safe in madaba, jordan

What a week! I have only spent two nights in my house (the same one as last year, an early- 20th centruy house owned by the family of a famous early-20th century poet that I can't remember the name of, but will find out). Previous to this, I was staying at a friend's house, in the beautiful village of Faysaliyya, about 10 minutes drive from Madaba, which had the most wonderful view of sunsets over the Dead Sea and the West Bank. Fantastic!

We have also already enjoyed the traditional, communally-eaten dish of mensev, which is a chicken or goat dish, served over rice, and eaten with the hands. One of my favourtites, especially the roasted pine nuts that are served on top. Very messy, but well worth it.

Deb and I were here for a few nights by ourselves, but the rest of the staff have since arrived and, after a week of hard work moving and setting up house, sorting field equipment, getting permits, renting a car, etc., we are on track.

I gave went to another friend's house and gave the children frisbees and lip balms (thank you Krista from Moody Bees!), which they absolutely loved. They love anything from the west, and they are so much fun to play with. We also had a few pick-up games of soccer, which brought out the locals to watch the "large white people."

I've also been enjoying the most readily-availble beers on hot nights - Amstel (thanks Nancy!). We had a great movie night last night on floor cushions, and with candles. We all fell asleep watching Zoolander, though, thanks to all the hard work this week.

We had our staff orientation and trip to the field this morning. Such a large amount of work to be done, but it will be so worth it. We are opening up five units in the same area that I worked in last year. I will continue work in the two Iron Age units I worked in last year, and an additional three units will be opened, which will begin with the remnants of Nabatean architecture.

I apologize for the largely-disjointed nature of this first post from Jordan, but I am extremely rushed and will make up for it next time. Until then...