Jordan

We recently went to Jordan and had an absolutely amazing time. Here are highlights~

~ Stunning countryside~ it's very green!
~ Kind people every single place we went
~ Historical sights were everything I dreamed of and more
~ Jesus' babtism sight and seeing the doves that frequent that place
~Jordan river and seeing the places where John the Baptism roamed
~Miraba, our new favorite place for its quaint city, friendly people and history
~Gathering salt at the Dead Sea
~ Riding a camel at the Dead Sea
~Watching Bob interact with people, a very tender sight
~Children following us
~Poor children begging~ heartbreaking
~Looking out over the expanse and into Israel that Moses saw at Mount Nebo
~Hiking throughout Jerash
~Mohammed our guide at Mount Nebo
~Hiking throughout Petra~ spent two days which could easily have been a week
What a wonderful trip~ I'm so blessed.

Amman

Boys in Amman they followed us and were "gqing"

These adorable ones chatted up a storm and followed us all around~cute!

Sacred place~ Jesus' baptism site

Petra~ what a climb! Alot for us old people:-)

Petra ruins

Amman from the Citadel

Mohammed and I at Mt. Nebo looking out over Israel

Petra classic with the camels~ awww I love it here

Lift up and spread cheer~

Today I was on a crossing bridge here in Abu Dhabi. In front of me was a man who appeared to be in his thirties or forties. He was carrying a small computer bag in one hand. His walk was a bit slow; his head was down. In his other hand I happened to notice his prayer beads which he casually laced through his fingers. I believe he was troubled. I can't tell you how many people here have the same slow gait with head down and seeming troubled souls. I didn't have the opportunity to say a kind word or to cheer this man in any way as he was in front of me in line. But I remember many times looking right into the eyes of men and women alike and merely saying "hello" or giving a smile. Many young men who are working men and have their heads and sometimes their faces covered have removed their coverings to reveal their own smiles and a thank you "ma" (which is said to an older woman~like their mother~I know sweet, right?). You see, many here rarely see a smile or hear a hello from others. The women are the same and I can't tell you how many times a middle eastern or Indian woman has done the same for me; most noticeably when I have felt alone or needed a little care. A friendly smile or simple "hello" might be the only good thing that happens to a person that day~ and it's so simple!
Our journey's are rarely the same but we all come from the same God and I think he would be happy to know that we are helping each other through the days.

names in the sand of UAE

I took these picture of our names in the sand here in the Middle East and thought I would offer to do the same for any of you that might think this is a fun idea~ I can send via email. I made a big copy, framed and put on our family wall. I can even do a much better job as these were not super great. I can write anything you would like, within reason of course ;-) Just let me know in a comment. Just a thought~~

Watching over us

Look who is watching over two of my grandkiddies~ and all of us too

Happy Life

"All the fennel wanted was a happy life for her little seeds"
Patience Brewster