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.

He's at it again.

And I thought "Double Dream Hands" was amazing.

Summer 2011

I haven't really had a normal summer for a while. The last two years I took a full schedule of night classes at the U, so I never got to fully enjoy a good Utah summer.

Well, this year is no different. This will probably be the most unique summer in my entire life...because I'll be spending it in Amman, Jordan.

Why am I going to the Middle East during a time of social reforms, violence, and constant turmoil? Don't ask.

Ain't gonna...what?

Shake your body down to the ground.

He gets progressively worse. He even kicks off his shoes at one point.

See more funny videos and TBT at Todays Big Thing.

Double Dream Hands

I only hope someday to be half the dancer this man is. I love the music, especially when they begin to list all the planets.

Always a Believer

I entered into the classroom at the University of Utah's Bountiful extension last night like every other Tuesday night. That's where I have my State and Local government class. I really enjoy that class - my professor is very pleasant and she makes the subjects interesting.

Last night was different. My two younger sisters, Tawni and Brittany, had a voice concert at a library. I enjoy watching them and usually make time to see them, but I couldn't miss class. There was something else afoot, however. Something far away.

The Jazz started their eastern road trip last night against the most hyped team in the league, the Miami Heat. (I think it would be inaccurate to say the most feared team in the league.) It started at 5:30 p.m. MST, so as I waltzed into class the game was already underway. A quick check of the score before started brought no surprise to my eyes: the Jazz were trailing by double digits. ESPN's GameCast showed the Jazz getting handled early in the game, and I assumed the beating would continue. I turned my computer off and participated in a discussion on Health Policy.

My class is three hours long, so naturally my attention span wanes before the end. "Time to check out my Jazz," I eventually thought to myself. My boys in blue were still down by double digits. I casually checked the score over the next few minutes. Suddenly I found myself completely enveloped in the GameCast as the Heat's lead slowly diminished to single digits. When the game was tied with mere minutes left I had forgotten where I was. An actual video feed would have been nice, but I kinda liked the intensity of waiting for the next play to be broadcast.

Jazz up by two points. Minutes left. I wanted to believe they could pull it out, but after years of watching the Jazz give up leads, I just couldn't. My doubts became reality when the Heat easily regained the lead and took the game over. Cue the magic.

Ronnie Price: 3-pointer. Deron Williams: 3-pointer. But nothing compares to the performance of my long-time Jazz love, Paul Millsap. 3-pointer, 3-pointer, 3-pointer. When these plays popped up

on my screen I almost gasped loudly. Millsap? Really? Never have I seen him make a 3 in a game. At the Leapin' Leaners charity dinner every year, yes, but shooting around the ESA in dress clothes is different. That isn't a real game. In Miami. Against LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. With people in his grill. The best part was that he wasn't getting lucky. The ball graced only net on all three shots. He topped it off with a last second put back to force the game into overtime, totaling 11 points in 30 seconds. THE JAZZ WERE DOWN BY 8 WITH 30 SECONDS LEFT! Amazing.

Jazz clinched the win in overtime with help from Anrdre's trey and two deafening free throws by veteran Francisco Elson. A huge win by any standard, but it was that much sweeter against the Heat.

To all those sudden-Millsap fans out there, I want to say "shame on you." I have been a Millsap proponent since I first saw him play in Utah. All through the Boozer years I pleaded with Jerry (through mind bullets) to play Paul over Carlos. A consistent player, Paul has always impressed me with his game. I saw a scrambler in the post develop an outside shot that was smooth as lotion on a baby's bottom. Playing "backup" to Boozer, Millsap amazed me with his ability to play against the bigger man. (He's listed as 6'8'', but he's got to be shorter...6'6" maybe.) Always a love of mine, I am glad to see that Utah is finally appreciating Paul Millsap: the man who dethroned the king.

After the game I watched the video of Tawni and Britt singing at their recital. They did excellent, and they are so gorgeous.