Perspecitves

I think one of the greatest things I learned about living overseas from Olivet was to prepare yourself for reverse culture shock even while abroad.

I have been here 5.5 months now. I am officially halfway done with my time and that excites me and scares me all at the same time. We have been on break and stuck inside due to "snow" but that has given me time to reflect on everything that I have seen while here.

2 years ago at Olivet our scripture for the year was this: Ezekiel 36: 24-29a 

“‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness."

As I have been here, I have been reflecting on such verses, but I have found that I've been bitter towards certain things I see in my own country. It's so easy to be frustrated with your own culture when you see their blind-spots from an outside perspective. This is a good and healthy thing. To a point. But as I hear people's own issues with this cultures, many of which I would agree from my "western perspective", but I can see my own hypocrisy in this. 

I have always read this verse and 2 Chronicles 7:14 in the perspective of a nation. I have seen it as an external issue that I need to pray for the change of the people around me. So I often I have forgotten that the change has to start with me. Personally. 

As I have been here, I have been separated from my friends and family and the comforts of living in a western country where I can pretty much wear what I want to and go where I want to when I would like to. But I cannot do that here.  I'm confined within the spoken and unspoken rules of a society that is not my own. But I have learned a lot more about myself in the process.

I have had to learn how to be more organized. No, my room is still currently a disaster (Sorry mom) but financial records, school, and other activities I have been a part of had to be more detailed. I have learned that I am content to be alone as much as I am with other people. I have had to force myself to go out more but be intentional because my day has to be planned so I'm not trying to leave alone after dark.

    But I have finally learned to see the people around me. When I got here I saw people and families and struggles and hospitality. But now I see deeper into hearts and understanding. Even as my Arabic has been coming slowly, I can pick up bits of conversations and now have a better understanding of context at every given situation even if I'm not entirely sure of what's being said. 

When I first arrived, almost every day I would pass a hill with a series of rocks placed seemingly randomly along the hillside. From my western outside perspective, I only saw a bunch of random stones in a place that could have been for more apartment buildings or something of "use". It's only been in the last couple months that I realized what those stones were. It was an old burial site. My perspective on life here has changed so much that at first I totally missed what seems to be obvious things to me now. I had no idea what I was missing, but my heart was the heart of stone. It's my heart that is turning into a heart of flesh. 

I had no idea how painful of a process this would be. Heart is breaking almost every day for the different situations I hear about. Jordan is doing its best to help the surrounding countries with the refugee situation, but this small country is housing thousands of refugees more than other bigger countries in the west that could financially accommodate a lot better.

I'm praying for my students because I know some of them didn't get full meals every day. The winter has been mild, but we were shut-down a few days because of snow and "cold weather". I know some of them only had a few warmer items and would usually wear all of their clothes layered together to school just to stay warm. I am praying for some friends because of various needs that we have become aware of. I'm praying that God continues to shape my heart into His because I know these next 5.5 months will be difficult, fun, exciting, and emotionally taxing.

I thank God for the chance to settle down and reflect on everything He has done in my own heart because I know things will not get easier when I get home, but will be a new set of challenges based on an entirely new perspective. I thank God for my friends and family who have helped bring me here because I could not do this without the love and support of everyone here and at home. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~Rebekah Is In Jordan : How To Support Pray4MiddleEast.~*~*~*~*~*~*

For cash or check please send charitable donations to Global Treasury Services. Checks should be made payable to General Treasurer Church of the Nazarene at: 

Church of the Nazarene

 P.O. Box 843116

 Kansas City, MO 64184 

and memo should include the following information: 1. Amman, Jordan 2. Rebekah Musselman. 3. Mission Corps.

One for the kids

Part of me has always been envious of people who were both good at writing and had discipline to keep it up. I’m more into photo journalism so many have probably noticed that my facebook page (Www.facebook.com/rebekah2jordan) has become a yearbook of activities with my students and the other children at the school. I have actually written several blogs in the last 2 months, but have posted none of them due to high emotions at the time of writing. 

This first half of the school year has flown by. Yes, there a few more weeks, but we have been busy putting up Christmas trees and decorating the room and talking about the holiday. I brought in 5 homemade pumpkin pies (Thank you mom for bringing me the cans of pumpkin) AND I have the privilege to work with amazing teachers and co-workers who encourage the holiday.

This is in stark contrast to Christmas in schools in the states where “Happy Holidays” is the only politically correct remark for this time of year in the states. Regardless of the irony of this situation, I am loving experiencing the holiday season here in Jordan. A bookstore near my flat has had Christmas decorations up for over a month, my friends and I sing Jingle bells in Arabic… or... they do… and I kind of mumble along… I was able to gather for a Thanksgiving celebration with a group of friends who hardly knew me but treated me like family as we sang random songs, and I have been blessed at every turn.

