Transitioning to Jordan

This morning and very early with a 4:30 wake up call so we could make our way to the Aswan airport and catch our charter flight to Aqaba. Coming off the plane we felt the fresh breeze and were excited to be in a new country! There we met our guides for the two buses, Mohanned and Elias. As we began driving, Mohanned explained the history of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which become its own nation in 1946, two years earlier than Israel. The top three sources of income for Jordan are phosphorus, tourism and agriculture (Egypt’s are the SUEZ canal, tourism and cotton). 

We stopped for a delicious lunch of appetizers, chicken, beef and lamb kebabs. At this point we were within view of four counties  at  the Gulf of Aqaba, one of two branches off of the Red Sea:  Jordan, Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Even in the cloudy weather the water was sparkling and radiant blue.

An hour or so on the bus gave us a chance to nap until we arrived at Sun City Camp in Wadi Rum desert.

If this desert looks familiar it may be because you have seen it in several films including Lawrence of Arabia, Martian with Matt Damon, and the live action version of Aladdin. We had some time to settle into our rooms and relax a bit. Those who are interested braved the wind and drizzle for an adventurous desert ride in trucks furnished with cushioned benches. Several of us napped and caught up with the group at dinner, which was a unique experience. Here in Jordan the Bedouins (nomadic shepherds) prepare Zarb, which is various meats cooked on a grill rack in the ground with coals. Every kind of salad and vegetable imaginable accompanied the meat on the buffet as well as desserts and fresh fruit juices.

 After dinner we met around the campfire and listen to Jonathan tell two stories which the ancients would have told, one of creation story and one a hero story. He connected these accounts  to original questions for each day, “Who is God? Who am I? And how does it all play out?” He  also went back to a concept we had learned in Egypt, how the Pharaoh is God and how he must maintain MA’AT (justice, law  and order). The truth of the matter is that only God can control the chaos of this world and of our own lives.

We are planning on going to bed early tonight as most people want to get up early  and see the spectacular sunset here. Some will be viewing it from the back of a camel so be watching for photos coming tomorrow! Thank you for following us so far and for praying us along our journey. Please continue to remember those who are struggling with a cough … we thank God that overall everyone is doing great!