Ramadan

I finally got wireless internet to work (for now, of course) on my computer so I'm taking advantage of it and I thought I should do another blog today. The other one seemed too brief since I was in an internet café with a couple of other girls.

Today was my first official day of experiencing Ramadan that started August 22nd and goes until September 22nd. So I arrived in the beginning of the yearly event. In a nutshell, it's basically a time for Muslims to fast (sawn) from dawn until dusk in order to focus on their faith. They don't eat, drink, nor smoke in public. Along with prayer chants that are announced throughout the city to remind people to pray as part of their pilgrimage. It's a happy time of year for families to reflect and to spend time with each other, especially during Iftaar after a long day of no eating nor drinking. Okay, okay...so I cheated a little. Several people and I bought some water and snacks to eat privately in our room so we didn't disrespect those who were fasting. Actually, all I had today was drink water and eat a couple of Pringles. I think that study abroad jitters in my stomach helped me not feel hungry. To pass the day away, we sat in the hotel lounge to greet students who were arriving at various times. In all, there is 80 of us. To get some fresh air and exercise, several of us walked around to find banks, internet cafés, and good places to take pictures. It was a very relaxful day for me to soak in the reason why I'm studying here. Then at 7PM, we had Iftaar, which is the evening meal long awaited for after fasting. So dinner was my first Middle Eastern cuisine and it was amazing.

Well, that was basically the highlight of my day. Learning about Ramadan and experiencing Iftaar. Tomorrow, we're going to the Dead Sea where people just bob in the water since the salt content is ridiculously high. But Dead Sea salt and mud does wonders to the skin. Anybody want some? lol. Hopefully, I'll have internet connection again, tomorrow, but if not, you'll know why.

I am officially in Jordan. I arrived at 2AM today along with several others I met while in Frankfurt. Since we came when it was dark, I didn't get to see the city from the sky, other than a bunch of lights. It helped to meet some people before the program started. Right now, I am in an internet cafe with a couple other girls. Since today is reserved for people arriving at different times, we decided to venture out in Amman. So far it is a nice city. Early this morning when we arrived, I heard prayer-like chants over loudspeakers throughout the city. So it was comforting, yet haunting to hear that in the dark. It started around 4AM. The weather is pretty much like SD. I do feel awkward when people stare since we're obviously Americans. And trying to communicate is another story. So far, the people here haven't gotten annoyed with us when we ask questions in English.

This was my first time traveling alone not knowing anyone, until Frankfurt. Everything went smoothly...until I lost my phone. Great, huh? I'm trying to hunt that puppy down so please pray that it returns to me. :) Also, I am very homesick so prayer on that will mean a lot.

All My Bags Are Packed...

...Well, not really. As of now, I have 4 days until I am sitting in a plane to Amman, Jordan. Well, first to LA, Frankfurt, then to Amman. Departure: 4:14PM. Arrival: 1:55AM (lovely time, isn't it?) I visited Point Loma yesterday to say my hi's and bye's. My last week is definitely going by fast as there is still a lot to do before I leave. I have a couple of friends studying abroad, already, with Euroterm. Looks like I leave a little bit later than other study abroad students. I even arrive back to the U.S. right before Christmas.

I have never been the type to venture too far from home. Asked me in high school if I wanted to study abroad and my answer would have been, "No way!" But somehow that all changed when I started college and even picked a major that required studying abroad (International Studies). I don't know if you've read my "About Me" on Point Loma's study abroad website, but I chose a place in the Middle East as it is a unique place to go in this day and age. No worries, I'm not putting myself in a war zone as some people I've told think. I've gotten a lot of, "I don't know if I'd wanna be you, HaHa" responses. Not all Arabs or Muslims are extreme jihadists. Jordan is actually becoming more Westernized. Fun fact: the previous queen was American. My goal throughout blogging is to share some beautiful aspects of the Middle East where our Christian faith was born.

As much as I'm up for an adventure, I'm SUPER nervous, right now. I've never travelled by myself, internationally. Workers at airports can be so intimidating nowadays. Gotta look forward to the security checks, multiple plane transfers, long hours of sitting next to who knows who, going through customs, and finding someone to pick me up.

Studying abroad is experiencing independence, more about yourself along with another culture, developing new perspectives...and this all begins a few days before departure. Leave some friendly comments because I could sure use some while I'm abroad. :)