The wait is over!

Everytime I get into a car, I am sure this is the time, we’ll be in an accident. This fear reasserts itself everytime we go through one of the huge cirlces (roundabouts); and I do mean huge! Cars, buses and trucks come at you from all directions. There is no sense of personal, lane space. Assertive driving is accompanied by horn-honking and using other cars as a buffer, like a football-blocking lineman.

John, Shula and I arrived at our lunch destination, after having nearly avoided being PLOWED into by a HUGE Mercedes, when John backed up into a car (also a Mercedes) going 2 miles an hour. (My kind of accident, safe and slow with no one hurt.) I thought for sure there was going to be lots of yelling. But no, only an exasperated sigh and then a handshake as John charmed the male driver and passenger. Shula and I scurried into the house. The car and one of the workers went off to see how much it would cost to get the car fixed. In the end an agreement was made, the car will be fixed, and John can drive again and even leave the country. 🙂

The field worker let the two men know about the esl classes the school offers. They just might be two of the school’s newest students. 🙂

Shula’s birthday celebrations continue.

In this mornings class we had a surprise party for Shula. Two of the students brought cake and soda. Several brought her presents. Perhaps the most memorable one is two small bags that are meant to hold diamonds. We’ll see if John gets the hint and fills them with some lovely gems.

One student said, “too bad for you, Susan. No party or presents for you.” We agreed that I needed to come back over for my birthday. Although one student did bring me a lovely candle set. He is 18 years old, is quite a teaser and reminds me of my son. He frequently listens to music (much of it American) on his cell phone and just as frequently texts and emails his sweetheart. And studying? Not one of his favorite things to do.

Sunday Morning Musings

I am such a blessed woman.

• I have this opportunity to teach English to a people who live in a different culture.
• I normally live in a place where sweat doesn’t constantly envelope my body. The men on our trip now have a bit of an understanding of what us women of a certain age go through. 🙂
• I have a God who loves me no matter what. I can’t earn His love/favor. I can’t lose His love/favor. EVER!
• I feel good -intestines, stomach, knee and back.
• Prayer allows me to have an integral part of the world-wide work.
• I love living dorm-style. There’s always someone who is up to visit with.
• I feel so privileged to be one of God’s children

Saturday Morning Update

Most of the crew has gone to the Dead Sea today. Many will float in the sea and soak in the mud. Then they’ll go to Mt. Nebo.

I stayed behind to finish up my salvation paper. Sydney, John and Shula also stayed behind, but for nobler reasons. They are painting the white walls of the living room/dining room guest house a straw color. If time permits they will paint the office green.

I am feeling well today -finally! Several others have been having GI issues – so prayers would be very welcome.

I had the chance to interview one of the workers yesterday. A main request is prayers against spiritual oppression. Their schedules are hectic and they see little fruit. Depression is an inevitable consequence of such a life-style.

“The battle against spiritual oppression can be won in California” commented T. “We shouldn’t feel so much oppression.”

Those comments stayed with me all night and this morning. They sacrifice so much on an ongoing basis. The least I can do is pray on a regular basis. Would you join me?

Today’s Highlights – Wednesday

• Spending time with Nasim, a 20 year old woman who is desparate to improve her English. She struggles with self-doubt regarding her scholastic future. Nasim wanted extra help so I asked her (yesterday) to write an essay about one of her dreams and how to accomplish it. It is evident that she worked hard on it. It is also evident that she’ll become fluent in englsih (which she speaks with an english accent). My hope and prayer is that I’ll be able to pass along some encouragment to Nasim.
• Nezam brought the hummous, etc. Very tastey. And more importantly we are buidling a freindship bridge. Nezam is a gentle, caring woman who wants to make us feel welcome here. We do!
• I was able to spend a few minutes praying with two Believers. I prayed in English and they prayed in Arabic. I’ll  get to see both of them at church on Sunday. I am anxious to hear how God answered our prayers of supplication.
• Playing ping pong and “little football” with some of our teen students. I believe that Bryce has some footage on his video blog. Spoiler alert – Shula and Yanzan won all 3 games. We don’t call it foose ball because here foose means fart.  🙂
• Shula and I were invited to visit Awatif. Hopefully we will be able to schedule a time for next week.
• Jessica and I had a long talk about this land, the work going on here and politics. She is such an informed, but gentle speaker, it was a joy to listen, learn and “debate” with her.  

