As we were seated this morning at the breakfast table in the hotel dining room, we were greeted with a hearty "Happy Valentines!" Our guide later told us that Jordanians are being encouraged to celebrate St. Valentine's Day even though St. Valentine is quite meaningless in their culture. He said it is to be a day to emphasize love, but with a great laugh he told us that he isn't sure that it will catch on and he wasn't personally giving his wife anything today! Apparently it hasn't caught on with him.This morning we drove to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, made our way through passport control and security and boarded our flight for Chicago. It was a very long, uneventful flight. We had a large number of small children and babies on board, so there was little rest. I have lost count of the meals we've eaten today. I think it may be four. I do know that I watched three full-length movies during the flight.
We arrived at O'Hare on time and we all made our way through the maze of re-entering the United States. Our farewells at O'Hare were brief. Our new friends from the Fargo area departed for a nearby hotel. They will live out of their suitcases one more night before flying home tomorrow. A frequent traveler with us and good friend from Virginia is also staying overnight before traveling back to Portsmouth tomorrow. Three of our NIS group headed off in a cab and the rest of us (five) walked outside and caught the VanGalder bus back to Rockford without any waiting!
Last evening we each shared what we were thankful for as our adventure came to a close. The answers varied, but there was a common theme. We are all thankful that we had this opportunity to learn, share and grow with Christian friends. It was a remarkable trip and we would all highly recommend a similar trip for you.
It is about 6:00 a.m. in Amman right now, which means I've been up for about 24 hours. I'm headed to bed, yes, my own bed, and think I may have to miss church in the morning. Thank you again for your prayers. Thanks for reading the blog. I promise more on this trip and some pictures very soon. --JC
Welcome home to you Jeff and to your fellow pilgrims. I enjoyed your blogs about your journeys in the Holy Land, nicely descriptive and inspirational. You are a blessing!!
ReplyDeleteYour sister in Christ,
Polly Wollersheim
Thanks for blogging, Jeff. I'm sure many folks read who did not comment, because I have heard from many who have enjoyed your stories. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your photos and more stories. Now - go rest!!!