First blog. I have truly arrived!

Hi everyone! So finally I have the chance to update you all regarding my trip to Jordan and my stay thus far. It is has been amazing and wonderful, and I am excited to get to know more intimately Jordanian culture. I’ll start from the beginning of when I went to the orientation in Washington DC and on the plane and then in Jordan.

I won’t go into detail about the orientation in Washington because all of that is just boring details, but rather about how I felt when I was there. In general, the people were nice, though a bit overly excited to show off their Arabic skills, and the day of meetings and panels was thoroughly boring, not to mention freezing. We had roommates in the hotel in Washington, and it has been quite a while since I last had a roommate, considering my life was overtaken by being an RA at Georgetown (though not ungratefully). So that was an interesting experience. I am pretty used to accommodating a roommate and have no problem with it- except the temperature- which was, Thank God, not a problem. Her name is Hannah and she is Mormon. She is not currently my roommate, but we had some very interesting conversations about the Taboo Topic (mamnu3= forbidden in Arabic), RELIGION!! While the conversation was interesting, I guess I am not interested in having simply interesting conversations but rather those in which some learning is had. Anyway, the first night she told me all about her religion. Granted, I was asking her a lotta lotta questions, some just informative, some to challenge her beliefs (which, I’m pretty sure, are for the most part, inherited). And those who know me and talk to me on at least a semi-regular basis know that I like to probe and get at the heart of why people think and do the things they think and do. Nevertheless, upon hearing her story and the history of her religion, I was thoroughly unconvinced that it was true. In fact she didn’t even sound convinced.

Okay, I feel the need to pause and make a clarifying statement to those who were not on the VIP list of people who received my emails the last time I went abroad. I am not afraid to talk about religion, in fact I encourage it and will sometimes even say polemic things to bring up the subject. Then I proceed to challenge peoples’ beliefs (which I find are usually attempts to justify themselves and their actions). Nevertheless, I am very open in my letters and if you (or one) don’t agree with something I say, or become offended, then I apologize for the offense, but not for the truth. I welcome your comments and encourage them (they keep me on my toes!)

So back to Hannah (interesting name considering her Mormonism). So that night was that- interesting though unconvincing (I suppose I didn’t ask her to convince me. But she was always ready with an answer and even (often) cut me off when I said something contrary to what her church believes (she always said “we believe” rather than “I believe”- which was equally insightful)). So the next day we talked about what the Bible says, and who God is, who Jesus is, Holy Spirit, their character, etc. In essence, it was my turn to talk, although she often interrupted (excitedly- not really annoyingly…okay maybe a little). It was a good opportunity to share the Gospel with her, though I didn’t feel satisfied afterward (I guess I rarely do), because it seemed like I was simply informing her of my beliefs rather than imparting truth. I guess I just have to know that the truth went forth and pray that it is fruitful in her life (which it always is according to the Bible)… so please pray for her salvation.

