Two Of Us Return

All of us were saddened at leaving the monastery, but anxious to get home to family and loved ones. I don't think Jody or Sheila were looking forward to that long flight back. I know I'm not! We said our goodbyes the night before to Fr. Andre, who has been keeping a rather grueling schedule and hasn't slept for a few days. It seems that is often the case with Pere Andre. He works 24-7, with little rest. Fr. Johnny took us to the airport, and we managed to check in and had a last coffee and croissant together. As Jody mentioned, it's obvious Lebanon was once a French colony; the croissants are lovely! I was a bit aprehensive, traveling on my own to Jordan, but quickly the excitement of meeting my friends and making new ones overtook me. I managed to take the bus from the airport into Amman (it's between 35 and 45 JD to take a taxi and 3 JD to take the bus!) and then caught a taxi who dropped me at the wrong hotel! I caught another to the right one, and got situated. Manal called shortly after I'd checked in, and she and her family (minus the three younger kids) took me out for a fabulous Jordanian meal. Her husband offered to arrange for me to visit two schools in Madaba, and since I've had difficulties in getting in touch with the King's Academy there, I was so grateful. Mustafa called while we were at dinner, and is planning to have his cousin drive him into town from Irbid and take me out to dinner Monday night. People here are just so kind! I've missed my Jordanian friends and it's lovely to see them again. I only wish I could stay longer, but I confess to missing home and family, in particular my son, and so I won't be sorry to head home on Wednesday. I'll certainly plan to return to the Middle East, however, and hopefully sooner rather than later, and next time with John!