In mid December, my students and I had a performance review. We traveled as a class, at 6:00am I might add, to the CCC (Consolidated Contractors Company) in Amman. Each of my students were individually interview in English by one of the international managers of the company. As proof of their hard work and mine thus far, all of my students passed! Alhum'dulelah! Not only did they pass, but they also gained some much needed confidence.
(Pictured: Most of the students and Riad - the Engineering professor, in front of the CCC office in Amman)
This interview also gave them motivation to continue in the course. Before, being supervisors in the CCC was a dream, but now they view this opportunity as an attainable future.
At the begin
ning of January, Lydia --a Peace Corps volunteer from the USA began her two year service at the Career Development Center (CDC) at Al-Huson College, where I work. Recently, the Peace Corps began accepting "older" volunteers, in addition to their typical collegiate or recent graduate demographic.
I am not entirely sure her exact age, not that it matters, but I can tell you that she is a grandmother and a wise one at that. But, young at heart.
Lydia, has an immense background in both education and the business sector. For over a decade she taught adult students at community college in California. She also worked for AT&T fro twenty years.
Thus far she has been an amazing addition to our team. She has taken quite a load off my back as well. We have now split the course; she is responsible for teaching communication skills and technical writing, and I take care of English -- grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, comprehension, etc....
At first it was a huge change having another English speaker around, not to mention another woman. Honestly, I think it was the whole "OMG someone else is getting attention" complex. Childish right?
But it's soooo nice to have another American/woman/native English speaker around. I don't have to dumb-down my English while speaking with her. And we gossip, rant, and complain about all the ridiculous happenings at work!! I also enjoy having someone to bounce ideas off of, for lesson plans, activities, etc. And together we will make a good team here.
Starting in February we will also run three courses in communication skills. Two for students of the college and one for faculty and staff. I am glad the the CDC will finally be aiding the greater college community here, since that is the purpose of it's existence. Previously, I was hogging the center for seven hours a day teaching an intensive English course for my students, which unfortunately meant that no other students at this college were benefiting. Insha'allah, we will now make a larger impact here.
Oh yeah and I am staying in Jordan until the end of June! Yeah for me! The CCC agreed to pay for my extension, since SABEQ did not have adequate funding to extend my contract. There is still so much that I want to accomplish here; in my job, with my students, and in AIESEC.
And although Jordan is small, there is SO MUCH to see here! I Still have not been to Petra, Ajloun, Karak, Wadi Mojeb keza o' keza....seriously I need the extra 3 months to make sure I soak up as much of Jordan as I can before I head back to the USA in July.
Jordan is well known as being a very safe country. And I have found this to be very true. But, I am constantly surprised by the amount of police and army officers that I see. Honestly, they make me feel on edge. Like there is danger. Someone or something to fear, lurking, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
All the highways are littered with police check points. Not solely for the purpose to regulate the speed limit, but just to maintain a position of authority over drivers. They do random pull-overs, forcing drivers who are committing no offense, to stop and submit to questioning.
Armed military guard and monitor countless buildings throughout Irbid and many more in Amman. I would assume that these are government building of some kind, but it's vague. It's odd to walk through my city and pass dozens of men with giant guns. What and who are they protecting?
I have heard that these military and police jobs, on average, offer a higher salary. Furthermore, that they are reserved solely for Jordanian Jordanians. Those with Palestinian heritage are not eligible for these positions.
All-in-all it's harmless, if your not breaking the law, but too much power in government hands in my opinion.
It's really incredible the people you bump into on the road. When I was in Bethlehem, exploring the Church of Nativity, I ran into a fellow middle-east traveler from Oak Park/Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kirsten!
I probably took a quadruple take, I was just in utter awe that the two of us could be in the same place, at the same time, this far away from home. Wow fate is a funny thing.
Later that night while shopping for souvenirs, I met a store owner from Oak Park, who now runs a shop in Bethlehem across from Shepherds' Field. Instantly we were friends and he generously gave me a FAT discount! So random though, right?
I'm still waiting to find a badger abroad!
Throughout my three months here in Jordan, thus far I have skipped the holidays. Halloween passed without costumes, trick-or-treaters, or Madison's raging Freak Fest. Thanksgiving happened without stuffing, pumpkin pie, and family gatherings. So actually celebrating a typical holiday was in need.
Over the Christmas holiday I traveled with my crew to Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Pictured - The multicultural Crew: Dan (Canada), Julie (Canada), Kristina (Estonia), Ana (Romania), and Ewelina (Poland).
After dropping our belongings at our hostel in Jerusalem we made our way by bus to Bethlehem. Surprisingly we coasted through the 1 security checkpoint, by simply flashing our various North American and European passports.
Setting eyes on the West Bank barrier wall was incredible and made the Israeli/Palestinian conflict an actuality in my mind for the first time. Being on the other side of the globe and reading about these events is obviously much different than gazing upon them.
The wall itself is completely covered with graffiti; words and pictures of anger, disparity, support, hope, peace, and freedom.
I did not understand many of the images due to my naivety, but the emotion behind the artwork really stuck with me.
Bethlehem was definitely filled with tourist, but many local Christians were also present throughout the city celebrating the Christmas holidays with their families. And Santa was everywhere too!
We made sure to hit all the religious 'hot spots'. The Church of Nativity, the birth place of Jesus (pictured to the right) was our first stop. The church is one of the oldest places of worship in the world that is still in operation.
We then made our way to Shepherds' Field identified as the scene where the Angel of the Lord visited the shepherds and informed them of Jesus' birth; "And there were in
the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And the Angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:8-10). Shepherds' Field was such a calming place to be. It overlooked a beautiful view of the countryside and was filled with half-a-dozen outdoor sanctuaries. I imagine it would best place on earth for worship. While investigating the area I came upon an underground sanctuary (pictured to the right). And let me tell you it was one of the neatest things I have ever seen. It was dead silent down there, not in an eerie way, but in one that fills your entire body with tranquility. Since my beloved family could not be with my on this spiritual journey, I sat there for a while and thought of them. I know that my parents especially, would have enjoyed this place.
We finished our night, back in Manger Square (next to the Church of Nativity) for dinner and beers. And in perfect Christmas Eve tradition we listened - and of course I sang along - to live carols being sung in the square.
When I was about 16 I decided that I did not really believe in God. But I have always remained a believer in spirituality and faith. I will always enjoy my memories of going to church with my family. Especially watching my parents sing in every choir imaginable that my church had to offer. And when that was not enough creating their own. I completely understand the benefits religion give others. And I still appreciate the aspect of friendship, community, and love that the church has provided me. Not to mention the amazing experiences I have had volunteering with various religious organizations.
Witnessing how these significantly religious landmarks affected those who visited them, made the experience that much more meaningful. It felt really nice to be in the presence of faith again. There could have been no better way to spend a Christmas abroad.
ning of January, Lydia --a Peace Corps volunteer from the USA began her two year service at the Career Development Center (CDC) at Al-Huson College, where I work. Recently, the Peace Corps began accepting "older" volunteers, in addition to their typical collegiate or recent graduate demographic.