Anyway, we finally got to the day of the flight to Jordan (with an awesome 13 hour layover in Germany during which I got to go into Frankfurt and visit the city!!! Awesome!) and I was feeling very uneasy about the whole trip. Again, those who read my previous study abroad emails may have picked up on the fact that living in Egypt was not a piece of cake. In fact, it was at times very spiritually and emotionally and… temperamentally difficult (I got angry a lot). So me being human and stereotyping, admittedly and regretfully unfairly, the whole Arab/Islamic world (two different descriptions though often overlapping) to be equivalent to the culture in Egypt, I was getting very nervous about going to Jordan. In fact, as some of you can attest and prayed for me beforehand (Thank you!), I was just questioning everything. I was worried about how I would be treated and received, and also how I could be a better witness of God than I was in Egypt. In essence, I was doubting myself and my knowledge of the truth, and was worrying more about how people would receive me than about how God feels about their unfaithfulness (God equates unbelief and putting other things and gods [Allah, ourselves, pluralism, relativism, money, etc] before him as adultery- the ultimate betrayal). But praise God for spiritual family and Godly counsel! In fact, it was talking to friends and family that encouraged me the most and scriptures from the Bible that confirmed me the most. My sister Dina (shout out) was awesome in just being overly excited and passionate about imparting the truth into the situation. She was almost like “Who has the audacity to make you question??…Don’t let anyone make you question…That other stuff doesn’t even make sense…all in high pitched voice J” Passion is so important sometimes. It was not so much what she was saying (although it was), but how she was saying it. Her assurance reassured me. And then there were other friends who were awesome in their confirmation and just being there for me, like Emily and Njeri (Thanks guys!). Sorry for the shoutouts everyone, okay I’m done. Anyway it was awesome. Perhaps- no definitely- the most awesome was God speaking directly into my situation. I am currently reading in John and I was reviewing some of the stuff that I had read before and God totally took away my doubts and fears by his words. My main concerns were, why do so many people believe in Islam, is there some truth to it? And, how can I reach them with the Gospel in the most effective way? (Martell I am a true fieldmarshall!). Well, lo and behold the first verse that I open up to is I think John 10 where God just outright and blatantly confirmed to me who he was – “I am the gate for the sheep. All how ever came before me were thieves and robbers…I am the gate…I am the good shepard…I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” “[Only] the man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.” “The man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber….I am the gate.” WHAT CONFIRMATION!!!! I was so excited to read it. I was amazed that God had answered my prayers so directly! In fact, I didn’t even pray that God confirm who he was to me, but that he take away my fears… but HHe, through this passage, spoke to a deeper need in me. Needless to say, God flooded me with his love and his presence and his reassurance and, although I wasn’t gonna go take over the world, I no longer had the fear or doubt in me. It was beautiful. And then he answered my second prayer- in a nutshell- through another verse that commanded us to make known to the world that we are disciples of Christ by LOVING them, and this primarily through service (not to say that that is the end all be all method that God has chosen but that is what I understood from my reading). So I was to love them by serving them, and then that would open the door to sharing the Gospel. A daunting task because service does not come innately for me (as I’m sure, to my chagrin, some of you can attest). So I had my prayers answered and I knew what it was that I should do.

So it was beautiful. I felt God’s presence all around and basked in it! We got on the plane and I started to have another conversation about religion and who God is with a guy on my program who is Muslim. We were talking about life in general and why people act how they do and how people often strive for some fulfillment in life outside of God (I didn’t say this directly), when it can only be found in God, since he put the longing there. And then it got onto religion, because quite honestly, it is very hard to avoid the religion question when talking about anything. I believe we act in direct consequence to our relationship with God. So when people do things, smart of dumb, I usually end up wondering how they view/relate to God and it is usually right on. Anyway, in the middle of our, albeit loud, conversation, the girl who was sitting next to my friend says she thinks it’s really cool that we are talking about religion and God. At first I was like, okay cool, young girl just curious. But lo and behold, I was learning from her example by the end of our conversation! She was no more than 15 years old, going to 9^th grade in high school. Had braces, huge smile, with a bit of a speaking problem from the shape of her jaw, but uncaringly participated. Man, what an experience! She not only was a Christian, but was bold! She is the only one, to my understanding, in her immediate family who is saved. When she got saved, her mother lashed out at her hard and started critiquing her every move because she became offended. Her parents are divorced and her dad is a Christian, so I think that’s how she came to know about Christ. She was being attacked so by her mom (and her sisters and brothers were not Christian) that she felt God calling her to remove herself from that place, so she did and she went to live with her dad. Mind you this is like at least a year before we met, so she had to be either 13 or 14 years old…let me just tell you, that takes COURAGE!! To decide to move away from your mother in order to serve God more fully! All I can say is WoW! She had such a sincere and joyful spirit about her too. Her family is still not saved (yet!) but she talked about them with such hope and eagerness to see the things God is doing in their lives. She even said that our conversation was an answered prayer because she asked God to encourage her on the way to her destination. I mean she was coming from a broken family, and she was on her way to the first family vacation they had had in years, with both parents. And I was her encouragement??!! Our conversation was her answered prayer??!! I felt/feel so honored to be used by God in such a way, but so unworthy too. I mean, God could have chosen ANY other stronger, more faithful Christian on the plane, but he chose ME! And oh my gosh, our conversation was not just a blessing to her but to me too. It was like we were almost going back and forth trying to explain God’s plan and purpose for humans to my friend. I mean she joined in our conversation eager and ready. That was seriously the first time I have ever experienced running BESIDE someone the good race. There is a reason why Jesus sent his disciples out in twos! What an experience!! I can’t wait to run beside someone in the same city as me! It was so beautiful I was on the brink of tears for the gift God had given me! We backed each other up in our knowledge of the Bible and God’s plan, and we complemented each other. When I forgot something, she came right away with the scripture! It has been my prayer for years to have a “partner” or run alongside someone in the preaching of the Gospel. It was my first experience and it was beautiful! Praise God!

