Jordan, Dec 8

- Ate breakfast at the hotel
- Figured out we can't cross the river until Tues. because of the Eid holiday. Chris talked to the bridge crossing officer on the mobile of the desk clerk. Cool guy.
- Went to St. George's Greek Orthodox church and saw the world's oldest map, a floor mosaic. The incense reminded me of church when I was growing up.
- Went to Mt. Nebo, supposed to be the place where Moses was shown the Promised Land.
- Drove on CRAZY cliff-edge roads down the mountainside and passed a few Bedouins herding their goats and camels on the way to the Dead Sea.
- Chilled (literally) by the pool at the Amman Resort after floating in the Dead Sea- so salty!
- Drove back to Amman (about 1 hour) and checked into the Al Manar hotel. Christmas tree in the lobby. I love Jordan.
- Went out to adventure and tried to visit the Roman Amphitheater, but only saw the outside. Chris bought some kebab in Heshamite square (the main city square). We were trying to find a specific restaurant, but our cab driver didn't have any idea where we were going, so we just ate at some Italian place.
- Kyle, Chris, and Noah went to the hotel lounge to hang out, while I went up to the room to watch CNN. Not feeling so great, so hopefully it will pass by morning.

+Photo from Opening Ceremony of Little League Softball

back at it

(Here's a picture of Chris and I that one of our friends took before church last week. As usual, I am not looking at the camera.)

Today was our first day back to school, and I'm pretty glad. Vacation is great, but I know very certainly that I'm not meant to be lazy all of the time. It feels good to be back in the trenches, ahem, in the classroom and starting afresh with the kiddos. Hopefully, we'll have a great round of exams and a smooth start to the new semester.

Also, I've started to help coach a girls' softball team for a friend. There is a community league that has teams of girls from ages 10-16 on each team, which makes things interesting. Standing on the field in the 45-50 degree weather, with the wind whipping around my face brings back some cold memories! Because of my school schedule, I am only able to make one out of two practices every week, so there isn't much of a strain on my time. It's just enjoyable to help out when I can.