy and happiness that comes from service to others.  We are constantly humbled by the generosity of the people of Jordan.

Teaching the Gospel

After meetings last Friday we accompanied President Penrod, the district president, to visit and have lunch with the mother and 2 brothers of Azat Haddad, the young man who is preparing to go on a mission.  The mother and one of the brothers are not members.  The other brother, Nash, is a counselor in the branch presidency in Amman Branch 1. President Penrod speaks fluent Arabic and was able to teach the mother and non-member brother about modern-day revelation and living prophets and answer some of their questions.  We could sense that they were touched.  We ended the visit with prayer being offered by Nash.  He prayed that his mother would join the church.  She is a sweet lady.  It would be great if Azat could baptize his mother before he leaves on his mission.

On our mission we have never had the opportunity to teach the gospel discussions in someone's home. We wish with all our hearts that we could.  However our mission has been to show people the love of the Savior by the charitable things we do.  Neal Maxwell said, "Go out and preach the gospel.  If necessary, use words."  That's what we try to do.  We hope and pray that what we do will help prepare people's hearts and minds so that when the time is right and the barriers are down they will readily accept the gospel message--using the words.