But things are not easy here. Sure, comparatively my life is pretty easy. And a lot of my expat friends have talked about the adjustment being rough. For me, the language is the hardest part, but other than that there is a sense of home. I know I am where I’m supposed to be and can be confident in that so I try to be culturally sensitive and adjust when necessary, but over-all it has been a relatively easy transition for myself. However, all the reading in the world can never prepare you for the stories you hear on a regular basis and things are only getting increasingly more difficult.

One of my first few weeks here I heard of a child whose father was offered 10k JOD to marry her. The Girl was only 10 years old. Shortly after that, BBC news and Al Jezeera both reviewed similar stories happening in refugee camps. My friends, they have little money and international support has run out just before winter. The need is greater than ever and yet they are pulling out now.  Soon after we heard stories of abuse with children in the school, another’s father was “lost” in Syria. There are now a few Iraqi students that are new to the school. A few weeks ago, I was able to pray for a friend's family who lost a child in a shooting in Syria. 

With all the news of deaths and killings around the world, my heart is broken for the children who grow up in such environments who can hardly imagine a peaceful upbringing. Shouts or loud noises sets some of the children off in tears. A sudden movement or touch from behind put a child into panic. No child should have to suffer from PTSD. So often I hear of people arguing for the “sanctity of life” for unborn children and yet so often that is where the cries seem to end and for me that is only the start. I love the children of the school. I would claim any of my students if ever necessary. Ana Momma. Ana Momma. I’m mom. To some of these kids I am mom. I don’t always understand what they are trying to tell me…. More accurately, I occasionally figure out what they are trying to tell me… but I love them with all my heart. But I’m becoming increasingly more aware of news around me and the discrepancies from what I hear vs what I see. I grieve for loss of life, even those deemed “necessary” by all other accounts.  

Sometimes, I wish people could see the world through my eyes, but unfortunately we can only know what we seek and sometimes we don’t know the questions to ask. And also unfortunately, there are always limitations to what can be reported.

But continue to pray for the unrest over here. Jordan is currently home to many refugees of Syrian, Iraqi, and Palestinian backgrounds and barely able to meet their needs. The churches that I am connected with are doing what they can, but resources are already limited. 1.7 million Syrian refugees live in the region between here, Lebanon, Iraq (for now), Turkey, and Egypt, but UN funding is depleted as of December according to a number of sources. 64 Million dollars is needed to provide through December ALONE.

The sad reality is that for many, UN was the only aid they were receiving. Their homes are multiple families sharing small flats just barely scrapping by. And most of the refugees are children.

*~*~*~*~*~*~Rebekah Is In Jordan : How To Support Pray4MiddleEast.~*~*~*~*~*~*

For cash or check please send charitable donations to Global Treasury Services. Checks should be made payable to General Treasurer Church of the Nazarene at: 

Church of the Nazarene

 P.O. Box 843116

 Kansas City, MO 64184 

and memo should include the following information: 1. Amman, Jordan 2. Rebekah Musselman. 3. Mission Corps.

Donations can also be given online:Donation Site

Food and other things

Month 2.

I cannot believe that I have already been here 2 months and I have already learned so much. Unfortunately, unlike many of my western friends here, I am not taking language classes. I really wish I had the chance, but it is hard with my schedule. So I have been using an app for my phone and computer called Memrise to learn Levantine Arabic (this region) and trying to practice with the kids and have the teachers laugh at me as I slowly figure things out. There are some sounds that my American tongue just hasn't figured out yet... and other sounds that are more throat based and I'm not sure I hear the differences in what they say verses me.... but one day! (Inshallah) Lessons would be nice, but I am still making progress and my roommates (who are taking lessons) come back and we practice together. 

Food here is A-ma-zing. Seriously, I could live off this food for forever. Breakfast is far different in the states. (And more healthy) The children typically bring some sort of zatar or mona'ish (flat bread with olive oil and thyme and some other seasons) and vegetables like cucumbers. I often eat salad for breakfast.... yes, for breakfast... and by breakfast, its more like second breakfast because its around 10am. Then lunch is at like 2ish and then dinner around 7. I'm within walking distance of a place called "Dream Chicken" which... the food is good value... not quite a dream but better than Taco Bell. Then, there is an English center that my roommates work at that has a Shawarma place near by, and I've had a couple home visits that have involved Mansaf! (Best. Thing. Ever.) 

