Margie in Jordan, Chapter 1 (Wahid)

Greetings to my friends at Holy Grounds! I am starting my third week here in Amman, Jordan and I know this is my place in this world (not a reference to Micheal W. Smith) for the time being. I am still living with my contact/host/boss which was really great the first weekend, okay for the first week, annoying the second week, and I’m scared of what this week brings. I thought I had an apartment lined up, but the landlord changed their asking price at the last minute. I’m trying not to be discouraged, as I’m not homeless and am saving a lot of money by living with Njoud, but I literally have to follow her around all the time. I do have two possibilities (one of which is living in my work’s basement) so please keep this situation in your prayers. I am so ready to talk to people, walk the streets, buy food, and explore ministry and Arabic lesson possibilities.

My work at PTEE is going well. The tasks I’ve been given thus far are very easy and I feel like I did them well. I hope that they will move me past administrative stuff and give me some grant writing and program planning experience, but it may be a couple months. I love the organization’s goal, and my coworkers are fantastic. About five are Jordanian, two are American (but lived here about 30 years), one Australian, and one woman who grew up here but has American citizenship.

The slow introduction to Jordan has allowed me to really think about what God has called me to here. Am I supposed to live in the outskirts of the city with the poor? Am I supposed to have community be a first priority? What life changes do I need to make to live appropriately? Do I make good friends with the other expats or do I keep my distance? Is earning money so I can stay, volunteering, learning Arabic, or something else my goal during this time?

I’ve had a lot of time to read, pray, keep in touch with my family, work out, and sleep. So besides a one night rebellion of the stomach last week, I feel great.

Thanks for all your prayers, I’ve been praying for you all too, and feel nostalgic when I see great events going on! Love to you all,

Margie