The End of My Journey and the Last Day in Amman

Today has been a day of mixed emotions, as it is my last day in Jordan. My original plans had me staying here until December 14th, but some last minute problems shortened my stay and I will be flying out of Amman later tonight. I've spent a lot of time reflecting on the past three and a half months here-the experiences I've had, the things I've learned, and the people I've met. I lived with an incredible family. For all of us, this was an experience that consisted of a lot of trial and I error. I was the first American student they had ever hosted, and this was my first time living with another family in a culture and country that are different from my own. We didn't always understand each other, and while this may have been frustrating at the time, they make for some funny stories in retrospect. I cannot begin to express how appreciative I am for their hospitality. For 14 weeks I was treated as a member of their family, with them often worrying about my needs above anything else. I will miss them and the things they taught me very much. This was a fascinating experience, adding so much to my time here that I could not have gotten in a dorm. Whenever I am in the Middle East, I will be sure to stop in Amman and visit my second family.

Every conversation I had taught me something. From conversations with my host family, to talks with cab drivers, Jordanian friends, and conversations with my academic advisers and teachers; I learned so much about Arab culture and politics, and I will be returning home with the knowledge of a perspective we don't hear much in the United States. I tried to absorb everything we did, and everything I saw - every challenge I faced as part of the experience. Even though my experience was cut short, I will leave satisfied knowing that I have had the experience of a lifetime, and I am so thankful that I was fortunate enough to have had this opportunity. Three of four years ago, I never would have thought that I would have celebrated Ramadan with a Muslim family in the Middle East or that I would sit in on an eye-opening lecture at the Arab League in Cairo. I have done so much here that I don't have time to write about, so I will sum up the past three months in a short list of all my adventures in the Middle East.

Since August, I have celebrated Ramadan with a Muslim family, snorkeled in the Red Sea, floated in the Dead Sea, camped in the desert, climbed desert mountains, rode a camel, saw the pyramids, looked at royal mummies, visited the Arab League, visited a crusader-era castle, ate on the Nile, rode a boat down the Nile, crossed the insane streets of Cairo, stepped on a sea urchin (painful), lived with Bedouins, climbed the ancient ruins of Petra, learned A LOT of Arabic, befriended Jordanians, rode Jordanian taxis (always an experience), ate countless delicious homemade Arabic meals, visited a Muslim holy site unintentionally, went on a desert night hike, attended a Muslim engagement party, spoke with important members of Jordanian society, experienced a water shortage, and had countless other experiences that helped me develop a love and appreciation for this country and region of the world.

The remainder of my day will be spent around the house with my host brother and father-my host mother is in Kuwait. I will finish any packing that still remains to be done and call the some friends I will not get a chance to see before I go. I am looking forward to being home again, but I am going to miss Jordan and the Jordanian friends I made here, as well as all of those in my program, who I said goodbye to last night. Luckily, through the internet and cell phones, it will be easier for all of us to stay in touch. Just as I had begun to get used to this place, it is now time to go, but I will return "An Sha Allah" (God willing).

Now I am concluding and unforgettable experience, one that has changed me in ways that I have not yet begun to realize. It has been one wild ride here in the Middle East, and I would like to thank you for joining me on this journey through my blog.

For one last time,
Salaam Aleykum

Home Stretch-the Last Week of the Semester

As of today, I have officially satisfied all the requirements for my study abroad program, thus ending my fifth semester of college. This also means my time here in Jordan will soon come to an end. For all of us, this past week has been incredibly busy as we rushed to complete our independent study projects and then prepared presentations on our research. When all was said and done, my report on Jordanian Foreign Policy with Regard to the War on Terror totaled 50 pages, with 40 being my actual report and an 10 additional pages consisting of references, an appendix, title page, and the other various requirements needed to make my research paper truly "academic." This afternoon, I made a 20 minute presentation on my topic to the class and got some positive feedback from my classmates and advisers, who found my topic to be very interesting.

Aside from working on my project all week, I had lunch with Mohammed and his family on Friday. Naturally, the food was delicious and I enjoyed the time I spent with Mohammed and his family. On Thursday, my host mother left for Kuwait for two weeks. Unfortunately this means I will not enjoy her cooking before I leave. This has been difficult, but my host father is a pretty good cook himself. I've been satisfied so far. On Saturday, I joined my host brother and his friend on a trip to their university between Amman and the city of Salt. I got a tour of the school and learned a little bit more about the Jordanian college experience.

Yesterday afternoon, I went to a Palestnian refugee camp just outside of downtown, the second largest camp in Jordan. What shocked me most about this camp, was the fact that it was no longer much of a camp in the traditional sense. It was very developed with many permanent structures. It was also very crowded, and reminded me somewhat of a smaller version of Khan al-Khalili market in Cairo, with many vendors and cheap products. I wandered around the camp for about an hour with a friend before leaving.

The rest of this week includes more presentations to tomorrow, a re-entry orientation on Thursday, and Friday and Saturday as free days-to say goodbye to people we've met here and enjoy the last few days in Amman. I, however, will be staying an extra week with my (biological) parents when they fly out here on Sunday. In addition to introducing them to the many people I have met here, I will take them around Amman and show them what has been my life for the past three months. Hopefully, we will also travel to the Dead Sea and some sites in northern Jordan. Unfortunately one week is not enough time to show them everything I have done.

I will return to the United States on December 14th, where I will enjoy getting back into my routine and having back some of the little things that I have missed since being here, such as Cheerios and the American breakfast. One thing I've learned here is that Americans know how to do breakfast-we've got some quality morning foods.

For now, I will relax and enjoy my final days in Amman with my host family and friends.

Allah Mak