by Shane Cook
I arrived at the Amman Airport early in the morning of May 17th. Colin and I were picked up by Mashoor and Deb and drove to dig house where we met Andrew and his family, as well as Graydon and David. All the guys and I became fast friends. We spent the first few days exploring Madaba, going to shops, trying new foods, and befriending people from the local community. One thing I noticed right away is that the Jordanian people are so friendly! Many people greeted us with “Welcome to Jordan” and it felt very nice to be so readily welcomed into the area. We made many friends in the first few days. One of the most memorable people we met is Youssef. I would be hard pressed to remember a kinder and more hospitable soul. As soon as I told him I was a friend of Deb’s, he invited us in for tea, and we talked about Madaba and Youssef’s life for about an hour and a half. His store is amazing, and his tea is delicious.
We discovered many local restaurants we really enjoy. We tried multiple shawarma shops, but, so far, Andrew’s recommendation was my favourite. We also ate at Baraka fried chicken which was amazing!! But nothing compares to Jalal’s cooking. Jalal, the project chef, is an artist. The first day we had a traditional Jordanian dish of chicken and rice called maqloubeh (which literally means upside down because you have to flip the large pot it’s cooked in upside down in order to serve it). Everyday since he has upstaged himself! We’ve had lasagna, meat balls, and fish and chips and all of it has been delicious.
My new friends and I like similar music, and we’ve have had many singalongs to artists like America, Johnny Cash, and Kenny Rogers. Jacob and I especially bonded over our shared love of heavy metal and have been suggesting bands to each other left and right. The Jordanians I’ve met and my fellow students have been so incredibly kind and welcoming. I am glad to have met so many kind and hilarious people and am looking forward to making lots of memories in the next five weeks.
I was chosen to be an assistant supervisor for my square (A95) which will be an incredible learning opportunity for me, if a little daunting. Andrew, Heidi, and Deb have been so supportive helping me learn the ropes of paperwork and organizing my square.
I am thankful that my directors have confidence in me and am eager to prove to them that I am more than a shovel bum. I hope not to disappoint them, even though I already lost my apartment key in a cereal box… This Jordan trip has already been so incredible, and I am sure it will be packed full of memories that I will carry forever. This is a life changing opportunity, and I am so privileged to share this opportunity with so many lovely people.