Jordan- best Easter!
As Allison wrote yesterday, all of
went to home spanning all across Jordan to deliver food boxes to those
in need, but more importantly to listen to their stories.
Later that evening when the majority of the team continued to make more
home visits, five of us got the chance to go to a shelter for
Philippino women.
Walking into the building, we all
just looked at each other as the strong fishy smell flowed from
the building. Once we got up the stairs we walking into a
room with 100 Philippino women and several small
children. Shortly after we led a few songs in worship
and shared our testimonies and listened to some of
theirs. When we finished there was a bit of time to simply
be with the women. Hearing their stories was a heart-breaking
experience. These women, ranging in ages 17-33, had all come to
Jordan with the promise of finding work. However, what was
promised didn't happen. What struck me was that despite their
situations and desire to go home, these women were radiating such a
beauty from within. Eagerly they would run up to us, "sister,
sister!" They openly shared with us (fortunately they all
spoke English) and showered us with hugs and kisses.
One of my favorite moments was at the end we concluded with singing Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.
The mixture of the Jordanian, Philippino, and English accents
singing boldly filled the room and brought on a few tears. The
children danced around the room giggling as they went. It was a
beautiful picture that has been imprinted in my heart.
Now finally on to today... He is
risen! As we got up this morning it was easy to forget that it
was Easter Sunday. Here in Jordan they will not be celebrating
until a month or so--they are on the Eastern church calendar. Our
first reminder of Easter, was from the wonderful couple, Jeff and Mary,
who are a part of the organization hosting our team. They came
down this morning with little surprise Easter bags for us! Next
we were off to church, which was followed by the traditional Jordanian
dish "mansaf." It was made up of a large platter of rice and
lamb topped with a liquid sauce. Here's the fun part-- you eat it
with your right hand only; no silverware; no left hand. Everyone
circles around a large plate, dives in with their hands, and makes a
ball of the food in their hand. It was quite the experience
(don't worry, we got a lot of pictures and video of it all!).
From the church we headed out on a
two/three hour drive to Mt. Nebo. If this isn't ringing a bell
for you, let me explain. Mt. Nebo is the place where God told
Moses to go when he died (Deut. 32, 34). It is from this mountain
that God showed Moses all the promise land, and it is there that God
himself buried Moses. What an experience! I can't even
begin to explain all of the thoughts that went rushing through my head,
knowing that it was on this mountain that Moses stood. Looking
out from the top we could see the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, the land of
Moab, and much more.
On our way down from the mountain, we
took a dip in the Dead Sea. Let me tell you, this has to be one
of the weird feeling experiences ever. You simply float no matter
what you do; I couldn't stop laughing as I was so amused by it
all. The water was surprisingly clear and blue, as the sunset
over the mountains. Looking out across the sea we could see
Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, and Jericho. Again this was
another mind blowing experience. As I quietly sat there floating,
gazing over at Jerusalem, I could not believe this was happening.
There are places we've heard about for so long and have dreamed of see,
and now we are getting the chance to do just that. Amazing!
Driving back on the bus, many of us
came to the conclusion that this was probably our best Easter
ever. Never would I have thought that I would be here, in Jordan,
being at these places that I've only heard of for as long as I can
remember. It was an experience of a life time for the majority of
us. Could there be much of a better way to celebrate the
resurrection of our Jesus? Right now, I don't think we can think
of anything much better.
Please continue to pray:
:: for strength and energy as there are long days ahead of us
:: for the families we will be visiting
:: that God will continue to open our eyes to what he is doing here in Jordan
:: that any barriers preventing us from loving these people will be torn down
Melesa McEwan
Sounds Amazing. Wow, I could only imagine what it would be like to swim in the Dead Sea. I enjoyed the story of Philippino women. It's sounds cliche to say that we have it so good in the states, but it's still soo true. And after all they've been thru, they still shine for God. Awesome.
Mt Nebo, that is also sweet. I would probably walk all over that mountain just make sure I stepped where Moses stepped. haha.
Anyway, I'm praying for you guys. Stay strong.
-Benji