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