So we got to Germany, I didn’t get to pray with her (her name is Katie) to encourage her more, but it was still a beautiful encounter, set up by God! Frankfurt was cool, I learned a little German and got to see Germany! I won’t go into detail because this email is already super long (sorry)!

So Jordan is amazing. Nothing like Egypt. When they say Cairo is overcrowded, now I see what they mean. Amman is nothing like Egypt. People don’t stare, I can wear short sleeves!!!! (which helps with the heat), it is BEAUTIFUL (of course I have pictures), it is cleaner, and the people are nicer! (at least I haven’t had any experiences remotely similar to the land lord situation in Egypt!). Quick history lesson- I love ancient history. Jordan, of course is a very historical place, all over the Bible. This is the land where the Moabites (hence the URL of the blog), the Ammonites (YES, hence the name Amman!!!) the Edomites, the Philistines, and others lived. There were also I think 2 tribes of Israel that settled in Jordan, but I don’t remember which ones. So.. remember the story about Lot’s daughters sleeping with him so that they could have children and continue his line? Well, yep, this is historically where they and their descendants settled- the Ammonites and the Moabites. In fact, according to our city tour guide, that is where the names come from. In Arabic, Am means Uncle (AMmonites) and Ab means father (MoABites). I was not clear on how he put the two together, and I was under the impression that both daughters slept with father (Lot) and don’t know where an unmentioned uncle comes into play- I’ll have to review that story and the origins of the two peoples- but the origins of the names are indeed true (that’s what they mean). Amazing what you learn huh?? The Edomites are the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (he sold his birthright and his blessing was taken from him- REMEMBER!?!?). I’m not actually sure who the Philistines descended from, but this is the ancient term for present day Palestinians (although I’m pretty sure they are not the same people/direct descendants). And all of these are some of the original inhabitants of the land of Canaan (Jordan is included in ancient Canaan). So then, you also remember all of their idol-worshipping and pagan religions, and God warning the children of Israel not to intermarry with them (well, yep, the Moabites and Ammonites were one of the forbidden marriage partners)- although the Israelites ignored God’s warning and married them anyway…but I digress. In fact, you might be surprised to know that Islam was actually born out of these ancient pagan, polytheistic religions. Allah, is the name of one of 4 daughter goddesses of the high god (I forget the high god’s name, but I actually learned this in a history class of Arab people and Islam when I was in CAIRO two years ago!! I couldn’t believe that they taught and admitted that!! But hey, it’s the truth, praise the one true God!). Anyway, Muhammad just chose one of the gods and decided to make it the only god, thereby promoting monotheism in the Arabah. So there you have it. A brief history of where I am. Also another AWESOME fact….when Jesus got baptized in the Jordan river, it was on the side of the country Jordan (not Israel’s side of the Jordan river)…so I could potentially visit there!!!!

Okay, so you can see my excitement, I am having a blast so far. We went on a semi-interesting tour of the city and classes began yesterday. I plan on trying to work with an NGO, and connecting with some Christians here. Pictures will be forthcoming, though I haven’t really decided how I will post them. Anyway, look out for them…yes my letters are usually pretty long- though not this long….and write me I love to hear from you!

I love you all, and please pray for me!

Yvonne