Journey to Jordan - The beginning

I have been in Jordan for 3 nights now...only about 94 more to go! I don't even know where to begin. People kept telling me that this would be an adventure, and they certainly were right. I knew that coming here would put me out of my comfort zone, but I wasn't expecting such a drastic change. This truly is lunacy.

I arrived at the airport in Amman around 7:30 p.m. on Friday night. No cell phone, no internet service: just me and my bags. Luckily most things in the airport were written both in English and Arabic, so I was able to find my way around somewhat. To make a long story short, I bought a cell phone, called some Church members in Amman, and ended up at the "chapel" after a wild ride on a bus and taxi cab. I made a friend along the way - Vladimir from Russia. I wonder how he's faring.

I had tried to set up housing before arriving, but to no avail. I was able to crash on a bed at the chapel for my first two nights. There are BYU interns here, though they either wouldn't let me stay with them or there was no room for me "at the inn," so housing was left up to me. A man (now friend) name Bader helped me find a few options, and last night I got an apartment. Apparently it was a good deal, and though it isn't an amazing place to live, at least I have somewhere to go at night.

Yesterday the other interns and I were able to meet with the Minister of Social Development. It was interesting to hear her speak and see her desire to help her fellow Jordanians. *(There is way too much to write about here.)* Let's just say it was a good meeting and I'm glad I could meet the other interns here.

Loren and Brenden, brothers out here working in conjunction with the Ministry, were kind enough to show me around town yesterday. What an experience! We took a cab downtown, had amazing food at Hashem's, and just walked around. Roman ruins, right in the center of town. Pirated dvd's. I honestly don't even know how I can explain it. It was awesome. I didn't have my camera with me, but I'm sure I'll return. Pictures pending.

I was fortunate enough to land that apartment in the midst of other BYU interns and workers. It's so nice to have friends out here - people that understand as little Arabic as I do. I plan on learning some, but it is insane how different that language is from English.

Overall, I'm very excited to be here. It will be a huge growing experience, as I am doing things I never saw myself doing. Six months ago I would have slapped you silly had you said I would be living alone in an apartment in the country of Jordan for 3 months.