I feel so privileged to be able to be here teaching english, listening and learning. Thank you for your prayers. I still make cultural mistakes, but so far nothing too drastic.

Amazing Times in Jordan

Shula, Sydney, Bryce and I are still up. Even though it’s 1 in the morning.

• Sydney is talking to Shula about the benefits of donating property to the church.
• Bryce is on the roof taking pictures of the city.
• Shula is doing laundry.
• I can’t sleep because class was so exciting!

John, Shula and I teach two intermediate classes every day since we are the “intellectuals.” The others do manual labor in the morning while we teach.

John is the main teacher. He is a strict teacher as he keeps requiring our students to use “full sentences.” They groan, roll their eyes and then comply with a good spirit.

Our morning class is half women and it has been so delightful to be able to develop relationships with them during our small group times. They are so eager to learn English and to learn about us. Most of the students are adults. One lady, Nezam, told me, “Suzan, do not eat breakfast because tomorrow I bring hummous, pickles and bread.” I think this dear woman is doing this because I told her I had lasagna for breakfast. 🙂

In our evening class about 1/3rd of them are high school students (on break from school). This has added a delightful energy to the class. Halfway through class we have a 15 minute break. Tonight after break Shula had to come look for her group (the youngsters) as they were all cloistered around Bryce.

Everyday we “do lunch” (taught that in class today) at one of the field worker’s home. We’ve had very American food: lasagna, enchiladas, BBQ chicken. We have dinner after we all teach. The class is from 7-9 pm. Tonight after class we ate at a local spot, Lebanini Snack. It was so exciting to see the night life of Jordan at 10 in the evening. What was so amazing is the english that is on the buildings and the western-style clothing that many people wear. And of course we also saw the traditional clothing for men and women.

I just wanted to LOOK at everything and everyone. I had to keep reminding myself to NOT look the men in the eyes. However, their are times I didn’t want to look and that’s when we are driving. The drivers (natives and American) are scary creatures. If I come home with a hert attack don’t be surprised.

Well, Bryce wants the computer and it is late.

Thanks for your prayers.

Psyched about Wonder, Nervous about English

In a couple of weeks I’ll be visiting Natural Wonder of the World # 4: The Ancient City of Petra in Jordan.

I’m also nervous. I’ll be teaching English to adults. I do like to teach. I hope that comes out of my mouth and not my foot on account of some cultural gaffe.

God Is In The Anti-Exterminating Business

I turned in my Old Testament Exam on Thursday.

Studying Kings through Song of Solomon brought me to me knees more than once. I can so identify with the many miss-steps the Israelites took.

• The many times they turned their back on the One True God and followed their own ways.
• The many times they acted as if God was nothing more than folklore.

These books show many vivid examples of what happens when man abdicates personal responsibility and how God’s divine initiative keeps His people from exterminating themselves.        

Studying Kings through Song of Solomon brought me to me knees more than once. I am so grateful for the Love that pursued them and me while we were taking those miss-steps.

• The many times the One True God sought to catch my attention.
• The many times He showed He was more than enough.

Ponder the following song and allow yourself to be caught by God.

