22 June 2011

Another day in Jordan came and went much sooner than I wanted. Where did all the time go? Only one day in Jordan remained and I was sad to see it come. There was much more to see and do. We could easily spend weeks in the country

Our morning began we an attempted trip to a mosque that had been visited by the BYU Jerusalem center many, many times. However, even though all the girls were in long skirts and loose fitting pants, they insisted on us girls all wearing burka-type cloaks. We were tight on time so Brother Muhlestein took us out of there so we could go on with our day and not waste any of our time changing clothes. Later on in the day he made sure to tell us that we didn’t’ miss much of anything. Apparently it’s not a very decorated or excited…we saw much better mosques in Turkey. I was okay that we didn’t stop. I got a picture outside so I was happy enough. We went straight to Citadel, the ancient city of Rabbat Ammon. It wasn’t anything too exciting – just more ruins! The Temple of Hercules was there – or one of the Temples of Hercules, I should say. Brother Muhlestein held a tiny devotional for us, where he talked about David’s sin in “killing” Uriah during a battle right outside the walls. It is so hard for me to imagine someone doing that…but when you think about it, how many people commit worse sins to protect themselves from another sin? I have been told over and over again that once one lie is told, another lie must follow if the first is to continue. This cycle goes on and on until a deep hole is dug and the lies must reveled. It really got me thinking about myself and what I do/don’t do (for inaction is just as bad as action). Everyone sins. Do we immediately repent or hide them by sinning more? The Citadel was really cool but hot. Kym and I wandered around, searching for shade to hide in whenever possible. I hate to say it but we were excited to leave and get on the bus; the bus was air-conditioned. That is a very hot commodity in this part of the world!

We took a thirty minute stop at the Jabok River to read the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel and receiving a new name, the name of Israel. The river is now a bit dirty and heavily polluted and covered in trash. Despite the trash and the smell, the Spirit in the air was still strong. It is amazing that no matter where you go, you can still find the Spirit. Sitting along the edge of the river, all I could hear was the wind in the trees, the water rushing down the banks. It’s a simple river, but like all simplicity, it is of great importance. It was near this river that Jacob came to know the Lord intimately. He passed his own Abrahamic test and was given the opportunity to gain from this sacrifice, gain something most precious. I often wonder about my own relationship with the Lord. Am I proving myself to Him? Have I given up anything for Him? Would I be willing to give up everything for Him? He is our greatest blessing, our greatest friend on this Earth. It is a relationship that Jacob held with Him that we should all search for – a relationship where can speak with Him and be spoken to in return. It is through Him that we gain peace, that we find Eternal Life and perfect happiness. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, no matter where you go, no matter where you live. You can find the truth of it if you open your heart to His spirit and open that door for Him.

From the river, we drove up to Gerash/Jerash for about three hours. This site was amazing. It is believed to be the biblical site of Jershon. The standing ruins are mostly Roman (but Brother Muhlestein made a point to tell us that there are some that do date back to the Middle Bronze Age II, the time period of Abraham and sons). We went to a Temple of Artemis and sang in the theater as a class. Then Kymberly and I walked back by way of the main road, also known as the Cardo – as are all main Roman roads. It was a delightfully warm walk. We were elated to get popsicles at the end of the city! We sat and relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed our cold, fruity treats. I ended up buying four pairs of earrings for about ten dollars. I was thoroughly happy about it. I love earrings. I was even more happy when we got on the bus. The kids selling postcards were beginning to drive me crazy. Ooo but something really cool!! I was delightful to find some Argentine tourists! I was about to speak Spanish with them; it was great. They are from an area south of Buenos Aires (outside of a certain someone’s mission, I believe). I thought about Mike the entire time I spoke with them. He will be happy to hear that I was able to interact with some Argentines.

We got back to the Belle Vue Hotel at about five in the afternoon, where we were granted free time until dinner at 7:30pm. Kym, Jenny, Dan, and I walked down Rainbow Road. Nothing too incredibly exciting…Kym and I shared a mint-Oreo milkshake; that was quite possibly the highlight! We stopped at Haboob, the neighborhood grocery store, where we got snacks. I found Skittles; I almost died! It was mostly just nice to get out and walk around the city. It’s not every day that you are in Ammon, Jordan. I spent the rest of the night (after dinner) in a quiet manner: reading and watching the U.S.A. kick Jamaica’s trash in a soccer game. Some you just need to relax. I enjoy it a great percentage of the time. Plus, I had started the Hunger Game earlier that day so it was kind of necessary just to relax and read!