Jordan to Israel

Wednesday

Today we made our trip out of Israel. It was sad parting with Hal and Eod because they were definitely a big part of our experience. None the less, we wished them well and moved on to Jordan. After crossing through the gates and getting our bag checked, I could tell that there was a distinct difference. We loaded onto a bus, and drove into a town. The only way to describe Jordan that day was desolate. It looked like one of those scenes in a movie that involves a nuclear fallout and a remnant are scattered across the desert. As we pull up to meet our tour guide, our bus gets inspected yet again as we go exchange money. Again, this country feels so different.

As we drive through dusty desert roads passing by rural people living in tents, we eventually make it to our first stop: the traditional place of Jesus' baptism. I was thoroughly surprised to find a ruin of an stairway and pavilion for people to be baptized in. As our tour guide explained why archeologists believe that this is the appropriate site, I stood amazed at the idea that we could be standing where Jesus' commission was confirmed. After that, we meandered over to an ornate Eastern Orthodox Chapel whose inside was completely covered in icons, and then went on our way.

The next stop was an encounter on Mt. Nebo. This is the place in which Moses overlooked the Promised Land, but did not cross into. It was a pretty steep hill with a well kept landscape and wild turkeys roaming around. One detail that really confused me was passing by trees with white napkins tied to the branches.

To end our day, we went to a city called Madeba. Inside Madeba, there is church called St. Georges, and it houses a large mosaic map of the world on the floor. As we walked in, I met a guy from Cincinnati, it was sort of fun to meet someone else from Ohio and can talk about back home with. Anyway, that is neither here nor there. As we walked around the church, we got shushed and scolded quite a bit! This is when I learned that I have to use my inside voice in church =) Not that I am particularly loud. That, and if something is covered up, do not become curious and lift the cover. As for a description of the church, it reminded me of every other Orthodox church we have been to. Dark, dreary, off set by gold and painted icons. The outside was not ornate at all, and it reminded me of a crusader church with its gray stone.

I am glad that we went to a part of the country that was thriving, because I was starting to feel really uncomfortable otherwise.

Thursday

It was our hiking day! We went to Petra, which for those who do not know, that is the big stone city seen in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where the Holy Grail was kept. It was a very long walk down, but I enjoyed it. Taking random pictures, until my battery ran out. You only see the one scene in Indiana Jones, but there are multiple tombs and other buildings throughout the valley. It was a city built by desert traders that lived in the walls. Much of it is of course gone, but a lot of remains still exist. As we walked, we had to be on guard always because horses, carriages and camels would bob and weave through us. I actually almost got my foot ran over the one time in a tight spot! It was very dry though, I can never tell since they were using Celsius. It was 36 Celsius I believe.
I felt quite tired afterward, for some reason =) Jackie and I hiked the way back without stopping, and the Fanta was quite nice when I was done. One of our members had to go to the hospital, but is better now. That was really upsetting, but it seems that everything is okay now. After lunch, we had a four hour drive to Amman, and I got to spend a lot of time praying and thinking about where I am going. Even though Petra had very little Christian bearing, during the walk and the drive I really felt like God was tugging on my heart about something having to do with my future.
Amman is quite a bit different. It is very vibrant, even their mosques have neon lights on them! How weird is that? After having some fettuccine alfredo (amazing!), we talked to a gentleman that works at the Jordan Evangelical Seminary. It was really fascinating listening to him talk. It is refreshing to hear that Jordanians can not be executed or overly persecuted for their faith in Christ. What really touched me was how he talked about the local culture and Western Christianity does not relate well with the people. Until Christians can form an Arab-Christian identity that is unique to them, it looks like it will be difficult to be Christian in this region. A lot of it seems to do with mimicking what is happening in the west rather than forging their own path. I am confident that it will work out, it is just a matter of time!
Other then that, we almost stumbled into a Jordanian wedding precession!! Well, now that I think of it, a few of our group members got grafted into the ethnic dance with the bridal party!! Our meeting room was next to the ballroom for the wedding, and as we were walking into our room, we heard bagpipes and drums from the wedding procession coming down the steps. It was fascinating, and we just watched and clapped and they did not mind. But we did not crash the wedding, no worries!
Our last official day is tomorrow, and it looks as if we are moving back towards Israel. Have a good night, and Shaloam!!

Jason