What if you’re right by Nichole Nordeman
He was just another nice guy
What if you’re right
What if it’s true
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it’s true

What if He takes His place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love, and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then

*But what if you’re wrong
What if there’s more
What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for
What if you jump
Just close your eyes
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise
What if He’s more than enough
What if it’s love

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That’s all you find

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more than folklore that must be told
And retold

*Repeat

‘Cause you’ve been running as fast as you can
You’ve been looking for a place you can land
For so long
But what if you’re wrong

What if you jump
Just close your eyes
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise
What if He’s more than enough
What if it’s love

What if it’s love

Alright, I’m Slow

I recently switched to gmail.

With gmail I get maybe 5 spam a week – maybe. With my other provider, up to 200 a DAY.

That’s cool. That’s not the “slow” part though.

Today I just realized that the g in gmail  refers to Google.

Do You Have a Highlight in Your Life?

There are some who view their high school years with keen fondess.

There are some who say college was the epitome of fun and purpose.

While I try to make the current year the highlight, I really do have a favorite block of time: 1988-1993.

• My kiddos were 4 and 5 years old then. Such a FUN age.
• My husband (Bob) was in the Air Force and he got orders for Bentwaters, England.
• We lived in a small village, Levington, near the coastal town of Felixstowe.
• Bob went over before us to find a house and get it ready before the kiddos and I traveled over there.
• On our first morning, the 4 of us were outside admiring our home, the huge cul-de-sac (they called it “the ring”), the scenery (included a forest behind us, a dairy to the side of us, the River Orwell was a bit away and near the town pub, church and graveyard.
• One of our neighbors, Jo, warmly welcomed us that morning. After chatting for a few minutes she left. Bob then asked, “What did she say?”
• That was the beginning of a great friendship between her family (2 boys and dh) and mine.
• Oh, the memories.

A bit ago I just called Jo and her youngest son, Robbie, (Robert now) answered. He is a tall man with a deep voice with probably NOT a blond curl on his head who has just finished university. (I didn’t ask about the curls.)

Oh, the memories. It is so important for young moms (or mums) to find a support group.

That time was magical because it was spent in a magical place. With plenty of growing up space for us all.

But it was also magical because of the relationships in my life. My children needed local friends. My dh and I needed couples to have fun and grow up with. I needed friendship, support, fun, understanding and sometimes a boot to the rear in order to be the best mom, wife and friend I could be.

Jo was (the main) woman who provided that. We bonded with her family and they with us.

Who is your Jo?

Bad Girl Retreat 2007 Was Awesome

55 women ended up going to Retreat. 2 stayed behind at the last minute because of the potential for health problems from smoke from the Angora Fires.

Smart decision they made. While the air was clear, I could smell the smoke Friday. I think it was the smoke that gave me a headache from Friday to Saturday afternoon. I am allergic to wood smoke. Someone also suggested that it took a few days for the smoke to “leave” our rooms.

Some one counted and said as many as 20 women were up front sometime during the weekend. And the success of the weekend can be traced back to each woman’s purposeful involvement.

It can also be traced back to the involvement of those not in “leadership.” You all pitched in to help, to visit with newbies, and to you opening your hearts to God.

Here are some representative comments about what the women liked most about our Retreat.

• I enjoyed meeting new people. Getting to know all the women! The time to spend with women for an entire weekend.

• Easy drive.

• Common area.

• Quiet time.

• Ample free time Saturday night.

• The speakers were awesome.

• The dramatizations were powerful – and the fleshed out accounts. Jesus is more wonderful with each word portrait of Him I see.

• The beautiful setting.

• The fellowship overall, but specifically the silly songs.

• The unity of women. The beauty of the loving, open hearts and arms of the group.

I will treasure what I personally “caught” from God and from each of you dear women. The silliness, the Scripture, the prayers, the care, the questioning, the teaching, the rest, both physical and spiritual, impacted me. Now I want this impact to go into my day-by-day life.

Sisters, thank you for daring to admit your thirsts and for daring to grow. Now accept who you are in Christ and live well.

Remember there are a bunch of women (54) who are willing and wanting to help you with your day-by-day life. Call when you need/want help.

I’m ready to talk to you and pray with you.