Food and other things

Month 2.

I cannot believe that I have already been here 2 months and I have already learned so much. Unfortunately, unlike many of my western friends here, I am not taking language classes. I really wish I had the chance, but it is hard with my schedule. So I have been using an app for my phone and computer called Memrise to learn Levantine Arabic (this region) and trying to practice with the kids and have the teachers laugh at me as I slowly figure things out. There are some sounds that my American tongue just hasn't figured out yet... and other sounds that are more throat based and I'm not sure I hear the differences in what they say verses me.... but one day! (Inshallah) Lessons would be nice, but I am still making progress and my roommates (who are taking lessons) come back and we practice together. 

Food here is A-ma-zing. Seriously, I could live off this food for forever. Breakfast is far different in the states. (And more healthy) The children typically bring some sort of zatar or mona'ish (flat bread with olive oil and thyme and some other seasons) and vegetables like cucumbers. I often eat salad for breakfast.... yes, for breakfast... and by breakfast, its more like second breakfast because its around 10am. Then lunch is at like 2ish and then dinner around 7. I'm within walking distance of a place called "Dream Chicken" which... the food is good value... not quite a dream but better than Taco Bell. Then, there is an English center that my roommates work at that has a Shawarma place near by, and I've had a couple home visits that have involved Mansaf! (Best. Thing. Ever.) 

Mansaf: Rice, Lamb, Jameed (special yogurt) 

About a year ago, I was sitting in a class talking about discussions of different cultures and faiths. The question was raised "What is the best way to broach these subjects" and then the professor looked at me... Being a night class and slightly tired, I (half giggling) answered "over a meal." But the reality is that food is pretty universal. Everyone must eat. If we at least TRY to eat like our friends (My Jordanian friends are going to show me the proper way to eat mansaf...with your hands) then there is room for mutual respect. It is an easy bridge to starting discussion. Why is lamb such a major food here? How is the rice prepared? How long does it take to prepare the Jameed? (Its quite the process) Why does one eat with their hands? These questions start a dialog that helps to break down cultural differences and builds up understanding. 

What did the Disciples do? They broke bread together. When Jesus visited homes, there was usually a meal involved. Food is a pretty important part of building relationships and community and despite me meaning to be a little sassy with my answer about meeting over a meal, it is very true. 

Home visits are one of my favorite things about living here. The people are so warm and welcoming but most of them have a meeting place to have guests come and sit. And the guests are served coffee, tea, or other drinks using a tray. (Always a tray). There is a part of building relationships that recognizes the need to provide for the other person's needs and food is one of the most basic elements of that. Pretty amazing to me. 

I've been practicing some home made food items at my apartment because I have to be a little more creative with the ingredients that I find. But hopefully I can have some of my friends here for an evening. Hospitality goes both ways! 

Aside from the food and fellowship, I'm learning the sad realities of homes for some of my students.

I ask for prayer for many of the families were abuse seems to be prevalent. It breaks my heart. One child has even taken to calling me mama. I can't help but try to love on these kids as much as possible. 

Specific disorders and issues don't seem to be as well known here. Cerebral Palsy and ADD(ADHD) are just two that I'm at least fairly certain about and I wonder if a couple are slightly dyslexic or have other learning disabilities. My lack of language makes it hard for me to pick up on some of the clues of the more "subtle" issues, but the teachers are willing to listen and we try to figure these things out together and for that, I am grateful. 

Prayer for the church and the people here in general. There is growing fear about the future though many are confident in the abilities of the authorities in this nation. But in whispered talks there is fear in their eyes and it makes me wonder how much we don't know even though we live in the middle of all of this. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~Rebekah Is In Jordan : How To Support Pray4MiddleEast.~*~*~*~*~*~*

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