Mansaf: Rice, Lamb, Jameed (special yogurt) 

About a year ago, I was sitting in a class talking about discussions of different cultures and faiths. The question was raised "What is the best way to broach these subjects" and then the professor looked at me... Being a night class and slightly tired, I (half giggling) answered "over a meal." But the reality is that food is pretty universal. Everyone must eat. If we at least TRY to eat like our friends (My Jordanian friends are going to show me the proper way to eat mansaf...with your hands) then there is room for mutual respect. It is an easy bridge to starting discussion. Why is lamb such a major food here? How is the rice prepared? How long does it take to prepare the Jameed? (Its quite the process) Why does one eat with their hands? These questions start a dialog that helps to break down cultural differences and builds up understanding. 

What did the Disciples do? They broke bread together. When Jesus visited homes, there was usually a meal involved. Food is a pretty important part of building relationships and community and despite me meaning to be a little sassy with my answer about meeting over a meal, it is very true. 

Home visits are one of my favorite things about living here. The people are so warm and welcoming but most of them have a meeting place to have guests come and sit. And the guests are served coffee, tea, or other drinks using a tray. (Always a tray). There is a part of building relationships that recognizes the need to provide for the other person's needs and food is one of the most basic elements of that. Pretty amazing to me. 

I've been practicing some home made food items at my apartment because I have to be a little more creative with the ingredients that I find. But hopefully I can have some of my friends here for an evening. Hospitality goes both ways! 

Aside from the food and fellowship, I'm learning the sad realities of homes for some of my students.

I ask for prayer for many of the families were abuse seems to be prevalent. It breaks my heart. One child has even taken to calling me mama. I can't help but try to love on these kids as much as possible. 

Specific disorders and issues don't seem to be as well known here. Cerebral Palsy and ADD(ADHD) are just two that I'm at least fairly certain about and I wonder if a couple are slightly dyslexic or have other learning disabilities. My lack of language makes it hard for me to pick up on some of the clues of the more "subtle" issues, but the teachers are willing to listen and we try to figure these things out together and for that, I am grateful. 

Prayer for the church and the people here in general. There is growing fear about the future though many are confident in the abilities of the authorities in this nation. But in whispered talks there is fear in their eyes and it makes me wonder how much we don't know even though we live in the middle of all of this. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~Rebekah Is In Jordan : How To Support Pray4MiddleEast.~*~*~*~*~*~*

For cash or check please send charitable donations to Global Treasury Services. Checks should be made payable to General Treasurer Church of the Nazarene at: 

Church of the Nazarene

 P.O. Box 843116

 Kansas City, MO 64184 

and memo should include the following information: 1. Amman, Jordan 2. Rebekah Musselman. 3. Mission Corps.

Donations can also be given online:Donation Site 

Jordanian Hospitality

I was warned this would happen. I've been sick for about the last 2 weeks. First week was mostly just a cold, but bout the time I was getting over that I came down with a flu. I am thankful for the wonderfully, kind people of this country. The pharmacy down the street and owned by a very nice man who helped me get the right meds and all the teachers messaged and texted me letting me know they would get me anything if I needed it.

Aside from being sick, teaching has held its own set of challenges. Mariam and I are new at teaching, but we had no idea the difficulty of teaching the 4 and 5 year olds how to write lets and numbers. We are finally making some progress. I think the trick has been for Mariam and I to figure out how to teach the kids. But we are having the most fun and the kids are wonderful. I missed a day from being sick, but they sent pictures saying hi and had been asking for Miss Rebekah. That just made me smile when I walked into the class room and saw the kids just that much more excited to see me there. :) 

Aside from school, I now have two wonderful roommates from Norway. They like to ride penguins to school and have pet dragons and are related to many notorious vikings as all Norwegians are. (Just kidding) But we have had a blast learning more about the city together and figuring out the different forms of transportation available to us as well as miserably fail at trying to speak the language and just laugh. They are teaching English at a school for adults near us. We spend many of our evenings working on our different lesson plans at the same time and talking about the many weird rules in English. They speak excellent English, but trying to explain the rules when it isn't you're native tongue can be difficult. Trying to explain it when it IS your native tongue can be interesting. 

Overall, my experiences thus far have been surreal even now. I can't believe that I am living in this dream and that it has already been 6 weeks. Everyone I meet is just excited to give me the chance to know the real Jordan and real them. They want me to see the Middle East for what it is and that can be summed up in one word. Hospitality. Home visits have been one of my biggest joys. People will just come over unannounced and share a time of coffee, chatting, and breaking of bread....pita bread with a bit of hummus. They will never let you go hungry. I have been almost force-fed on more than one occasion and apparently need to eat like a Jordanian, but I am always caffeinated and enjoy my time with everyone. 

