Last Day in Amman (for awhile)

Wow- I did not think I would be writing this entry on March 22nd but here I am, at Julie and Soetji's, getting ready for bed and ready for a 12 hour flight tomorrow which will put my Stateside again.  My life in Amman, Jordan has had so many seasons, it feels much longer than 8 months - I have grown personally and professionally in so many ways, and experienced another culture, completely different from my own.  In saying goodbye to people, I realized how quickly I have gotten to know wonderful, caring people here - in a country where I knew no one at first.  Funny how life works that way.  


I feel as though my time in Jordan is not finished yet, so who knows, but I am hope I will return to this part of the world.  Music therapy is such a unique tool that can be used in so many ways with various populations here, especially with victims of trauma.  I hope to continue music therapy work in this region of the world in some way.   


It is such a strange mix of emotions as I prepare to leave this place, a place that I have gotten to know over the months, and move half way back around the world to have place of familiarity, friends, and family -  I will share stories of my time in the Middle East; however, it will be interesting to note how the only people that really will understand are the ones that have experienced it with me.  I have so many pictures of amazing places and people that I want to share about and I also want to share with people what the Middle East is really like, as opposed to what is shown to us on the news.  Ever culture has its stereotypes and I want to try and break those, in whatever way I can.  


Looking out over the city today, I felt sadness as I said goodbye but felt joy knowing I will be returning with new knowledge, new experiences, and partially a new me to share with people.  


I will be back Jordan- but until then, goodbye and farewell to an amazing Jordan Adventure.  

Always Changing

Sorry that it has been awhile since my last entry.  Things have been very up in the air as of late and it has been a challenge to get to a computer.  Mom and Bill arrived on Friday, March 12th which has been wonderful.  We received sad news on Saturday morning that my Grammie passed away. She had a quick decline in health and it has been hard to be away for that.  Luckily, it was a blessing that my mom and I were together and we were able to speak to Grandma one last time on Friday night.   So strange being away at this time - will be home next week so that will help in processing.  


In other news, my parents are still here and we are going to see some sights in Jordan tomorrow.  I will update more soon, just wanted to put up a brief entry.  Miss you, xoxo

Everything Changes

Well folks, as usual, life is always surprising and ever changing.  Sorry for the rather vague title description but I'll try to give a bit more clarity while I write.  Due to some changes at work, for both professional and personal reasons, I have resigned from my position.  What this means is unsure yet but I will be looking into possibly opportunities here in Jordan as well as back in the States.  I will for sure keep you updated on the details.  


In other news, I had a wonderful two days of sessions.  I am following through with my clients over the next few weeks as that is the ethical and responsible thing to do for their own closure and well-being.  It's amazing how music can reach areas of yourself that you never thought would be revealed, or maybe didn't realize existed.  Such a beautiful thing to watch people begin to heal emotionally  :o)   That's when I know that I love what I do.  As a friend put it yesterday, there are people to help in every corner of the world, we never have to worry about finding those in need.  Sad but true.  


We went to dinner last night at this place called Noodasia, ate a delicious meal, and also found out that they offer 'Sushi-Making Class' on Saturdays!!!  How cool would that be, how funny that I would learn to make sushi in Amman, Jordan. After dinner, we went to get ice cream and of course, I order a scoop of chocolate, then realized I wanted more, so order a scoop of Oreo and then, when the guy behind the counter offered hot fudge, how could I refuse?!   :o)
In the moments we sat and ate our ice cream, I laughed harder than I have in months, over silly silly jokes and spilling ice cream on myself.  Excellent use of my time, seriously 


Alright, more updates to come, talk with you soon.  miss you much, xoxoxo