Back From Jordan

Hey everyone, I know my posts are getting farther and farther apart, but that is because I am finding more and more to do. The beginning of the last week some of Elias' friends came to visit, one American guy who is studying with him in Germany and two Polish girls. So we spent a couple days going around Jerusalem and other parts of Israel. Until now I really haven't seen any of the 'tourist' sites in Israel. We went to Jericho and to the Dead Sea. It was quite interesting. Apparently you can go see the ancient walls of Jericho, but we didn't have time since it was quite a distance from the city. However, there were some other ruins that we were able to see, and learn about the history of the region. Also we saw the sycamore tree that Zachaius climbed up to see the Lord, or at least it is believed to be that tree.
Thursday we went into Jordan. The girls from Poland really wanted to go to Petra. I had planned on going to Jordan to visit a couple Universities, so it turned out well. Unfortunately schools in Jordan are closed on Friday and Saturday, so I had to go on Thursday, and I only had time to visit one of them. Elias' parents have a friend in Amman, so that is where we were staying. The University I went to was the University of Jordan, in Amman. It is a very large University, and one of the best in the Middle East. They have a very good Arabic program for teaching international students Standard Arabic. The program is a year long and quite intensive; 15 hours a week. I also checked at the Physics department to see whether I could help out there. The department chair said there is a possibility, but it would be unofficial, and I wouldn't be able to teach a class by myself, since the official language of instruction is Arabic. That University also has a masters program for physics, as well as a masters program for teaching physics, and a new program for medical physics...all of which may be useful for future residence in the middle east.
I was actually quite impressed with Jordan. It is a nice looking country, and seems pretty stable. But probably what caught my attention the most was how friendly the people were. I met a few people at the University who were quite helpful and very happy to meet an American who was interested in their language and culture. There was also a man at a donut shop who helped us very much with travel arrangements. He said that if I come back to Jordan to come see him and he would help me find a place to stay and what not.
Friday we went to Petra. It was incredible, I would try to describe it, but I don't think I could. You'll just have to wait to see the pictures. There are alot of bedouins who live in the area. Most of them work as shepherds, living a simple nomadic life. Most of the women make hand crafted trinkets and things to try and sell to tourists. I wonder how many people have tried to reach those people with the gospel...not very many I think. They live a very hard life. I wish you could have seen them, and looked into their eyes. Surely our Lord would have wept over them.
This is Easter week, and I hear that Jerusalem is pretty lively during this time. I guess there are alot of events commemorating the Passion Week. I don't think it makes any difference. Many of the Christians here have special celebrations and fasts during the Easter season. I would rather celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord every day of my life rather than a few weeks a year. Hopefully there will be a lot of people coming to the church.
OK, I've gotta get ready for church. I'll see you most of you in a couple weeks. I leave Israel the 14th and leave Germany the 18th. I'm not sure exactly when I arrive in Alaska, but probably some time on the 19th. Until then, everyone take care...

Noah

sorry, the internet is not cooperating with pictures, so you'll have to wait for pictures.