But this really opens my eyes to the culture of the Bible and makes it all more real that in many ways, that is how they lived back then. People were expected to take care of the visitor. They went out of they way to make sure needs were met. The disciples shared everything, the good Samaritan went out of his way to help a man who wasn't even in his own "group." But none of that matters. Even at the school, there is a family-like mentality and I'm wrapped in the middle like the precious one that everyone wants to look out for. I appreciate and am humbled by their generosity and hospitality more than they can ever imagine. 

I am really, really blessed. 

Praise God for what He is doing and what He has done.

***P.s. More pictures on the way! We will be doing some things with Olives with the students here soon and I have introduced many teachers to the wonders of Pinterest.... Or I utilize pinterest and they think I have wondrous ideas.... :D

*~*~*~*~*~*~Rebekah Is In Jordan : How To Support Pray4MiddleEast.~*~*~*~*~*~*

For cash or check please send charitable donations to Global Treasury Services. Checks should be made payable to General Treasurer Church of the Nazarene at: 

Church of the Nazarene

 P.O. Box 843116

 Kansas City, MO 64184 

and memo should include the following information: 1. Amman, Jordan 2. Rebekah Musselman. 3. Mission Corps.

Donations can also be given online:Donation Site

Still processing it all

I cannot believe how quickly the last 3ish weeks have gone. It has been crazy, it has been busy and rarely a dull moment.

Children are crazy, people are wonderful, and I'm learning a lot. Still processing a lot of what is happening here on this side of the planet as one might imagine. But Instead of a long, well worded blog post about things I can't really describe anyway, I have a quick video. I'm sure there will be more through the year.

*~*~*~*~*~*~Rebekah Is In Jordan : How To Support Pray4MiddleEast.~*~*~*~*~*~*

For cash or check please send charitable donations to Global Treasury Services. Checks should be made payable to General Treasurer Church of the Nazarene at: 

Church of the Nazarene

 P.O. Box 843116

 Kansas City, MO 64184 

and memo should include the following information: 1. Amman, Jordan 2. Rebekah Musselman. 3. Mission Corps.

Donations can also be given online:Donation Site

Eight Days In

"Its ok to have a political opinion about something, but the minute that the political opinion cause you to become prejudice against another people group, you lose the heart of God."--With God on our Side (2010)

My heart is full and yet so heavy as I reflect on what we have seen this last week.

Yesterday was the first time I just wanted to curl up in a ball and cry and yet I can rejoice in His Name as well.


It is hard to reconcile the world around us when a little girl is abused by a local shop owner, where a religious leader offers her father 10,000 JD for her "hand in marriage" despite being no more than 10, where a girl of about 7 has been through so much that she has tried to kill herself multiple times. And yet, these kids have a safe place to go where they are shown love and acceptance. They have learned songs and can praise God and sing about Him.

  (The kids took my phone and took some pictures--Precious!)

 

I truly believe that worship music is meant to be a prayer. When we sing "break my heart for what breaks Yours" if you really mean it, He will do it.

But I can't focus just on the negative despite it feeling like the world is exploding around me. You have given me an opportunity to pour out love and hope and stability as God intended. You have provided support and the physical ability for me to come along side people here and learn what it means to serve and learn with it means to be "the body."

My heart is broken and I'm sure it will continue to break as I learn more; however, there is hope.

*~*~*~*~*~*~Rebekah Is In Jordan : How To Support Middle East.~*~*~*~*~*~*

For cash or check please send charitable donations to Global Treasury Services. Checks should be made payable to General Treasurer Church of the Nazarene at: 

Church of the Nazarene

 P.O. Box 843116

 Kansas City, MO 64184 

and memo should include the following information: 1. Amman, Jordan 2. Rebekah Musselman. 3. Mission Corps.

Donations can also be given online:Donation Site

Well... I made it!

18 hours after leaving my family and Fiance, I finally landed in Jordan!!!

My little sister got some video I believe. Can't believe it is already Thursday here... I lost like half a day, but found my home.

The Wrights have been giving me pieces of orientation last night and this morning. They couldn't believe how alert I was so late last night after long day of travel.... I must confess that I managed to sleep most of the 11 hour flight without realizing it.

 (One moment we were over Canada, the next we were over Italy...woops) But despite the extra sleep, I still managed to get a full nights rest and ready to take on the day!

Hopefully I will be able to add more pictures here soon. We will be going around the city and showing me the do's and don'ts and most importantly, the places to eat. ;) Hoping to meet with some of the different directors that I will be working with soon. Thus far, I have had several e-mails of welcomes and excited to be working with everyone and see what the Lord has done and is doing!